I got my results from the Hampshire Clinic this morning. Most of the tests came back fine, thankfully. My cholesterol was a little higher than normal, and the Doctor did pick up a 'quiet' heart murmur and my blood pressure is a little high. Oh, and of course there were signs of inflammation (quelle surprise). I still have one more blood test to come back, but that won't be back until Monday, but I don't think it will be anything to worry about.

How I feel at the moment, I'm putting down to coming off the Pregabalin. I'm going to have to lose 2 stone, cut down on chips and butter and also give up the chocolate! It's going to be a piece of cake .... probably the only piece of cake that's going to pass my lips for a good while. To be honest, my diet isn't too bad, I've only been having butter for about 6 months so I can cut that out of my diet easily. My biggest weakness is the occasional chocolate bar, and my biggest failing is I'm getting little, or no, exercise, partly because of my back and recently because I feel so poorly.

Since I stopped taking the Pregabalin I have lost 8 lbs. so I will just have to pull my finger out, and a few other bits, and work a bit harder. I think I am going to buy that running (walking) machine after all!

I'm not going to stress about the 'murmur', as I'm sure it was because dishy Dr Hillary Jones was in the same room as I was, and I was only in my bra and pants. Given the situation I think your heart would skip a beat or two as well. Apparently it a common occurrence.

I think it's going to be a 'cold day in hell'. before I ever take any more drugs, without thoroughly investigating possible side effects and withdrawal problems.

Sorry I've Been AWOL

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a long while. To be perfectly honest I've been feeling really poorly. I was taking some really strong meds called Pregabalin (Lyrica), for my Fibromyalgia and sciatic nerve damage, which has really knocked me sideways. I decided to come off them and it has been an absolute nightmare, with withdrawal symptoms still persisting for over 6 week now, and still no end in site. I Googled 'Coming off Pregabalin', and this site popped up. click here

I so wish I’d have found this site weeks ago. I really believed I had become seriously ill. I had no joy with my own GP, who more or less washed her hands of me, so I’ve just spent all of my saving on a ‘Well Woman’ consultation at a private hospital, although thinking about it, I was seen by Dr Hillary Jones, so perhaps it wasn't all for nothing!

The comments were all about the side effects of taking this drug and the horrible withdrawal symptoms you can get when you come of them.

Here's what I wrote as my comment:-

After 12 months I stopped taking Pregabalin because I was in so much pain with my feet, swelling, numbness in my feet and lower legs, weight gain, fatigue. I had been prescribed the medication for Fibromyalgia and sciatic nerve pain in my back.

I reduced the dose gradually from 300mg to zero over a period of two weeks. I am still feeling the horrible withdrawal symptoms as described by many contributors in this post and I’ve been off it fully for 6 weeks.

After reading a post by David I am feeling (spiritually) much better, as I know it’s this AWFUL drug, Pregabalin (Lyrica) and not me being seriously ill.

I am still struggling, but I have hope now. I just want to say thank you all for your posts, they have truly been a blessing for me. I wish you all good or better health.

If you are taking this drug and it is helping you then that's good, I'm pleased it's working for you. But if you are thinking of taking this powerful drug, please take the time to read just some of the comments that the above link takes you to. If nothing you with be aware of what you are getting in to.

I hope next time I post, this horrible episode will be behind me, please keep your fingers crossed for me.
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