I have to chime in about getting more opinions and making sure to see all possible other specialists. I have through my million docs for the why behind all this etc have got a range of treatments and so on. When I look back I am glad I was cautious.

From reading postings in several threads, there seems to be an underlying problem that can only be diagnosed as "greed". This "bottom line" mentality that seems to have permeated our society here in the US, and evidently in many other countries as well, isn't doing "patient care" any good whatsoever. I know of doctors, good doctors, who have left the system they were working for because of pressure by the "bean counters" to do more, earn more for the company. It is not only in medicine, but, medicine is the last place it should be found.

I too, have been "ushered" out the door in that 15 minute time span that so many talk of. And, to make matters worse, this was by my cardiologist, of all people. Granted, he had installed three stents in my heart, and it saved my life, but my feeling is, if I don't need the appointment, don't give me one. Don't just make me sit in your office for an hour, or more, and then sit in the exam room for another hour, before you come in, ask me how I'm feeling, listen to my heart, smile, and usher me out the door, all for the almighty dollar. Hell, the waiting around does more harm than good.

There are some great people in the medical business who are being pushed by those who occupy the board room to make more appointments, make more money for the system. It makes it awfully hard to really get involved in what you spent so many years in med school to accomplish, and that is to help people. No, I'm not taking up for doctors. But, as my daughter, who by the way is a heart transplant co-ordinator says, you have to take charge of your own healthcare. And, thank God that I have found this site. A place where people can exchange ideas, causes, treatments, etc. about their illnesses. Just keep up the good work, all of you.

Hi Lupin,

Regarding your bladder problems it may be worth doing some research on Interstitial Cystitis. This is known to accompany Fibromyalgia which also presents with neuropathic pain, as well as, a host of other symptoms.

I have to agree with Bob. It takes awhile for the symptoms to ease off. You may even see more symptoms as the dose increases. I'm at 600 mg a day, 300 at bed and the rest spaced thru the day depending on activity (like going to work). I started at 75 mg twice a day a few weeks ago. Just now the swelling of hands and feet have shown their ugly head - have call into neurologist to see if anything can be done to counter act that side effect. I found the dizzy/drowsy/unsteadiness to increase with each increased dose, but I got use to them after 1-2 weeks. Stick with it....I've found it beneficial. Will let you know what the neurologist says - if and when he calls me back. I find neurologists to be the hardest doctors to form a connection with.

Swelling is no small s/e & should be addressed asap.
Diuretics sometimes can help, but if it cannot be controlled adequately, switching to another med would be preferred.