Hi everybody. I have been given Pregabalin by my GP to try, but worried about gaining weight as I'm trying hard to lose some this year. I'm 52 and was diagnosed 3.5 years ago. Have been taken Amitriptyline, but wake up every morning like I've been run over by a train and the brain fog and crippling fatigue is getting me really down now. I work full time in a demanding job (social care) and just want to feel a little bit "more with it" again if that makes sense. I'm trying some reflexology this afternoon, but would really love to hear other people's experiences with Pregabalin and the main side effects. I am also taking Escitalopram 10mg by the way. Thank you and wishing everybody a good day. Petra x
Hi Petra, I can only tell you of my own personal experience with Pregabalin, and obviously everyone is different. I'm 57 and used to be a nurse but had to give it up when I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. I then worked as a ward clerk, part time, in a temporary post, but just before the end of my contract I was signed off by my GP,and haven't worked since. I now get ESA as well as PiP. Anyway, back to the Pregabalin; I have put on weight but my activity levels are also much lower now. The pain is much better controlled now, although I still need co-codamol for bad days. The brain fog and fatigue are unchanged, but the main other effect it has, for me, is a feeling of well-being. I feel much less worried about everything these days. It's quite pleasant not to feel worried, but I think that hoping to feel more "with it" as you say, may not be possible. I have to say I commend you for being able to carry on working full time in such a demanding job. Good luck, and I will be interested to hear what you decide to do, and how you get on. x
Hi Jeanne. Thank you so much for your comments. I really appreciate that. I really struggle with work and my manager has been very supportive, by keeping my caseload low and letting me work from home two days a week. But even though it's getting harder every month, being also menopausal now doesn't help. With me it's case of having to work,as my husband is 15 years older than me and due to retire soon. We still have a mortgage (this is our second marriage) and his pension won't be great. But I often drive home from work, almost in tears and thinking I can't do this for much longer. It's the fatigue and brain fog that's really bothering me. I just keep focussing on the weekends and annual leave days. Out of interest, is your ESA and PIP enough to have a reasonable standard of living on? Just trying to think ahead..... Thanks again Jeanne
Hi again Petra, my ESA and PIP benefits plus my husbands salary are enough for us to have a reasonable standard of living, yes, but it depends which group of ESA you are put in, and which rate of PIP you get. Incidentally you can claim PIP while you are working, it is not means tested. If I were you I would do some research online looking at what benefits you may be entitled to. https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits. is a good place to start. x
Thanks again Jeanne. My work is mainly around older people with dementia, hence my lack of knowledge when it comes to benefits for younger adults. It's just good to know what's available just in case. For now I will try and keep working, but who knows what the future has in store. I'm off for some reflexology at lunch time, looking forward to it. I've had some acupuncture sessions last year and that also helped to an extent. My daughter recently purchased a hot tub, I have booked myself in for this coming Saturday. I think little things like that to help relax etc for a while all have a positive impact. But sadly it doesn't last. Hey Ho, got to try and be positive and enjoy the good times though. Thank you so much again. Hope your day is going well x