Can you have CRPS *and* fibromyalgia?
 

I have had CRPS for almost 5 years. It started in the ball of my left foot, and about a year ago, it started spreading to the right ball of my foot. It's nasty business. Walking, using car pedals to drive, etc. has really become a problem. But lately, my doc wondered if the rest of the full-body, excruciating pain I've been experiencing the last 4 years or so might be fibromyalgia. But is it possible to have both?? Do any of you have experience with this?

He wanted to do some blood work and think about a few options before doing a treatment plan, but he wondered if Lyrica might work. But I'm on Gabapentin for the CRPS, and it keeps the CRPS somewhat manageable. I'm afraid if I got off the Gabapentin and start Lyrica, that it might set me back with the CRPS. (Because I don't think you can take both Lyrica and Gabapentin at the same time, can you?)

I was just hoping some of you might have some insights on this...

Thank you!

It is my understanding that yes you can have fibromyalgia and CRPS at the same time. You are correct about not being able to take both lyrica and gabapentin at the same time. Both do work in a similar way and both can be used to treat CRPS and Fibromyalgia. My suggestion is to stick with the gabapentin. I have heard too many people having issues with lyrica and trying to get off of it when the time comes.

Hi Ali,
Without knowing the amount of Gabapentin you're already being prescribed it would be hard to say if a higher dosage of Gabapentin might work.
If there is room for uping it, that might be worth a try...

I was told I had Fibro back in 1999 and prior to that I had TRIED for 10 yrs to get my thyroid supported, long story on how many don't get thyroid support. Fibro as I understand it from all these years is a LOT of issues that need to be addressed. Some say docs give up and just tell a patient they have Fibro, it's a catch all.

I got my thyroid fixed in 2002 and felt so much better almost immediately. I also use MSM powder 3 times per day for over all pain and grape seed extract for immune system support and don't forget the magnesium, it's critical. I don't deal with your other issues but my main issue is arthritis and a sloppy hip replacement with too many side effects.

It is possible
 

Hi AliM,

Yes it is possible. I was diagnosed with Fibro as well, which was pointless for me because it meant nothing as the CRPS was much worse. I have let you know- I recently stopped Lyrica after being on for a few months and after stopping lyrica, many of my fibro issues went away. I did some digging and found that Lyrica sometimes has the side effects mirroring Fibro-which is ironic since it is approved to treat that. Just wanted you to be cautious and informed. Personally the negative side effects outweighed the positive effects from the Lyrica and I made the decision (w/ my doctor) to step down from the medication. It is also extremely expensive.

I hope you find something that works for you!

I'm wondering about that too, though I'm taking quite a lot, it seems. I take 2,700 mg a day--which is a 300mg capsule that I take 3 in the morning, 3 in the afternoon, 3 in the evening. My pain doc thought there was room to up that a bit more, but he wanted to make sure.

Is that a lot? Or are some of you guys doing more than that?

2700 mg is considered a lot to some people but when dealing with CRPS you do still have room. I was told by Keith at RSDHope.org that 2400 mg is usually considered a maintenance dose. It is not unheard of for someone to take as much as 5000 mg a day for a short period of time. That is of course if you are taking Neurontin. If you are Taking Gralise which is a time released form of gabapentin 2700 mg is quite high. Doctors typically will not prescribe over 1800 mg of Gralise in a day. Most of us are taking Neurontin though.

Hi, i just wanted to chime in on this one. I have both crps and fibro. I am on cymbalta and horizant (an extended release form of gabapentin). At night i take either a muscle relaxant or a sleep aid. Tried lyrica prior to horizant but never both together since they are a similar drug. Interestingly, lyrica made the nerves in my legs more hyperactive and my emotions too weepy. I was skeptical to try horizant. Whatever is different, i dont know but it works for me. (My thyroid is low too, and i have some of the other typical fibro symptoms. Took a rheumatologist to break the news to me.) Best of luckto you

In the UK when the CRPS goes full body they change the diagnosis to Fibro, however they maybe the same condition watch the first 5 mins of this


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3tRwd7U5nw

Kevscar, I'm sorry but I just can't agree with the comment you make about a CRPS diagnosis being changed to fibromyalgia in the UK when it becomes 'full body' (whatever one defines that as meaning). This doesn't happen in the UK. The prevailing view in the UK is that these are two discrete, entirely different conditions. I'm not sure why you think that this is what happens in the UK but if you have the citations or references describing that this is the case then please could you post them as it contradicts every article and/or piece of research published in any medical journal that I've read to date?

Dr Getson's expressed opinion on fibromyalgia/CRPS being one and the same is his personal hypothesis. He makes other statements in that film which he presents as if they are absolute medical fact when they are his opinion.

When I asked Dr Shenker at Addenbrookes how many of his patients had gone full body, all 4 limbs torso neck scalp eyes mouth and internal organs he said in this country we change the diagnosis but wouldn't say to what months later I came across 3 sufferers who said when it went full body the diagnosis was changed to fibro, it was even brought up in the Parliamentary debate 9/7/2013.
I do realise Dr Getson's opinions are his own but I have asked our medical team to consider the possibility that he's right and also that Phantom Limb Pain may also be CRPS

Gotcha! Wow, thank you! This is some great information! I looked at my prescrp bottle and it actually says Gabapentin. Is that the generic for Neurontin? See, I thought I was pretty knowledgeable about this, but isn't it the truth that we often learn we don't know as much as we think we do. :)

Holy cow! Kevscar, THANK YOU!!! I had never heard of Dr. Getson, and I was completely fascinated by this! I work for a doctor, so I'm always fascinated by the body and medical workings, and listening to this man was just awesome! I sent the link along to my boss, as well, as he is a sponge and loves to learn new avenues to pursue with his fibro, headache, etc patients.

Thank you so much for this link!