Letters From Our Readers - Comments & Suggestions 06-25-08

I wanted to tell fellow suffers that while Lyrica [the first prescription drug to receive FDA approval for Fibromyalgia] seems to be wonderful for relieving pain, if you are bipolar, as I am, you need to be very careful taking this medication. One of the rare side effects for the general public, but not so rare for those of us who are bipolar, is mania. You will find "mania" listed in the fine print of the list of side effects.

I started taking Lyrica 50mg three times per day as prescribed by my rheumatologist, and enjoyed some degree of relief from my fibromyalgia pain. My physician increased my dosage to 75 mg three times per day, and within a week I started to experience symptoms of hypomania [persistent elevated or irritable mood, with symptoms such as rapid speech, distractibility, or decreased need for sleep]. The symptoms became worse, and only began to resolve after the Lyrica was tapered to 0 and the blood levels of medication dropped. It was my psychiatrist who researched the side effects of Lyrica and found that mania can be caused by this drug. Once I stopped taking Lyrica I returned to my baseline without need of further intervention. – Elaine

Sharing article on FM pain by Dr. Pellegrino

I sent your first article [“Fibromyalgia - Ultimately a Disease of Amplified Pain” http://www.immunesupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm?id=8892] to many friends who have the same or similar conditions and to those who would want to know more. I do hope this will be a lead to a significant cure.

I also printed out your article about depression.* I think I may be there and hope to see my doctor soon and discuss it with her. I am, however, allergic to all of the meds that can be prescribed for this condition. But maybe some analysis and counseling could help. I also have MCS [multiple chemical sensitivity], making it very hard to find any meds to help with pain, sleep or mood. Thanks again for your information. – Glenda

* Note: We’re not sure which depression article this refers to, but perhaps it is the recent Q&A with Dr. William Collinge, in which he responds to questions such as this one: “In counseling patients with depression, do you tend to suggest a combination of drugs and alternative therapies? Is there something you tend to try first?” Or it may be "A Systematic Review of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Don't Assume It's Depression."

Pain & suffering – different things?

Re: “The Mind-Heart Connection: What Is Stress and the ‘Stress Response’?”

This article reminded me of a concept by Dr. Zinn who taught meditation to cancer patients at his clinic. He wrote a book called Full Catastrophe Living, and in it I read about this: "Pain and Suffering are not the same thing - suffering is our reaction to pain." It might seem to not mean anything, or to be just obvious, until you think about it a bit more.

Like this article, Zinn is saying that it is the way we REACT to pain that is important, it is the one part of the experience we might be able to have some control of. When we stub our toe, we might jump up and down and yowl loudly, or we could CHOOSE to remain calm and just notice the sensations coming through our body from that stubbed toe. If we do the second option, there will actually be LESS pain. Plus, as the article points out, there will be less bodily reaction, too - our heart will not go so fast, etc. Ultimately, we will SUFFER less if we do not react to pain, but just notice it and observe it. That does take some courage though. – SP

Light dishes easier to handle

From the “Tips for Managing Daily Life” string on the ME/CFS & FM Message Board.

Early on in my illness, I got rid of my heavy pottery dishes and replaced them with Corelle. Corelle dishes are very lightweight and so much easier to lift in and out of the dishwasher. Also, they don't break if they drop. I know this sounds like a small change but it has made a big difference. - Romalaw

Found unbelievable pain doctor in Pittsburgh

From the very active “Please Post Your Good Doctors” string on the ME/CFS & FM Message Board, which includes requests and recommendations for specific towns/areas.

I have been going [to a new doctor] for 15 months…after numerous other doctors. He is the most caring doctor I have ever encountered. If you are in pain he will see you. He talks to any patient that calls in to talk to him. Immediately. He wants to be updated weekly, via phone, on your condition… If you don’t call he will send you a letter asking you to please call him and tell him how you are doing…. He asks your opinion on different meds before he prescribes them and also listens when you talk. He takes his time. Sounds unbelievable but it is absolutely true. - Believeme31

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Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is generic and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness, condition, or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.