howdy folks,

i've been lurking in this tribe for some time now, seeing if i can gleen any information for my mother. As a payback to the tribe, I asked my mother to write a bit about her experience, and particularly about a new drug she is taking, and her diet and exercise regimens. (please note, this is not an endorsement for any particular drug—she just happens to be taking this stuff and it works for her). Her message is below. thanks everyone.

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The new medication is called Cymbalta. I take a 60mg capsule at night about 2 hours before I go to bed. It is a antidepressant that also can be used for pain. It increases the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. From what I have read, it seems that people who have studied fribro patients find that they lack enough of these two chemicals and one other that I can't remember right now. I started taking this in November with 30mg caps for 2 weeks and then the 60mg. I have to eat something right before I take it or it hurts my stomach. According to my new Dr, I can be on this for two years only. I sleep so much better (in other words I reach my REM sleep) and when I get up in the morning I don't feel like someone has beat me with a club. I still have some pain but not near the severity. I have not had a completely "down" day since I've been on this and winter is usually my worst season. The only side effect so far is that I have the shakes in the morning until I eat. Then it subsides to a tolerable level. [keith's note since she wrote this message: there was a severe cold snap recently in Illinois where she lives, and she did have several "down" days where she did nothing but sleep. She is going to speak with her new doctor about this, as this reaction worried her very much.]

Here is info regarding Cymbalta.

www.mayoclinic.com/health/d.../DR500549

When I was first diagnosed with fibro, I was prescribed another antidepressant (doxepin) that made me have horrible nightmares and left me in a stupor every morning. After about a year, I weaned myself off of it and started taking Arthritis Tylenol and soaking in hot baths. It would help a little but not like the new medication.

About three years ago, I was having problems with my neck muscles and Dr W. prescribed a muscle relaxant called flexeril. I couldn't take it during the day because it put me to sleep (I was still working at the time). I found that when I took it at night, I slept better. I wasn't tossing and turning all night like most fibro patients do. I still take it occasionally.

There is a new topical medication out that has the National Fibromyalgia Association seal of approval called 024 Fibromyalgia. It comes in towelettes or a spray bottle. I just received a free sample so I don't know how good it is.

As far as exercising goes, I have been doing it twice a week for 10 years. Any more than twice a week is too much and makes me feel worse. I do 20 minutes of aerobics, 10 minutes of stretching, and 30 minutes of lifting weights. The object is to keep my muscles stretched. Bud and his staff [her trainer] know all about fibro and know what I can and cannot do and how I need to exercise. I always feel great when I leave there.

Everyday I try to lay down for any hour between 2 and 4. This is my time for me to do what I want to do. The phone is turned off, the door is shut and the blinds are pulled. I either read, play my solitaire game, listen to the radio, pet the cats if they join me, or fall asleep.

I try to stay away from MSG and artificial sweeteners. I have read several places that they are not good for fibro patients.

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and there it is. i hope this helps someone out there. keeth