Is anyone on medication for pain?

N

nancy

Well known member
My GP just resigned and I have a new GP for check-up, blood work, the usual tests we all need every 6-12 mths. I of course mentioned my pain and explained briefly why I believe I have it. She suggested prescribing Gabapentin to give me a break. I know Dr Sarno said it was ok to take meds but I'm just not comfortable and am afraid to pick up the RX. Any advice would help me. I am not a pill person other than Advil/Tylenol. I am at my wits end but keep on pushing through thr pain. Thank You all for your help that came so readily following my recent posts. Nancy
 
There have been many people here who’ve been on medication. It’s just another tool that can complement TMS work. I fought with myself when my doctor prescribed me an anti-depressant for pain symptoms. I wasn’t THAT kind of pill person, either. I was scared and angry and I actually took the time to journal about these feelings. However it provided that very much needed support to get me out of an endless loop of depressive and anxious thoughts, which resulted in focusing on doing the TMS work for my symptoms. I’m no longer taking the antidepressant. You can certainly be on it temporarily if that’s what you end up choosing. No shame in that.
 
I'll echo @HealingMe, @Nancy. My therapist/coach points out and reminds me regularly about the damage and suffering we inflict with self-imposed Pressure. As a medication avoider myself, I totally get it, but I have to say I kinda love how your new GP approached this. Discuss self-regulation with her, ie moderating the dose on your own if that's "allowed".

With RA, I have a standing prescription for meloxicam (an arthritis-specific anti inflammatory) on an as-needed basis for flares, which I recognize as stress-based when they happen. Sometimes, I just need that little bit of help to get back on track. I recognize this is managed differently from an ongoing regimen of gabapentin, but there's also my ongoing use of a basic RA medication, which has been suggested might be a placebo at this point. It was a mindbody professional who said that and honestly, I'm still processing it seven months later. My new (replacement) rheumatologist said after our first appointment this summer that she considers me to be "in remission on medication" which I did not even know was a thing, so I'm also still contemplating that after several months.

In any case, I see the choice to try relief medication as being one of kindness to yourself. The key is to see it as a temporary tool, one which will give your exhausted nervous system and hyped-up TMS brain a chance to relax and contemplate your options.
 
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One reason why I think we ought to allow ourselves to take medications, or use conventional approaches even though we know it's TMS....is that society is really not organized towards helping us with TMS as such. It's really, really hard to find people to talk to about the mind body connection, or any daily issues relating to it.
The majority of people just go to the doctor, do what the doctor says, etc. For me, I have a lot of conflict between how I want to live, my values (some would say ideals), and what is Out There.
So, yes you need to 'do the work' and resolve your issues, but what about your other needs, to just get things done, not be suffering badly, etc? Its great that your doctor framed it as 'giving you a break', it sounds like they are listening to you and understanding your circumstances.
 
Thank you all for your much needed responses and advice. I started the medication a few days ago and Gabapentin has to reach a full blood level before you reach the level which it should become helpful and may start to relieve pain. It will take me three wks to reach that point. I believe I can feel a little less pain already. Jan, I believe you and I are about the same in age. We may have some older age pain which is to be expected I guess. I have OA in my spine, hand, knees. I don't take anything for that. My dad had it too but kept going until he was 94. My mom was 97 when she passed and was going strong until a stroke took her. I have good genes and this TMS is not going to stop me. Yes if you all read my entire story I have lots of reasons to just give up Not, I have a son to care for and I need to start taking care of me too. I sincerely Thank You all for taking an interest in my problems when you all have your own. Many people I was friendly with just slowly left when I becam a caregiver. Feeling lonely is also a problem but I have all of you thoughtful people. Thank You, Nancy
 
I am at the point where I am now taking two gabapentin 300mg two in the am today as prescibed and I feel like I can't hold my head up, so tired. I am directed to take two in the am and two in the pm for this wk. I am praying my body will get use to it and the side effects will diminish. Has any one experienced taking this med? It is helping with the pain.
 
Many medications cause some unpleasant side effects at the beginning including fatigue. When my system was getting used to Cymbalta I experienced tiredness during the day. Give it a chance as I am sure everything will stabilize in a couple weeks.
 
Every medication seems to come with two distinct lists of possible side effects. One contains very specific effects often unique to the medication, some of which must certainly be monitored.

Then there's the other list, which contains the same side effects every time: dizziness, headache, fatigue, and various types of stomach upset - which are considered to be of no concern as long as they are temporary and mild, which is the expectation.

And every one of which is also a symptom of anxiety.

Hmmm - new drug, scary physical symptoms or even a scary diagnosis, lots of uncertainty and fear... it all adds up to a perfect recipe for anxiety.

I'm just sayin' that there's a lot more going on behind the scenes, as it were. Your body will naturally go through a period of adjustment, and if you're already fragile from constant TMS-induced nervous system hyperactivity, a mood-altering drug is going to have its effects as well. But there's no need to panic, so your job is to convince your fearful brain of that fact.
 
Thank you Jan, yes when I take the pills I have alot of anxiety wondering how I'm going to feel within an hr. I hadn't made that connection. I get very drowsy but read that this side effect should resolve shortly or atleast within a few wks as it levels off. I was always a mover and very active and now have a son to care for so I need my energy. I will make it through this. I know TMS is my problem but also have had every diag under the sun. I have to go back to the Doc though if I want to continue the med for refills. Perhaps I should see a Rheumatologist as I know I have Osteo arthritis?? Thank You for your response. Greatly appreciated!
 
nancy said:
Perhaps I should see a Rheumatologist as I know I have Osteo arthritis??
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There's not much "they" can do for good old Osteo (I say that as someone with rheumatoid arthritis, which they can and should do something about).

The goal is to keep inflammation under control, and the best ways to do that are stress reduction, elimination of added sugars, exercise, and stress reduction. Oh, and stress reduction.

Sigh. I know that the exercise and the sugar reduction are much easier to accomplish... and they definitely do help. In fact, those two things might be why my rheumatologist considers me to be "in remission with medication" because I'm not sure how well I'm doing at the stress reduction, and I don't even begin to have sources of stress like yours.

You do what you can, my dear.
 
I am not a pill person other than Advil/Tylenol. I am at my wits end but keep on pushing through thr pain.

Why would you push through the pain so much? What's the thought process behind that?
Have you spoke to your doctor or any therapist about this?

Meds like gabapentin, cymbalta, amitriptyline etc work on the brain to suppress pain. If you are getting relief from pain by taking those meds then it probably means that its your central nervous system which is responsible for your pain. In other words there is a high chance that you are dealing with TMS.

I would suggest that you let the meds give you the relief that you so NEED & DESERVE so that you can do the TMS work & move forward.

You can stop the meds whenever you feel like & you can always speak to your doctor if you need to change the meds or the dosage. That's flexibility & control that you have.

There is nothing wrong about taking meds except that your thinking makes it so.

You say you are a caregiver. That can be extremely stressful. Have you done the Structured Educational program yet?

All the best.

Mala
 
JanAtheCPA said:
There's not much "they" can do for good old Osteo (I say that as someone with rheumatoid arthritis, which they can and should do something about).

The goal is to keep inflammation under control, and the best ways to do that are stress reduction, elimination of added sugars, exercise, and stress reduction. Oh, and stress reduction.

Sigh. I know that the exercise and the sugar reduction are much easier to accomplish... and they definitely do help. In fact, those two things might be why my rheumatologist considers me to be "in remission with medication" because I'm not sure how well I'm doing at the stress reduction, and I don't even begin to have sources of stress like yours.

You do what you can, my dear.
Click to expand...
 
Your response was right on. I am not a regular sugar eater which helps. I think taking the Gabapentin is definitely helping, going to get more exercise starting today. I purchased a large gym size exercise bike for my son and will try to double my time each day when I can. I know as a ballet dancer and teacher I always had a fear of what would happen if I hurt my legs or back. I never went skiing and many other activities with friends due to the fear of hurting myself. Makes me wonder if that's why my tms settled in that area? Stress reduction, well with my son it's so hard because I just keep seeing him as he used to be and the emotional pain is so difficult. He was an avid deep sea fisherman, hunter, hard worker as a glacier. I just keep thinking I should be happy he survived and move on. I know at my age that I can't go on forever and the worry is a killer. his only choice is a Nursing Home. I have searched out all other possibilities, group homes, never. He's too young for assisted living and it's very expensive. I checked out Adult Day Care also. I couldn't believe they charge 250.00 per day. There is no place for younger disabled people. I am just venting and want to thank you again for caring. Hope you are doing well, Nancy
 
Mala said:
I am not a pill person other than Advil/Tylenol. I am at my wits end but keep on pushing through thr pain.

Why would you push through the pain so much? What's the thought process behind that?
Have you spoke to your doctor or any therapist about this?

Meds like gabapentin, cymbalta, amitriptyline etc work on the brain to suppress pain. If you are getting relief from pain by taking those meds then it probably means that its your central nervous system which is responsible for your pain. In other words there is a high chance that you are dealing with TMS.

I would suggest that you let the meds give you the relief that you so NEED & DESERVE so that you can do the TMS work & move forward.

You can stop the meds whenever you feel like & you can always speak to your doctor if you need to change the meds or the dosage. That's flexibility & control that you have.

There is nothing wrong about taking meds except that your thinking makes it so.

You say you are a caregiver. That can be extremely stressful. Have you done the Structured Educational program yet?

All the best.

Mala
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Mala, I am against meds because my husband got addicted and in the end took his own life. that is not on my agenda. You along with others made me realize it's ok if nec. I am on Gabapentin, cymbalta and advil. I am starting to feel less pain but have alot of issues to deal with as we all do. I just prayed something would help. I have had every test known to man and every diag is different. I am done, it's TMS. Yes I have followed and completed the Structured Educational program. I have read all Dr Sarno's books, Steve Ozanich, watched DanBuglio, whom I wish I could speak with but it's an on line group now. Your advice has pushed me forward, Thank You, Nancy
 
I feel,like the duloxetine actually increased and caused more pain and stopped after 5 days now still new pain is disabling me just write about on peer chat group. Also other side effects
I was still able to walk with my one shoe and orthotic with my ankle tendon issue prior to,trying duloxetine that was prescribed to help,with pain and anxiety , but day after I began new severe pain came on in different place on feet and I eventually refused to continue after 5/ days, now stuck with bad feet with any weight bearing and back pain and more anxiety, tms yes I assume but how to manage
I’m so deconditionecd already cannot imagine if gets worse and my nervous system is so dysregulated
 
Bealillie, sorry to hear you are hurting and full of anxiety. I can say I truly get it. Duloxetine would never relieve any discomfort in 5 days. Your body has to reach a certain blood level which usually takes atleast two wks to notice a difference. It helped me alot but I had to reach around two wks to notice any difference. Any antidepressant usually takes time. Maybe try it again and hang in there for 2 wks. You will most likely will notice a difference. Hope you feel better soon. Nancy
 
Thsnks Nancy I didn't expect relief but was but also did not expect sudden pain increase on day 3 dr doesn't think related bur could not walk on soles of feet, TMS? I ascribed to meds so she said to try stopping
I was resistant to taking bur I know much of pain that gas developed in neuroplastic .
Also I was so dizzy that couldn't even stay out of bec and thatvwas st 20mg
Psychiatrist said split capsules bur didn't feel comfortable withbdelayed release Capps
So yes I guess need to find a way to start but I live alone so chslldnging
And have been mostly at home for months in pain due to deconditiingv
Any other ideas. Thanks
 
I would just follow what your Psychiatrist advised. you probabably need to try to allow the medication to take effect. I'm not a Doc so I can only encourage you to express yourself to the Doc and try to get through a few weeks on the med if you can. thinking of you, wanting you to be well. Nancy
 
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