Hello, Doxie: if only my posts were as informative as yours!

Yes, Lyrica gives me the "dry mouth syndrome" too. The problem is, it does it while I'm asleep, so I can't chew gum. I will keep your suggestion in mind, as things can always change.

This is my 2nd day of only 75 mg of Lyrica (I'm trying 1 pill only per night). I have been feeling absolutely exhausted, head in the clouds, etc., so had to try SOMETHING. However, already I feel "something" in my ankles, where most of the pain was concentrated before. I'll know in a few days, maybe.

2 important questions: (1) you noted the ocycotin (opiate) makes you feel sleepy. What would happen if you took it only at bedtime? Would you not go to sleep easier? I could use something to make me sleep, but not if I feel groggy during the day. Thanks.

(2) Do the anti-depressants give you energy? Do you need BOTH of them?

Frankly, a cane wouldn't bother me. Fred Astaire, and all that. No, Alffe, I haven't forgotten Michigan J. Frog; he has a cane, too, even though he doesn't need one.

SSSSOOOOO sorry your condition, Doxie, is slowly getting worse. Maybe, just maybe, if they can slow it enough, some sort of cure or improved treatment will become available in the meantime.

Bestest, Tom

Naw, no regrets...oh, ok...maybe a few... but I can't find them anymore..

... a mental illness made my world crash down around me...
because of that... I'm who I am today
........
Same with Tom... except his is a physical illness... which brought him to be who he is today...

I predict that Tom will not regret finding this forum

Hi Addy and Tom- Seems to me the thoroughly informative and thought provocative posts of Tom speak for his feelings about the forum. I am surely glad to have Tom among us here! What a blessing to consider ALL Tom brings before us, n'est ce pas?

Going to visit my Dad for his 79th birthday today. A long trip. Due to the trek, I do not know whether I will be on for a couple of days. Hope Dad remembers me despite his accelerating descent into Alzheimers, that is and my wife and children. In a way we are going wondering if we are saying goodbye while he can still communicate with some clarity......

Blessings on you all,
Mark56 PJ

Hi Tom,

Oxycodone only masks the pain when all else fails. It puts it farther back in my consciousness so that I can try to read, watch tv or a movie or have a conversation with someone and my focus is not on the pain. I usually only take it in the late afternoon and evening when all else fails. I try meditation focusing on my breath first. It doesn't always work. Sometimes I have to write down when I can take it again. Because I have chronic fatigue, a common symptom for ms, I take provigil (there is also nuvigil and some use ritilin). It doesn't make me energentic, far from it, but at least I feel more functional. None of my meds make make me sleepy. I have to take something for that. Even though I feel like a walking pharmacy and a guinea pig, I am constantly talking to my doctors trying to downsize my never ending list of drugs.

I lost over 20 lbs. I'll never be the weight I was in my 30's, but my cholesterol is under control for the first time in my life. I try to be the healthiest person I can with ms. I try to exercise at least every other day. I try to pace myself. I have tried to develop a good support system of family, friends and doctors. I try to be as independent as possible. I try to pace myself. Don't get me wrong, my life is not perfect. I have my share of down days, negative feelings and at times feel my support system can be better, but then I try to get a better perspective and change the things I can. I adjust and adapt. I still have a life. I definitely can't do what I used to, but I try not dwell on it.

Thanks for your concern and support.

Doxie

Alffe, change is inevitable except when it comes from a vending machine.

Tom

I just realized that I didn't answer all your questions. Both anti-depressants are also used for pain, which is why I use them and yes I use both of them because each one alone was not enough. I started on lower doses and reached the maximum dosage slowly after the lower doses were ineffective. I used the term opiate, not meaning making me sleepy, but meaning that they can become addictive. The best medication that I found for sleep is edluar. It's a little pricey, but very effective. No, the anti-depressants don't give me energy-I wish.

Hope I didn't forget anything this time.

Doxie

Have a safe trip Mark and don't overdo! I pray your Dad knows you but remember that you will always have that "heart" connection. We'll miss you.

Ok, Ok, I get it! You're a frustrated comic! LOLOL!

Hello, Mark and Addy and ALL the others: if you get one tenth of the pleasure out of my posts that I do out of your company, we will get along fine.

Have a good safe trip, Mark. My mother died at age 79 in a nursing home. Sometimes she recognized me, sometimes she didn't. OR SO IT SEEMED! During 4 years of her "incarceration," I came away many times with the thought: Who knows what they know? Who sees what they see? Just when I was about to give up in frustration, my mother would say or do something remarkable. Remarkable...isn't it!?

Bestest to you and your family, Tom

Tom:

Have you ever tried BIOTENE? It's for dry mouth syndrome.

Melody