Hey I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia today I was diagnosed with RA about 7 weeks ago I hear its very common to have both. I'm trying to find a new DR (mine sicks!) and have been in so much pain! Is there anything thats helps with this or both? Are their rheumatologists that have experience with both? Any recommendations would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Q: RA and Fibromyalgia?
Answers (2)
5/12/09 7:45am
Hi
I have both-RA & Fibro also, i don't take anything for my fibro-but probably should be. My p/c doc. told me about Cymbalta & Lyrica-he told me to look them up, and if i was interested-he had sample's. I did look them up, and didn't like what some of the side effects were, so i decided not to! But i have a hard time with meds. Not everyone does though. It may be somthing that would help you!
My sister has fibro too-she takes Lyrica and seems to be doing ok with it, except for the weight gain. But i have heard good reviews on these meds too. It just depends person to person.
He also said that diabetic's also use them, b/c of the nerve pain!
Some also use muscle relaxers. Most rheumatologist's and primary docs. should know how to treat the fibro!
Hope this helps you
8/10/09 9:37am
Hi! Unfortunately RA and Fibro seem to go hand in hand with a lot of patients. I also have both. I take Lyrica, which does have "weight gain" as a side effect, and of course I am one of those lucky ones that have gained weight, but on the bright side I am finally starting to have some energy!!!! There were days I was lucky if I made it to 8 pm., had pj's on by 7pm!!! It has taken over a year, we had to keep upping the dosage. Now I "almost" feel normal, as far as having energy. Of course there is still break through pain, I am on my third biologic!! This one does seem to be the best of all though--taking Enbrel now, once weekly injection. Along with several other meds of course. Finally I feel like we are headed in the right direction. Some people take a long time to find the correct medications. Everyone is different. Talk with your doctor and see what the best approach for you is. Most rheumys also deal with fibro, because it is so common to go hand in hand.
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By svzw— Last Modified: 11/26/10, First Published: 05/12/09
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