I finally went to my new Rheum yesterday, and I am very happy. Although the meds are not doing the trick, I have hopes. She has put me on the
25 mcg Fentanyl patches, and 60 mg Cymbalta. It's not enough, but I am sure it would be better to increase slowly...if I can take it until it works. I go back to her on Dec. 5. Meanwhile, I am taking 800 mg OTC Ibuprophen every 5 hours (on my own), and it seems to help a tiny bit. She is a very warm and caring doctor. She has given me about 16 blood tests. She says that I have rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis in addition to my fibro and spinal problems. She has some concern that I may have Addison's Disease...and is checking that too. Won't know much till the tests come back. They will call if it is Addisons, or something to be concerned about. Almost forgot, she also gave me a steroid shot, and some other kind (?).

Question: Do you think I can have a beer or two with those meds at night? I am no big drinker, but I have found that one or two usually makes me hurt less. Just don't know much about those drugs.

The day before yesterday, the LSU Dental Clinic pulled what was left of my upper teeth. My gums were so full of infection that it took numerous injections to numb them. (Hurricane Katrina slowed that process down until recently, remember?) I was such a nervous wreck that I have been suffering a kink in my neck since then. Funny...I don't have any pain in my mouth...but, I'm not complaining!!! I will even put up with the neck. I go on the 16th for the bottom ones, and then oral surgery on the gums and bone on the 27th...preparing me for dentures after Christmas. It will be so good to look like something other than an internet joke picture!!!

Thanks.....sally

Hi Sally ~

I don't know the answer to your question, but in my opinion, it wouldn't be a good idea to drink any alcohol with the meds you are on.

I seem to remember reading somewhere that alcohol and Fentynal don't react well together ~ but I can't for the life of me remember exactly what it said or even where I read it!

I'm glad to hear that your Doctor is so caring ~ and I hope she increases your meds until you are comfortable ~

(((Sally)))

Love,
Sue

Thanks for answering me, Sue. You are the only one that did!!! So far, I have not had a beer because I don't know the answer. Appreciate your caring.

sally

hi sally,
the only thing i can say is, drinking with cymbalta is not recommened, although i will imbibe on occasions. As for the pain patch, i don't know.

hope this helps a bit

I don't recommend drinking that beer. I have been on both Cymbalta and the patch. They make you feel funky enough without the beer. I understand why you would want to but the ibuprofen, Cymbalta, the patch and a beer could cause a nasty reaction. Besides the beer and ibuprofen could cause an ulcer.
I hope that this helps some.