Hello, MrsD: Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I saw my doctor today; we're going to try cutting back the Lyrica from 150 to 100 mg per day. If that doesn't work, it's on to Elavil. No Prolixin.

Nobody knows what the cause of my pain is. An EMG showed nerve damage in my legs. I have been tested for Lyme Disease, proteines, even anti-MAG antibodies. Negative on them all. My neurologist, who thinks I may have been bitten by something, set me up with an appointment with a top rare disease specialist on December 28th. Perhaps then I'll find out what is curtailing my life. Until then, I'm just sick and tired of it all.

Tom

((Mrs. D)) thank you so much for stopping by so quickly!!! I truly put a lot of stock in your opinions! :hug:

((Tom)) I'm so glad you stopped by to catch Mrs. D's thoughtful post. I'm glad your doc is lowering the dose of the Lyrica. Ugh, meds and side effects can really get you down. I hope this works! If not, at least we can go on to the Elavil for a try. And none of the Prolixin!

That is wonderful news to hear that you have an appointment in December. The way time is flying, that will be here before we know it. Finding answers can take so long sometimes and it's truly frustrating and depressing not knowing what's going on.

I'm just happy you continue to come back and keep us all updated. Be sure we get updates on how you're doing on the lower dose of that Lyrica. I almost tried Lyrica for my fibromyalgia, but after reading up on it and learning from some close friends' experiences, I decided not to. My doctor wants me to consider trying Savella. (...Which I may do once I've gone through my retirement coming up at the end of December. Don't want to rock my boat with the anxiety that is causing me as I have difficulty with a lot of the antidepressant meds.)

Take care now because as you can see, your new family here does care. :grouphug:

Hello, Doody:

Just a quick note. I've been on 100 mg of Lyrica for 8 days now. I have more energy, but break out in a cold sweat after the smallest amount of physical effort. Withdrawal effects from going from 150 to 100? I wonder. At least the unbearable pain has not returned -- so far.

You mention Savella. What's that? Sorry, your note is the first time I ever saw it.

Not Doody here but wanted to say that I hope the terrible pain has stayed away Tom and that you had a good Thanksgiving. :hug:

Hello, Alffe: Thanks for your message. Yes, I had a great Thanksgiving. No need to ask you how yours went.

Yes, the pain is still gone. 100 mg of Lyrica does the job, but I wonder what else it does. I have been told the rare disease specialists will order a ton of tests, so I'm getting ready for them in my head. I'm starting to think that neurological problems are the worst ones. I worked in a hospital as a college student. Lung cancer at least will kill you in 6 months or so, and then you'll be out of your misery. Heart attacks can be incredibly painful, but they're over quickly (usually). This stuff, on the contrary, just drags on and on. Veriy disheartening.

Tom, I have so much admiration for those of you who have been dealt such a hand and continue to rise everyday and try...some more, again, still. ...that really is the definition of a survivor and it takes more than determination, it takes guts..maybe courage is a nicer way to say it.

I look at Mark, Rrae, BMW, Smae, Hocky, pooh, DMack....so many on these forums, who reach out and help others while they are suffering themselves. It's humbling and hopeful to an old cynic like me.

And Hope springs eternal that the new dr. and all the tests will reveal the cause. That's my prayer. :grouphug:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW88EvEAd0k


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David

Hi Tom. Wow, that is great news! I'm glad you are feeling better. It's strange how even a reduction in a med can make so much difference.

But I would agree with you that the sweating is probably a side effect of the reduction. In fact, recently changed the dose on my antidepressant and I am sweating something awful at night! Have to change my nightclothes a minimum of 2x and then I'm so tired I just go back to sleep dealing with it. :rolleyes: But I hate those nightsweats. I can't think of any other reason than a change in my dose, but who knows.

I'm just not that familiar with Lyrica, but I'm guessing you are right! Savella is a relatively new drug for the U.S. They've been using it in European countries...which come to think of it, often seems to be the case with meds starting in the U.S. Savella is another med touted to help with Fibro (pain).

http://www.savella.com/

Here's more info on Lyrica... http://www.lyrica.com/index.aspx?sou...81|221408084|0

Another web site about Lyrica and its possible side effects mentions sweating as a possible side effect of stopping Lyrica so I'm assuming lowering the dose would trigger it as well. But I bet once your body adjusts, the sweating will stop.

But Tom, I'm only as good a reference as my own experiences, LOL! I'm just glad you feel better, that is SUCH good news!!! :grouphug:

Hello, Doody (and everybody else):

Thanks for your note. Something else I noticed about Lyrica: it makes me itch on my shoulders and back. I draw blood (in spots). The itching comes and goes in cycles.

I guess now the option is between Lyrica and Elavil. The latter has disadvantages, too. If anybody out there has experience with the two contenders, I would appreciate tremendously hearing about it.

Bestest, Tom

Hi Tom,

I'm so glad that your pain is gone, but I'm sorry that you're having problems with the side effects. When I've had problems with itching as a side effect it usually didn't last, but while it did I always kept a tube of anti-itch cream available. You also might ask your doctor(s) about cymbalta. It is also good for nerve pain.

Hoping you have a pain free and itch free holiday.

Doxie