I use Tramadol for rare extremely bad days when I need to be able to get through work. Usually, I don't bother taking it. I use heat packs, take epsom salt baths, etc. when I am in a manageable amount of pain. I understand the concern that doctors have prescribing these strong painkillers but unless you have a genetic predisposition to addiction, you will probably be fine. I wish doctors understood that the majority of people do not WANT to need to take any sort of pain medication but that we are desperate for relief. I hope you find a doctor willing to help you find what you need.

I only take a pain pill when I am at a 10 on the pain scale. I try hot packs, hot showers, gentle exercising, or just laying real still in a warm bed and quiet room to settle me down. When those don't help I take a pain pill that will always put me to sleep and hope the rest will make a difference! Hope this helps!

Over the last 25 years, I've discovered no medication really does anything for pain. I use Flexeril for muscle spasms two or three times a year only. I just changed my lifestyle instead. Here's what I do and don't do.

I discovered a lot over the last 25 years. Simply... live like they did in 1850. No microwave, no non stick pans, no plastic containers, no harsh chemicals, no bleach, no fluoride, no caffeine. I eat only fresh organic food or if it's not available then frozen organic. No canned food. No boxed food. Meat is grass fed organic with no hormones or antibiotics. I take no medications for Fibro. I do take thyroid medication for an underactive thyroid. It was on the low side of normal. The right amount for me tests at just over the high normal range. Once or twice a year, I take Flexeril for restless legs or muscle spasms. minimum dosage and that at half dosage most times. If I do something I rest for 3 times as long as I work. If I do dishes and it takes 10 minutes, I rest for 30. I don't overtax my body. Rest is imperative to avoiding flares. Exercise is done in a pool only.

My Dr. seems willing to go there, but the strongest med I will take is Tramadol. It is a mild narcotic, but non-opiate. In Canada it is not a scheduled drug. I have only ever taken 1/4 of the highest dose per day and have had no problems stopping it (no withdrawal). I tried Tylenol 3 and the Butrans Patch and both made me too disoriented. I do know that Percocet would take my pain away, because I've had surgery since being diagnosed and it was the only time I have been able to bend and move around without pain because I was given Percocet. My issue is, I am 42 now. If I start with heavy duty pain pills now, what will become of me in 20 years of I build a tolerance? Instead, I have decided if something cause me too much pain, I don't do it. I am at rest a lot of the day. I pace myself and I ask for help with things like lifting, carrying groceries, heavy chores etc.. Some days it doesn't matter what I do, I am still in agony. Mostly though, this is working for me. I'm also done with taking pills to allow myself to push beyond my limits. I ignored my body's signals to slow down for many years, which I believe is why I developed Fibro. I have hope that I will heal from this some day. But for now, I am sick until I am not.

I haven't used any narcotics in over 9 years. They actually make me have more pain!!