Anyone Else Trying Savella For Fibromyalgia? (Page 10)

This is a new medication that just came out for fibromyalgia. I have several other conditions involving spinal degeneration , herniated discs, arthritus, etc.
I've been taking this medication for a little over 2 weeks now and have worked up to the full dose. My biggest symptom seems to be upset stomach but I don't know if it's from the Savella or from de-toxing from 7 other medications that I've been on for over 10+ yrs.
Is there anyone else out there that has started this medication that can give me any information that they may have on it?

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Sharon~ Thanks for more input and I did read your message thoroughly, several times. I understand what you are saying. I am and have been addicted to narcotic medication many years and I've gone through the de-tox which is horrendous. I understand about rebound pain. There is not one medication that will ever take our pain away completely. Even morphine does not take my pain away completely it does take the edge off of the pain that I suffer so that I can do daily activities which I would not be able to do without the pain meds. Believe me, I do not like or enjoy popping pills, I take my medication for relief. I was on Savella and taking it in addition to my narcotic meds until my insurance would not cover it for me and my Doc could no longer keep me supplied in the samples. He is a neurologist and even stated that the Savella is not a wonder drug but it is improving the lives of so many that are using it. The Savella was working for me. I'm glad for you that you are able to live your life without strong medication and you are so BLESSED for that. Not all of us can---- it doesn't make me weak or a junkie because I've chosen to live my life this way. For me it's not a matter of choice it's a necessity. You and I may never see eye to eye on this issue but at least we can talk about it and if it helps someone else to make a choice and not use addictive meds then all the better for them. I do what works for me.

Lori~ I love your sense of humor. I saw a rheumatologist for years and they treat many conditions, Fibromyalgia has been put into the same class as arthritis. Our diets do play a big factor in our overall health. The rheumatologist that I was seeing felt allot of mine was caused by heredity. My maternal and paternal grandmothers had rheumatius arthritis, DDD and what they called back then fibrositis. Myself and my daughter have also been diagnosed with all the same conditions. Who knows? But I do think our heredity, diet and lifestyle play a large role in it.

Tessie~ Keep up your great wisdom and support, I truly appreciate it.

And to all~ Thanks so much for your input into this forum. It helps me tremendously!

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Day 4 on Savella and I could actually get out of bed and move immediately! Yeah! Teresa: I have taken Vicoden off and on for 20 years. I take it on an as needed basis. I believe, and my Dr. concurs, if you are truly in pain then you do not become addicted. It is when you take it when you are not in pain that it is addicting. If someone can handle the pain w/out painkillers, yeah for them. I have tried everything from diet to acupuncture and I will stick with what works and try whatever new treatments they come up with. I am very excited about Savella. Have a wonderful day!

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Good Morning Ladies!

Seems as though we've all been in a cycle of pain lately, myself included. This round settled more in my back and what I call my girdle - the lower pelvis/hip region and down my legs. I still have pain all the other places but these particular areas are extremely sensitive right now. The weekend was a total blur to me. Saturday it took every ounce of energy I had just to move. If the house was on fire I don't think I would have been able to get out of bed. When I finally did, I made it all the way to the couch and lounged ALL DAY! I couldn't move. When I HAD to I was in a great deal of pain. I had zero energy. I know this bothered my hubby something fierce but he is understanding (in his own way). Sunday was much the same. I managed to drag myself out of bed at 11am. I MADE myself get dressed and out of the house. What a chore!!! By 3pm I was spent. And I was back at home and in bed for the rest of the day.

Anyone else have days like these?

I seem to be experiencing more of these days lately.

This morning I woke up in pain but, for now, it seems to be manageable. I don't know how long that will last, but I am hopeful.

I go back to the Rheumatologist next week. I don't know what the next step will be. Because I know so little about this disease I don't know the questions to ask or how to direct the doctor. I don't know how to get the help I need. The only thing I do know is that the treatment I'm getting now is not effective AT ALL.

I don't want my life to be all about the pain. I'm young (46) and I want my life back. I just don't know how to rise above the pain and fatigue at this moment and I don't know how to get the help to do this. I try to stay positive - really - I DO! It's hard though!

With all that said, I am greatful to hear how everyone is doing. It lets me know I'm not alone in this journey. It also helps give me direction.

Thanks so much ladies!

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i was diagnosed in 2000 after clinical depression due to the pain, and have spent the last 10 years just dealing with it. after 30 different doctors in 2 years i was finally told i did not have MS (thank you Lord) so it must be firbo.
In Dec i started hurting and haven't stopped. the pain finally got bad enough mid-Jan that i went to the dr. i swore i would have to be bleeding or unconsious to go to another doc. the rhumetologist i saw was very helpful and concerned. he prescribed water therapy, melatonin and Savella. i love the water therapy, it is the most active i have been in years. the Savella however is another story. Nausea and sleeplessness. The melatonin helped me sleep for awhile but now i am having nightmares. i go back on Wed for a follow-up. the pain had lessened for a bit, i even had a virtually pain free day two weeks ago, but now it is back with avengence.
Has anyone tried diet changes to help control the symptoms? i have stopped caffeine, aspartame and chocolate but i really can't tell if it has done any good. i also have become very negative about everything, very unsual for me. My glass has always been half-full.

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I was recently diagnosed with fibrosis and prescribed sevella. I must say the difference it has made for me is huge, I have more energy I'm nearly pain free. Albeit I have had some really bad days but those are getting fewer. I still get dizzy when I take the sevella, but overall am thankful.

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Hi everyone, I am a 39 yr.old mom of 4 precious children who I homeschool. I have had fibro for the last 4to 5 years, migrains, TMJ, protruding disks in my back,etc. Ridiculous I know. I have been reading posts tonight and finally have realized I am not alone in this world! I am on cymbalta now without any luck, no pain relief and I have zero patience with my poor family. I get up at 6 and run,run, until about 11 or so after grading papers and planning for the next days school. I am also very anemic and exhausted. I have to take pain meds just to function and getting up in the morning feels more like 93 than 39. I am feeling pretty depressed right now, overweight, depressed, tired, etc, Thank you so much for these posts, have really meant alot to me. My general doc has prescribed savella but unsure if I want to take on something else yet.

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Dear Momo4, Cathy and Rebecca (and the rest of the girls!)
I understand how frustrating this is. I home-schooled my 3 children for 5 years, and finally had to stop due to the intense pain, fatigue and depression. Momo4, you might consider looking at SONLIGHT curriculum for the homeschooling, it is a fantastic literature based program and comes with everything-daily plans, science experiment kits, etc. I used it to great success.
I tried the Cymbalta, it did nothing for me. I know it helps some people. I am on Savella, and love it. However, you should know that due to depression from pain, I also take Welbutrin XL. I have been on this about 2-3 years, and it is a life saver. I am much more able to be patient and kind with my family. I take generic Flexeril along with Imipramine every night to help me sleep. The flexeril is a muscle relaxant, and the Imipramine is an old class anti-depressant that helps tremendously with sleep.
Water therapy is by far the most helpful to me. I am doing well enough on the Savella to begin working again for the first time in years. Please do not quit looking for help. It took me years and many many doctors to find one who would really dig in and help me. I do take Hydro-Codone for pain as needed, and I do NOT feel guilty. My priority is being functional for my family.
I will keep all of you in my prayers as we together strive for healing and health.

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MoMo4~ Thanks for sharing your post! So many of us are right there with you. Along with fibromyalgia comes CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). It's like a vicious cycle that is never ending. Just the slightest of activity will wipe me out like I've worked three 12 hour shifts consecutively and my entire body throbs, burns, etc...... It's difficult to get complete relief even with all the medication that I take. I do know that when I had the opportunity to take Savella I began to not feel as much pain and fatigue and each day seemed to be getting brighter! Of course it will take your body time to adjust to Savella but the side effects DO go away. I strongly recommend that you give it a try. It just might be that bright light for you that we all want to see. Remember to fill your own cup first or you will be no benefit at all to your precious children. Many think that is selfish but I can assure that our good LORD has told us to do that! Wishing you all the best!

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Darcy~ AMEN and AMEN to that!

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Teresa:

You described (CFS) exactly how I feel anytime I do ANYTHING. I am spent for days after a day of activity. It's horrible. Yet, my docs are telling me to be as active as I can be on the days that I feel well. That's better said than done though. Taking a walk or shopping can wipe me out. Then I'm useless for days. What good is that? It's such a vicious cycle.

I really wish I could go back on Savella. REALLY, I DO! Despite the few annoying side effects, I felt better. I had energy! And I was losing weight. That's always a good thing.

I have decided that my next visit to the doc will NOT be a pleasant one for him. Yep! I am going to MAKE him hear me, address MY issues and take action. I'm at a point of being up against a wall. The Flexeril he prescribed is a joke! I'm not getting any relief - not even sleep. I have no other rheumatology doctors in my network that I can see. If he feels my problems are beyond his scope of practice I'm going to insist on being sent to another specialist (different field). Someone has to have some answers and solutions to help me live a better life.

While it's never a good thing to see other people suffer with FM and CFS, it's nice they've found this board to come to. WELCOME - even if it's not under the best circumstances.

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Thanks so much for the replies! I finally feel like someone understands. My husband as sweet as he is does not at all!!! That is so funny that you mention Sonlight that is the curriculum that I have been looking into for next year. It must be meant to be. Thanks again for this thread. I never get online because I don't have time, but I think God wanted me to find this. I hope everyone has a good day.

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Hello, I glad to see everyone is here. It gets quiet in here every so oft. I have been still cycling in the big pain cycle. Now it's the muscles - left side of body. I swear it's like I don't take any medication at all. I called my pain doc, asked for suggestions (i.e. HELP) and get told to go to the E.R. That's what they do. The feeling is that they think I'm a liar. So maybe fibro makes me paranoid? regular doctor just called; lab results are in so they will follow up with getting the rheumotologist appt. Gee. that only took a week. The worst thing that sets me off is STRESS. It is coming from my husband and so now I need to fix that. Counseling, I guess. I always want to call my mom though. She told me my Aunt (she passed away two years ago on May 1) who had fibromyalgia - the doctors did the same thing with her, she just gave up and when she found out she had cancer, she just said she was ready to go home. And she did. I don't know what else to do. I took some vicodin, makes me sick to my stomach and makes my head wierd, but it took away the pain. I do all kinds of things to get my mind off it. We have a farm, lots of livestock - horses, chickens beef cattle.. and dogs a plenty. They are good friends to have when I need to get myself away from people who are so disappointing. I love my animals. I don't let them lick my face though. that's gross. :) Trying to be happy. Sooner or later this cycle will break. My work called this week and now I have 3 ten hour shifts on my feet. Casino. Just what I need. But the money helps. Blahh. sorry for my whining. I'm just trying to get through it. thank you all for being so supportive. Sorry I'm at the point that drugs aren't a topic of conversation for me because they don't appear to do a thing. I don't need more anyway. thanks for listining to Lori the whiner.

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Hi Lori,
I can't take Vicodin because it will not work for me. period. Ask your docor about taking Darvocet. It is the only thing that gets control my headaches from the sun.

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I think Savella is amazing. I wish my insurance company didn't drop me. They are now trying to say it's all pre-existing. I have to go off all my meds. Savella is great for most people. Made me irritable though.

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Hi all! First of all Lori, you aren't a whiner! You feel like crap, do whats expected and more and when you feel awful all of the time it catches up with you. STRESS sets me off big time! I think they say thats a common thing with fibro. I mentioned awhile back that I worked at medical clinic for 10 years. Problems with docs is that if you have chronic pain (or even acute pain) most docs are narcotic paranoid. In my fantasy world all docs would have to have fibro for at least 3 months, maybe six, and have it BAD! They can teach them all they want in school but unless you've had pain or a problem you don't get it! Some are better than others but still, I feel your pain..lol..in more ways than one. Oh..back to the Vicodin, I got side tracked, don't know what strength you're on but that could be part whats making you sick, the gastroenterologist that did my stomach surgery said fibro's tend to have VERY sensitive stomachs. I have a headache pill I take occasionally called Esgic, it has tylenol, caffeine, butalbital in it, they also make one without caffiene that sometimes I use at night and it really seems to help as well or better than the vicodin, lortab, etc and its a not as strong so docs aren't so freaky about prescribing it, just a thought. Also, I remember reading a post where someone said nutrition played a part, rheumatologist told me it does! Because of my stomach surgery I had to drink Ensure, I lived on it straight for a month, surgery was six months ago, however (ramble ramble) one a day now really makes me feel better, gastro doc said your stomach more easily absorbs the vitamins in the ensure, boost, etc., because they're liquid and more easily absorbed, plus fibro people have harder time absorbing vitamins anyway. Aren't we all lucky. This would be shorter if we just said what we didn't have with fibro. Just Kidding....sorta...it could be worse there are just days and sometimes weeks in a row that plain suck!! I'm having drama with some family as well, husbands work isn't wonderful right now, etc., Others call it life, Fibro makes it feel worse somehow. I do know thinking positive, getting out, even if for a bit, and nutrition help some. Hang in there all. Oh, MORGAN, I really still feel aggitated on the savella as well, I'm trying to figure out why, stress definitely makes it worse, I keep hoping it will get better before I make too many enemies...like seriously I drive down the road and I used to just THINK about flipping somebody off now I about have to sit on my hand, road rage all of a sudden?? don't know.. Keep the sense of humor Lori, we're loving it, hang in ALL and Teresa and Rebecca, I think we can continue the chats here a little as they sorta pertain to savella, they just get lengthy cause of fibro fog and rambleitis..lol. Besides that if someone gets offended I guess better to tick someone off that you don't know than yell at the kids or take it out on someone you do know. Hang in there everyone!

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thank you! thank you all for being heIre. I'm wondering now.. I wonder what if any, side effects I could be having. I do want to try the medical don't freak out marijuana. It acts as an analgesic, and I can't take alot because of my stomach. the ulcer thing, I can't remember if I told you all.. anyway, it's LEGAL. It is perfectly acceptable to talk about it. It does freak me out that there are the V--- monologues and people are all good with that word, but to not dare utter one word of a legal natural Rx. I'm going to go to the aquatherapy pool tomorrow. Since I graduated from my therapy, I can go 12 visits for $30. I had a better day today (husband is gone hehe.) after the water tomorrow, then the chiropractor then home to chill. I had a meeting tonight and was hungry, in a rush and got a baby big mac (I think they call them mac juniors) and within minutes of injesting it I had a freaking headache. I do know better. Just, there it was.. my mistake. I have to go get my savella refilled tomorrow to, I am out of it. How long before I get the DT's? Fifty dollar copay sucks. Having a better day, can ya tell?

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ALL THE ADS ARE FOR DRUG REHABS TONIGHT.
Testing. Testing. LOL. I love the bots that pick up words to determine the ads we get to view. It used to be fibromyalgia ads.. now...
it.
is....
REHAB. LOLOLOL

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Lori

It's all the narcotic drug talk we are doing. They think we are junkies and need REHAB.

LOL
LOL
LOL
LOL
LOL

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Hi everyone :) I am so glad to have found this site today and not keep dealing with fibro totally alone anymore. I have had fibro for 12 years. Went thru many drs and tests for so many years before really accepting it :) I now have a really fantastic dr on my side and that has made a huge difference in managing my symptoms. I started Sevella last night. I got nauseated and woke up with a headache. Ibuproferen helped the headache (I am very prone to headaches anyway, and will eat before taking my next dose of Sevell. Not going to get my hopes up yet about Savella working for me, as I did that with the Lyrica (got to 300mg/day) and that med did not work for me. I cried off and on for 6 weeks because I was so disapointed that I did not get the relief many others did with that med. Talked to a lady in the pharmacy line who said she Lyrica completely changed her life, and she was able to stop all her other meds. I am so happy that some people with fibro are getting themselves back, and I won't stop searching til I do. Then I will support all those who are still struggling. Thank you for all the tips :) Has anyone heard that some researchers and drs think fibro may be from 1 or more viruses? There is a Fl doctor who had fibro himself and he discovered the possible virus link. Fortunatly my dr is very open to new ideas and plan to bring this up at my May appt. A live chat with others that have fibro would be absolutely wonderful, as I have nobody that really understand the scope of living with fibro 24/7. It has affected EVERY relationship I have (or had), and it has now broke up my 20 yr marriage. He just did not understand that somedays just getting out of bed was a major accomplishment. He, like many others, feels that you just get up and go no matter what. Doesn't help that with fibro, you look ok even if you feel like you are dying inside :). I stretch, do light exercise, hot baths, and a few meds to keep my symptoms as minimal as possible. Getting started on the exercise was the hardest, but I really can tell the difference the next day if I skip it :).
I am so glad to have read the posts and gotten an idea of who you guys are, and am glad to have a place to go where there are others in the same boat as myself. Sorry this is so long, but feels good to get to talk about fibro after so many years of keeping it to myself so as to not get eyerolls and a dutiful polite remark from people :)May all of you have a wonderfully blessed day, and stay strong :)

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Faith I just found this thread only a few days ago and like you I was amazed that there are people like me. My heart broke to hear about your marriage. My husband feels a similar way, but is not a problem for him because I do get up every day take care of the kids, homeschool all 4 of them, wash 4 to 5 loads of laundry a day. That is why I am on so much medication. I could no live this life if not. I have not gotten my prescription for savella yet, because my copay is $100. With 4 children just not sure can do that on a month to month basis. I hope you find some relief both physically and emotionally on this site.

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