I took myself off all of my meds; except my thyroid medicine and Aleve, 4 weeks ago. I did it because I was constantly dizzy and wanted to figure out which one (or combination) was causing it. I am pretty sure it was the Lyrica, but I not 100%. I still need to take my list of medications to a pharmacist (NOT at the indian clinic) to see what the contraindications might be.
This is what I have observed since I quit taking them: No more dizzy spells and I seem to have a little more energy. However; the pain is IMMENSE!!!! My ankle joints are pretty swollen and the pain is horrible (thank God for Aleve). I don't sleep very well at night and I am pretty sure that is due to not taking Meloxicam and Flexiril at bedtime. One good thing about not taking the flexiril - I don't wake up in the middle of the night because I need to go to the bathroom, only to realize I am already going. The bad thing about not taking flexiril - the cramps in my legs are creeping back. I haven't noticed much edema since I quit taking Lasix. I don't take my tramadol anymore and don't get the horrible headaches that went with it - I think it's kinda funny that the tramadol took the edge off of the pain in my legs and shoulders, but in return I got a splitting headache.
I feel so confused because I really thought the Lyrica was helping me and I fought so hard to get back on it. Now I feel so much better (mentally) without it.
I am NOT recommending that other Lupies (or any other chronic pain sufferer) take themselves off of their medications! This is my path and I have chosen to take this path off the fork in the road. I am the one that will suffer the consequences for my decision. I hope and pray that the consequences of my decision are favorable.
I have decided to look, a little more seriously into a product called Juice Plus. I have read the website and the reviews. I have also talked about it with one of my Lupie friends that is on it ( and swears by it). I will discuss it with my doctor before making my final decision. I am so very interested in looking into a more holistic approach to treating my disease. I feel like there is a reason that native americans used so many herbs to treat illnesses - so many people survived thousands of years off of things that grow naturally on the earth. I just feel like all the chemicals and poisons are making me sicker.
Again - I am NOT advising anyone else to take this path! This is my decision for me. I do not recommend that others do anything without first speaking with your own doctor and health care team.
Please say a prayer that I am following God's will for MY life concerning my health.
"The Chronic Games: May the spoons be ever in your favor."