Lyrica, Cymbalta, Fibromyalgia

I have just returned from doing my cardio-fitness exercise, which for me is fast walking with a heart rate between 90 and 120 for 20+ minutes; I became a believer in this type of exercise when they reminded me that it produced endorphins and my pharmacist reminded me that endorphins hit the same nerve mechanisms as the juice of the poppy. It feels good and lasts for about 8 hours.

I have nothing much to report on Cymbalta, because the side effects are absent with the exception of the sexual business, no dizziness, no exhaustion; it does produce a bit of a high, but not too much of one. Having given the Lyrica about an 8 months try I feel that I was right in dismissing it for this stuff. Again, I have no idea how it affects anyone else, whether it is better for rheumatism/fibromyalgia for anyone else, I am just putting it down here for those who are following my journey.

Another aspect of pain management is what they call bio-feedback, what some might call mindfulness exercises involving breath control and the monitoring of pain and tension changes from the exercise. I have been doing this kind of thing for about a year and a half so didn’t need to be sold on its benefits.

Other specialized exercises and occupational therapy just make my body work in a more natural way, one that doesn’t hurt so much.

As for the psychology: reducing stress reduces pain, accepting what can’t be changed is a good habit, etc., etc.

My mechanic suffers from chronic leg pain from an old injury; I have been nagging, coaxing, showing him my progress, and I think he may actually try to do something. It is liking moving a house from its foundation.

As I wrote a few days ago, being open and looking beyond is the key to a great big future, but no one can do it for me except me.

There isn’t anything else to write than what I have put down so far, there is a smörgåsbord, so don’t be so picky, try a little of each.