Hello Everyone....That's the thing with this illness, we're all different in how it affects us, at least for the most part. I suffer not just pain, but severe pain that was initially caused by surgery, and ME eventually took over the rest of my body. So, yes, some people with FM do have rather severe pain. I know some of mine is due to my neurological illnesses, but the symptoms are very much the same as those who have never had surgery.
As for lyrica, I take 75 mg. 2 x/day, along with a number of other drugs. There is no question that lyrica (originally gabapentin) slows down the pain signals from the brain to the spinal cord. Yes, it takes time to adjust to the meds, but I know that and the payoff is worth it to me. I have terrible trouble sleeping....about as bad as you can imagine. I know part of it comes from damage to the brain, but each time I go to the hospital and I'm put on steroids or given anesthetic it can take me mos. to establish any sort of decent sleep routine. I'm really lucky if I get 2 hrs./day and that's a stretch. And yes, it's possible to go without sleep for weeks at a time, or at least extremely small amounts of it. Not much fun, but I don't let myself get upset about it any longer...it's just the way things are and I'm so glad my husband is a good sleeper b/c it would be terrible to keep disturbing each other.
I was on baclofen years ago, large amounts of it and it affected me in an odd way. My already out of control sleep would see me rendered unconscious for about a day and then I couldn't sleep for I can't remember how long afterwards. It would almost make me I guess what could be described as "high." It also put weight on me, but then that seems to be a side-effects of many meds.
I've gained about 35 lbs. since January. True, I was somewhat underweight before, but this is ridiculous. I have a number of the new meds that may be culprits but I can assure you that it's not my fault. The heart treatment drugs seem to be especially bad and, since I have 5 stents, I have no choice. I presently have Congestive Heart Failure. I just have a lot of assorted serious problems, but so do many people. I need to feel that I can overcome things....talking to people helps immensely and I do think there is such a thing as the mind/body connection. I've just seen and felt it too many times to think otherwise.
I'm a believer in vitamins/supplements, but also believe that since they're supposed to be "natural" substances we can do considerable harm to ourselves. You have to study and be high knowledgeable before playing around too much. Do I like taking prescription meds. No, of course not. If I had my way the only things that would enter my body would be food, tea and water. How I've ended up with 5 stents is anyone's guess, although my father died of heart disease at age 40. Genes, good or bad, we all have them.
I hope you're all having a decent day and findinh some joy along the way. Take good care. Yours, Lenora.