Have had severe fibro for over 12 years - currently on Avinza, Oxycontin, neurontin, naproxen?

22 Jan 2010

I had a similar problem kind of. I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia in Aug.09 and then in Sept.09 a neurologist ordered an MRI which showed that I also have Chiari malformation which in simplified terms basically means that my brain is too big for my skull... literally. Since Aug. I've been on Lyrica and a number of other meds none of which really help anymore. I went to see a neurosurgeon this week who informed me that if my fibro wasn't responding to meds it is probably symptoms of Chiari malformation and not true fibro. I'm now scheduled to have an Endoscopic Chiari Decompression this May which might possibly relieve all my pain if my body responds correctly.

Anyways, my point was that I would advise you to beg for an MRI of your brain which is the only way to find Chiari; but if that's what you have, surgery might give you some major relief from a lot of your pain.

29 Jan 2010

I'm suprised that you can take oxycontin and naproxen together, but I am one that chooses to suffer in pain - I am by far not a good example or a doctor.

Only your doctor can say if you can take them together. Make sure whoever wants to add Savella knows about all the others.

Personally, I was on Savella and I had no change in my FM. I take medications very similar for REM Sleep Disorder and Narcolepsy.

My Rheumatologist actually took me off Neurontin and replaced it with Savella because it is supposed to have less side affects.

Some can handle the increase of additional meds, but it is possible to develop GI and other issues from too much of the same types of medications (serotonin, norepinephrine, etc.)

I wasn't able to tolerate the meds in the same category as Neurontin, Lyrica, Topomax, etc.

Have you considered or tried GUNN IMS: Intramuscular Stimulation?