Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Lyrica is working!!! and some other thoughts

I have been on 100mg. lyrica for almost a week now. My pain levels are at about a 1 or a 2 right now. It has really helped me alot with my work and home life not being in pain all the time. Not taking high levels of pain killers has probably help to lift me out of the fog too.

I remember reading a post about the power of positive thinking. I think it's a good thing to try to keep positive. I have actually tried to keep positive through everything that has been going on but I think the mind and rational thinking goes out the window when you are in alot of pain for long periods of time. I know from previous bouts of depression people have told me why don't you just snap out of it? Obviously it is said by someone who has never suffered depression. Back to my point, I don't think you can tell yourself to be positive to fight pain and depression when the pain and depression is so severe. Just my opinion I guess. I am not suffering depression right now and have been doing well in that department for a long time. I guess I have come to accept alot of what's going on and have been able to cope better than in the past. The old saying "time heals all wounds" may be appropiate. Being positive is a good thought and I guess everyone should strive for that but I really don't think some of us can do that when we are dealing with alot of what we have to deal with.

I go see a psycholigist on Friday for the first time. Not for any paticular reason other than my doctor suggested it. I will be interested to see what he has to say.

Hang in there everyone...it's a bumpy ride!!

Hugs

Glad the Lyrica is working for you.

Gerri

thanks jeff,

couldn't have said it better myself.

it always amazes me how much my mood can shift depending on my pain level. i watch it almost like an outsider, totally amazed at the difference.

i do try to distract myself but when in a lot of pain, its so so hard.
moderate pain, pretty good at distracting myself.
but a lot of pain, then i find myself mostly counting down the hours of each day, trying to just get through them.

sounds like you are doing a little better? i hope so,

but yes, a bumpy ride indeed,

Jefferey,
So happy to hear things are going well for you. I have been on 50mg of Lyrica for a week now and it does nothing....guess I may have to up the dose. Do you take 100 at night or some in the morning also?
As for positive thinking....easier said than done eh. I have suffered severe depression for as long as I can remember and it has been a long long road and struggle to get where I am today. I am very proud of how far I have come. I have decided to be positive, it's an amazing feeling.....what a difference noticed by many.

I wish you the best Jeffery

Sherri

Glad to hear it, congrats! That must feel good for you. I take Gabapentin ( older lyrica) for nerve pain and it works for me, just not this type of pain.

Hi Gerri

Thank you for your words of hope. I am sending some of my good feelings back to you!!

Sue

Thank you so much. I am feeling better...in alot of ways. I know all about counting down the hours. Is this the part where I am supposed to be be positive? I in no way want to ridicule any one who can be positive when pain is thru the roof. I am not that good and would congratulate anyone who can. I was put on anti-depressants as soon as I was diagnosed with AS, even though I told the doctor I was not depressed. Depression has a sneaky way of catching up to you without you even realizing it. I went through 2 1/2 years of major depression after my divorce...years ago. I saw no one professionally and suffered along time. I am glad there are medications out there that help us who need them get thru depression.

Hi Sherri

I take 50 in the morning and 50 at night. I know when I first started I got results in a couple of days. I still get shoulder and neck pain in the afternoon after driving all day. Maybe it will take you just alttle longer to get the results you need. I still have to take vicodin during the day (3 vs.8).

Thanks

Yes it does feel good!!

I go for another Remicade treatment on the 25th. I am hoping between the Lyrica and the Remicade I am able to battle both these pain monsters.

Sherri

Congratulations on coming this far. I know how long and difficult the road can be,