Question/Comment:

I've taken Simvastatin for many years, but suddenly I suffer hand cramps and leg cramps that bounce me out of bed at night. A CPK test showed high readings, and I was taken off the statin and put on lots of Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Calcium. No cramps for a whole month, and the CPK readings look better. Resumed the statin at a reduced dosage (lowered from 40 to 20mg), and 8 days later the cramps are back. My cholesterol readings, needless to say, took a jump when I went off the statins, On the plus side, I've been doing treadmill for 30 minutes daily, and it seems to have lowered my blood pressure. I'll be taking provastatin for a while to see if it will do the job without causing cramps. How about YOU with statins?

Question/Comment:

HI I AM 26 YEARS OLD I AM IN A LOT OF PAIN I HAVE 4 DISKS PUSHING IN ON MY SPINIAL CHORD. MY DOC. SAYS HE DONT WANT TO DO SUR. UNTIL IT GET WORSE BUT TO ME IT IS UNBARABLE WHAT SHOULD I DO

Answer/Reply:

My advice is to get another opinion quick. Perhaps a orthepedic doctor. Have you considered a chiropractor? They are helpful and most do deep tissue massage, and know other options that may help you.

Question/Comment:

I have the worst case of fibromyalgis that two of my health care providers (one, an internist) have ever seen. I never wanted to take narcotics, but when you can't walk anymore, are screaming in pain all the time, and cannot handle any type of touch no matter how light, you change your mind. As one of the respondents said, used properly and under strict supervision by one's doctor, narcotics can be an effective (and, perhaps the only) method for treating symptoms. Even with the various medicines I take, all I get is enough pain to allow me to function. I am still in continuous, debilitating pain.

If I were unable to access the medicines I now take, I cannot imagine how I would be able to live. Even as it is, there are days in which I think I can't make it.

By the way, for many years before anyone knew about fibromyalgis, I had the "disease." I have had this for over 30 years, and contrary to most literature, it has continously gotten worse as time goes by.

I am 56-years old and had been quite active physically until it became impossible to do so.

Answer/Reply:

I WAS PRESCRIBED NUERONTIN AND RELAPHEN IT WORKS VERY WELL. I TOO AM 56

Answer/Reply:

Two things I can tell you about. Its likely that both will make a big difference in your life. 1) LYRICA a wonder drug and the only RX for your condition. Next a vitamin, Usana (Brand name) Health Pak 100. Go to USANA.com on the internet. It is not available in stores. It is not cheap. Approx. $105 each month, but this vitamin was created for fibromyalga (sp) I have seen it cure, thats right cure several people of this condition. You will not regret taking these vitamins. They come in packets, one for AM and one for PM and are labeled such. My friends suddenly felt up to playing with their grandchildren. They had energy and no pain. Please try it.

Answer/Reply:

I have been diagnosed with the same disease. I've had it since 1996. My flare ups were UNBELIEVABLE! But they seemed to subside in intensity than goodness. I still experience flare ups every November and Iam a migraine sufferer with all the classic symptoms. Have anyone been able to recieve SSI for this debilitating disease? The results from the governmental examination was " I could still understand and respond to questions during the examination. Therefore I was not considered disabled enough." I cannot work because of this disease. What is wrong with this agency? I really believe they want you to lie. Because when the truth is told you get penalized.

Question/Comment:

I also have FM and am on Lyrica and have been taking Soma for years which greatly helps the spasms. Neither Flexeril, Baclofen or Skelaxin seemed to help much at all.

Answer/Reply:

My PCP will not prescribe soma for me and I've mentioned to him repeatedly that Baclofen isn't helpful. I've never taken Lyrica, Skelaxin. Are they helpful?

Question/Comment:

I think that LYRICA has worked great for me. And when I'm having a Fibro flare up I also take FLEXERIL beofre bedtime. I only take ALEVE for pain since I refuse to take other addicting pain killers.

Answer/Reply:

hi, im just trying to help u understand something,cuz like u i refused to take drugs that are so addicting, i now take 60mg of morphine a day and up to 8 vicodin 7.5's a day..along many other drugs along with flexeril..i have sever fibro,major muscle spaems,comgeteal stenosis and many many more problems with my spine and back.im in a great deal of pain non-stop like alot of people,and finally listen to my doctor,cuz i just couldnt take it no more,,so under my doctors orders,and with a very watchful eye, this is how i ended up here, this is a proven fact,that anyone taking drugs like i do,it isnt addicting,,yes at some time if needed i will have to come off these drugs, but would be weaned off them,I trust my doctor heart and soul, and being a proven fact that i wont become a addict. i can only advise u to please research this,because it is a fact, and if u want i can send u the links,i only hope this helps u,,God Bless

Answer/Reply:

I am so glad that someone brought up the fact about addition to meds. I too have Fibromyalgia. I was diagnosed in 1998 (2 years after my kids were born - I have triplets). In 2005 it was discovered that I had 2 herniated discs in my cervical spine. The pain was so bad that I opted for surgery hoping that my pain would be relieved as the orthopedic surgeon said it would. Guess what? It made it worse. I am divorced and there is no way that I can't work because my ex doesn't pay timely child support (he owes over $29,000 right now). I was taking 2 Vicodin every 3-1/2 hours along with Flexeril. At first it made me a bit woozie but I got used to it and it was used just to make it manageable to work. I don't suggest surgery unless it can't be helped. Today I deal with the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (CMPS). I've been seeing a massage therapist for 2X/month for the past 3 years. I've recently tried PT again but to no avail. The only thing that really takes my pain away is if I lay down. I don't plan on going into that business. I take Paxil (depression), Tramadol (for pain), Norflex (nightly muscle relaxer) & Mobic. I never was addicted even though people got worried about me. Please do whatever you have to so you can have a somewhat normal life. I'm still waiting for that day.