Startling Find on Fibromyalgia, Opiates & Fibrofog
NEWSBRIEF: A new study from the University of Alberta sheds light on the cognitive aspect of fibromyalgia, which is frequently referred to as "fibrofog."
Researchers concluded that the "working memory" is impaired. Working memory is defined as:
Ability to hold a small amount of material in memory for a short time while simultaneously processing the same or other material.
This impairment can help explain why multitasking and other information-based activities, such as following a recipe, are difficult for people with fibromyalgia.
Surprisingly, study participants who were on narcotics or opiates had distinctly better memories than those who were not. Researchers say they hope doctors will take these findings into account when prescribing medications for fibromyalgia.
Related Content: Drug Treatments for Fibromyalgia
From the Forum: Share Your Fibrofog Moments!
Comments
This is scary. Foggy headed or drugged. I react very badly to medications that affect my nervous system so this isn’t an option for me.
This is very interesting because prior to the surgery on my foot I didn’t have much of a problem with fibrofog and I think one of the reasons is because of the narcotic painkiller I am on to control all my Chronic pain. I also have Chronic Pain Syndrome.
Tomorrow will be 6 months since I had the surgery on my foot, and since that time I have been without a flare from my fibromyalgia.
When it comes to prescribing narcotics of any kind, studies like this one won’t do Americans much good as doctors here are too terrified of the DEA to stand up for patients’ needs. Who wants to go to med school for years and then risk their license because they dared to listen to patients?
This study is very interesting. But I have to say that I can not, and I repeat, can not ever imagine a doctor prescribing a narcotic for fibrofog. It is difficult enough to find a doctor to prescribe narcotics for unbearable chronic pain, much less for fibrofog! I just do not see that happening anytime in the near future.
I have found great relief from fibro fog ( which was so bad I thought I had demetia) by takeing a mild dose of anti depressants suggested to me by my doctor, has anyone else had success with this approach?
Although I am still not convinced that I have ME\CFS\ETC. as many illnesses have the similar symptoms. However, I am lucky to have found a Doctor who has prescribed narcotics for my pain. When the meds wear off, I am not a pleasant person to be around. While on the meds, I can function upwards of 60%. 10 years of the Doctor circuit (in Canada)I have a binder 3″ thick of Doctor reports. None other then one, has come out with a diagnosis. They only write “possible” CFS however the term is ME. The CDC is not pursuing this vigorously due to the implications of disability and insurance claims. We are very much on our own. The Diagnosis is Environmental illness or toxic overload. There are many studies that written on this subject and being the last of the “boomers”, it has been during my lifetime that something like 30,000 (probably more, cannot remember) chemicals have been introduced into our food chain and environment. I am seeing more of my friends becoming ill, or worse, battling or lost to cancer. Because our illness is so complex, Doctors run from us. They do not have the time to spend, nor is there enough research devoted to this area. The statistics show that our “illness” is more prevalent then others that get more media attention and research funding. The CDC diverted funds destined for “CFS” Research into other diseases. The Europeans are much further ahead in research and the websites as I have found the majority (other then Mayo, Hopkins etc) to be more focused on selling product. We all suffer in silence and stats also show a higher incidence in suicide rates amongst FM\ME\ETC. sufferers. Hopefully you have a strong family support system, a Doctor that is not afraid (in Canada they are just as afraid as in the U.S. to prescribe narcotics). it is a Physicians responsibility to make their patients comfortable. I can purchase illegal drugs cheaper and widely available then prescribed. This is shameful.
I am trying everything as this is a disease of exclusion. You must find someone who is interested in this challenging illness to take you on as a patient. I am saddened for all of us. Please post a good forum so i may find others to speak with so i know how I feel in comparison. If it were not for the Hydromorph Contin, I would not be writing this now. Stay well, stay positive, and save your energy. See A. Bested’s book newly released for those who are new to this or want their loved ones to understand better. this is not a plug. i have read many books that were written for profit. Canadian Doctors do not earn the same as U.S. She wanted to reach as many people as possible, but to date as we all know, there is no “cure”.
It makes sense because your are not suffering from so much pain so you are able to think better. I’ve been on narcotic pain meds for my fibro for over 20 years and my memory is 100 times better than my husband who doesn’t take any drugs.
You all are lucky to have a doctor who will even prescribe narcotics. Because I am a recovering addict my doctor will only give me soma for my pain and only 3 a day at that. He gave me lyrica which helped alittle then I lost my job and insurance so now I have nothing for the pain and I am about to start in the streets again for pain medications because the pain is beginning to become unbearable and the fibrofog is ridiculos. I thought I was getting alhzimers.
Wendy,
Pfizer has a new program to help people who’ve recently lost their jobs. Click here for information.
Has anyone tried detoxifying the body? I read an article that showed that patients who underwent a detoxification program such as herbal, dmps/dmsa or and in conjunction with Infra red saunas there was a dramatic improvement in patients with these symptoms, simply because our bodies are allergic to the toxic overload and removing the overload relieved symptoms for a good portion of people.