So I get a call from the Rheumy.... | Arthritis Information

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The one that blamed my pain on my weight of an extra 50 pounds.  Actually his PA called me.  Anyway out of the blue she calls and says that the doctor was reviewing my chart and wants to start me on Lyrica and see how I do on that for one week and to follow up w/ him next week.  I almost felt like that was a slap in the face because it was almost like "well I don't know what's wrong w/ her so let's just give her this and shut her up."  What does Lyrica have to do w/ possibly having RA?  He never mentioned Fibro.  My husband about hit the roof when he heard all this.  Plus if I need to lose weight the side effects of this medicine is that you GAIN weight.  Good lord.  What would you do if you were in my shoes?  Have any of you taken Lyrica and did you gain a bunch of weight?  I also heard that somehow if you try to diet it causes problems while taking the medicine. I thought about having my hubby go with me and just talk to this doctor so I had someone in my corner.  The rheumy that I just got a referral to doesn't have any new patient appointments till the end of September.   I would call the office back and ask to speak with the Doctor, and leave a message for him to call you.  Something happened to make this type of a move, as no doctor goes back and reviews unless he has something in mind.  Ask him exactly why he wants to put you on Lyrica, what made him make this decision, what outcome does he expect, and why recommend a drug that makes you gain weight.  I get right in their faces.  I have alot at stake, my health.  Good luck, CathyOh yes, many here have gained weight on Lyrica.  It's one of the major side effects.  So I'm also wondering why he would prescribe that to you after making your weight such an issue.  I'd stick it out and wait for that appointment with the new RD.  Have you asked to be put on the cancellation list?  That often helps.   In the meantime, ask your current doctor for an explanation as to why he wants you on Lyrica.  You certainly have a right to know his reasoning before putting a powerful chemical in your body.  I'd dump this Bozo and go get another doc - hopefully one that 1) listens and 2) has some decency.

 
Pip
Oh I just wanted to add that I didn't mean that anyone taking Lyrica just wants meds and all that.  I was just ticked that after all his crap last week he out of the blue decides to try me on a drug usually used for seizures, neuropathy and fibro w/out any explanation as to why.  ( I had my step sister just walk in the door from Florida when they called so I didn't get all my questions out) 

I went ahead and made the appointment for September w/ the new RD and I guess I'll just live out the pain flares and try to lose weight before then. ;) 
Don't forget to call regularly in the AM to see if they had any cancelations.
 
Hugs,
 
Pip
I take lyrica....but not for fibro or RA. I take it for neve damage and neruopathy and it works wonders for that; but not for joint symptoms.
 
And yes; I've gained about 20lbs (or so
 
Definately insist on an full explanation as to why its being prescribed. Although Fibro is real some doctors dx it when they can't figure anything else out. That's not good enough in m opinion.
That is very strange.  I agree with Cathy...something's going on here.  Even if you decide to dump this doc completely, I would keep that to myself and contact him by phone to get some sort of an explanation...you never know, it might contain some helpful info.
 
I've taken Lyrica for years, for the nerve pain, and while I have gained weight, it seems tied to my RA flares, not a steady weight gain, and sometimes it's even a weight loss when I'm feeling a little better.
I have to tell you that unless you have tested positive for RA and if I remember correctly you haven't and there aren't signs of inflammation, you can go from one doctor to another and you'll still wind up the same test results. I thought for sure I had RA or OA, but other than some OA in my knee, which the rheumy missed, I do not have arthritis or at least nothing to write home about. If the rheum thinks you have FM, verify that. If you want to go to another doctor that's fine, but if you have FM, I sure can tell you that you don't want to wait until September. Heck even if you do gain some weight but the Lyrica works you are still ahead. You can also ask to try something else.

I'm not the doctor and I don't know what you have, but I sure hate to see you suffer for three months.
Mike

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