Provigil? + I'm Just Feeling Down...

[illusion129]

First off, has anyone tried Provigil? Did the drug cause any unwanted side effects? If not, was the "energy-boosting" effect very helpful? If you didn't like Provigil, what other drug do you take (that you like) for energy?

I just went to my Rheumatologist on Tuesday and explained my fatigue to her and that some days I absolutely need something for fatigue while other days I'm "OK" since I don't work and am not required to be awake at any certain time. She decided to try me on Provigil and see if it helps at all for those days I just need a little extra oompf.

What is it with healthy people thinking that all chronic pain patients are simply not in pain and acting as a "free-loader"? My mother is very understanding of my problems while my father says I'm worthless and lazy. I live with them since I'm not able to work nor do I have the energy to attend school and keep up with all that work. As if our life isn't stressful enough with all we and our bodies deal with, we have to listen to these Joes talk about it being "all in our head"...it upsets me so much...that someone that is supposed to love and care for me to accuse me of being a flatout bum. It really hurts...

If you don't already know, I'm the 20 (21 in April :)) year old guy who has been dealing with chronic pain and major depression ever since the age of 14. It started with my legs and back and now my cervical spine has started to deteriorate. My problems have just recently been blamed on degenerative disc disease but the underlying cause of that hasn't been found. And yes, I've been "doctoring" since 14 with no conclusive answers since; I've gone from "having" Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...you name it and I've had the diagnosis, obviously all of which were WRONG.

A head's up...L-3 to L-4, L-4 to L-5, and L-5 to S-1 in my lumbar spine are sitting literally on top of each other. In my cervical spine, C-2 to C-3 and C-3 to C-4 each have major bone spurs, while there is a Kyphosis at C-4 to C-5 and a bulging disc at C-5 to C-6, all of which are causing central stenosis. I might have the cervical levels labeled backwards, but over all those are the levels that are screwed up in my neck (C-2 to C-6).

Up until about a year ago I received no treatment for my chronic pain. Sure, I went to the doctors and explained how severe my pain was but every single one of them thought I was seeking medication for recreational purposes. At my age I guess it's just difficult for doctors to understand why and actually believe my spine is as messed up as it is. Finally after about the 6th doctor and 3rd MRI of my spine they started noticing the deterioration, yet I still received no treament. Fast foward to doctor # 11...my PCP, who I've had a 1 & 1/2 year relationship with, who actually trusts me with medicine. It only took 5 & 1/2 years of suffering to finally get ANY relief...ugh. :mad:

I guess I'm lucky in the sense that my PCP handles my pain management as well as any other problem I'm having. I go to the Rheumatologist as my specialist; she deals with my fatigue problems as well as she's trying to figure out why my spine is the way it is. Both doctors are very compassionate and I like them. They're the 11th and 13th doctor I've seen for these problems, respectively. The doctor I saw in between them was a quack, just like the other 10 before him.

Sorry to rant so much...I'm just trying to deal with not being able to work or go to school and a few other issues. I know each and every one of you guys have problems dealing with nasty remarks and rude comments and not being able to do what you used to do...I just don't see how some of you cope with life...

As if life isn't unfair ENOUGH for people who have everything going for them...but we have to deal with even more turmoils. It's just so hard...to understand the WHYs and HOWs...and at times I just feel it would be best that I lived no more. I'm a financial strain to my parents and feel as though I'm also a burden because of my physical limitations, even though they're not that great.

OK, I'm done. Forgive me for the long-@$$ post but I just had to spill some of what I'm going through right now before I busted. I'm going to go crawl into bed and hopefully fall asleep...maybe tomorrow will be a better day.

In advance, thanks for reading...more so for actually caring. It really means a lot...

[Mark N]

Russell, venting her is far better than unloading on someone in your life so feel free to come and vent any time you need to. You will probably never get your father to understand so the sooner you quit worrying about that the better. I took me 6 years before I had an appropriate diagnosis so it wasn't only your age that cause it to take so long.

Until someone lives with what we go through they really can't understand the impact it has on our lives, this is just human nature. For example, I have been very understanding of handicapped people my whole life but when our town put ramps in the curbs and the handicapped complained that there was a 2" lip it didn't seem like a big deal to me. That changed when I was recovering following my lumbar fusion and used a walker to get around. i remember walking up to the ramp and wondering if I could pick my walker up those 2" because I hurt so bad. It was a very big deal for me from that point on. What I am saying is, if your father doesn't understand after seeing you go through this for 6 years then he probably won't ever see how much you are going through.

I hope the change in meds helps get you on your feet so you can get out and about more often.

[mrsdoubtfyre]

You know I have been living with chronic pain for YEARS. I do not however, use opiates.

I had reached a new LOW recently, and decided to research light therapy (SAD).

It has been almost 2 weeks, now and I have a thread about it here:
*******************************.com/showthread.php?t=12301

I wanted to improve my mood, increase my activity level, which was hitting
rock bottom all of a sudden, and stop the excess sleeping I was getting into.

What is happening is that alot of my pain is going away...improving!

I am still experimenting with the timing of the light, for the sleeping issues.
But the arthritis pain, my leg pain, and neck pain are improved tremendously.
I think I spiraled down doing some very late shifts, at work, swinging back and forth to early morning ones. I started that in the fall, and by Xmas I was a mess. So I have dropped the night shifts for now.

I always feel much better in the summer. So I investigated the light therapy based on that fact. I found the idea in the book Beyond Prozac, by Michael Norden MD.

Once your sleep cycles are messed up, I think many feel pretty awful, and it can be due to the other medications you are taking, as well.

[Pharmacist.steve]

I had reached a new LOW recently, and decided to research light therapy (SAD).

Our daughter started using a SUNBOX back in the early 90's - while at college - while I was skeptical -at first- considered it "snake oil" - the positive results - with her - were pronounced and unmistakable. She still uses light therapy to this day...

[BrokenBladder]

Russell I'm so sorry that you're dealing with so much pain emotionally and physically. I know it must be tough on you to know that your father assumes you're being lazy. There are so many people who refuse to believe there is anything wrong with us, especially if they can't "look" at us and see it. I'm sure your father loves you Russell and your mother is there for you. Let you mother be your advocate as much as she can.
I don't know anything about your new medication but someone will come along shortly who does.

[Kathi49]

Russell,

I am sorry to hear this too and as Mark says, feel free to vent here. We have all felt this way at one time or another. And, yes, it does hurt when someone thinks you are faking it. It's just that they are not walking in our shoes nor see the pain as it is something that cannot be seen. I had a co-worker once say, "Can't you just take a Tylenol?" I didn't even dignify her comment with a response; I just walked away. To explain to her all that was going on and all the meds I had tried was useless. But, on the other hand, I have had to educate my family. Not because they thought I was making it up, they just did NOT understand all the jargon and what it all meant; how it all comes together. So, I printed off a post about living with chronic pain and let them read it. Now, finally, they get it. Oh, and part of it was fear and worry on their part for me. But it came out as accusatory at times. No longer do they get angry if I can't do something...they simply ask if I can.

I was almost venting this morning...emotionally. I woke up and the tears just came out. I was actually sitting there wondering where that came from at first. But I AM sad that I can't do what I used to do and every day it is some kind of new pain or issue. So, I think I am more mad; it just comes out in tears and sadness. But, I told myself to get over it and to go finish cleaning the oven...something I can do that is minor to distract me for a little while anyway. :)

Anyway, again, when you are "down", feel free to come here. Everyone is very understanding and will help to boost your spirits.

[illusion129]

Thanks guy (and gals, too)! I was not only upset last night when typing that post but I also realized I was "mad" too. I didn't really feel mad but after reading your post, Kathi, I do realize I was both mad and upset last night...

Mad that my dad is just so ignorant that he won't open his eyes to what really is wrong with me. I whole-heartedly believe that me having recurrent infections (sinus) as a child is what partly caused my chronic pain and fried my immune system. But as my father claims, DOCTORS are the one that have "F'ed me up." I don't know whoever invented the phrase that "ignorance is bliss" but I do not agree with it at all. And for anyone to believe that doctors are the problem with a person's health must have their head up their @$$.

Anyway - I'm feeling much better today. Got plenty of sleep last night (and through a nap today) and I'm in a much better mood. Whenever my sister comes around and starts talking $hit, along with my dad hounding me, it just adds up and takes it's toll on my mentality. But, thanks to all of you, just knowing someone out there understands makes me feel a TON better. :D

It seems as though no one has taken Provigil...that or they just haven't posted about the topic. As soon as my insurance authorizes it (if they do) I'll definitely report back and let everyone know how it's working for me.

Mrs. D. - I just want to put a special thank you out there to you for sending the personal message. It's very kind of you. And Steve, thanks for adding the tidbit about your daughter, following up with Mrs. D.'s suggestion of "Light Therapy". I have done research on the topic before but I'm going to spend tomorrow doing even more so that I can find out and see for myself how well the therapy seems to help people. I don't really suffer from a "seasonal disorder", but the fact that it may help with fatigue is enough to spark my interest.

Again, thanks to all of you who posted and those of you who may post later. You people are a true blessing, not only to me but to each other as well. I'm so thankful that BrainTalk came back up!!

[fredo51]

Hi Russell,
I take 200mgs Provigil every morning to help kick the 'drowseys' as I still force myself to work, or I know I will self-destruct with disgust at what I have come to be. Tri-level ACDF C4-C7, and failed fusion at L5-S1. In taking 360mgs Oxycontin & 150mgs Oxycodone daily, I was worried about driving, and I was getting sleepy/drowsey at work...not good when you use a 10" chef knife for close knife work, sometimes for hrs a day. I have been recently bumped up on my dosing, otherwise, I have been at that level for years.
The Provigil does not 'speed' me up, or boost me either. I just notice that I no longer feel like taking a nap 4 times a day. I guess it is subtle in its action, but it definitely works for me.

Luck Dude,
FREDO

[illusion129]

Thank you so much for your input!

My doctor prescribed the 200mg tablets but told me to start out at 100mg and move my way up to 200mg within a few weeks if needed.

She did mention that the effects would be subtle. More so that I would notice the effects of the drug if I ever were to *stop* taking it. I am not looking for a miracle drug to make me "wired" or "high" on a daily basis but something that will help me not want to nap all the time during the days I NEED to be alert.

Again, thanks for sharing! I called the pharmacy today and the insurance still hasn't processed the PA...but I will let you know how it's going once I get the drug into my system.

[Gimpy]

Russell:

I can't help you much, probably not at all as a matter of fact. But I wanted to tell you how very sorry I am that you are having such problems at such a young age. I was dx'd with arthritis at 21, by the time I was 40 my body was shot. I'm now 47 and feel absolutely that I am a worthless piece of society, even though I am very fortunate to have a loving, understanding husband and parents. But I'm not living at home or their tune might have been different. I do my best and that's all I can do. I hate it that I KNOW people think I've just gotten lazy and worthless, it couldn't be further from the truth.

I have noticed recently though, that everthing was fuzzy and seemed for difficult for me to handle. I am trying to get off the pain meds, slowly over time. My view of the world seems clearer but so does my pain.

You can NEVER give up, remember that! You are so young and have so much life a head of you, whether your parents think you'll achieve whatever they define as a "successfull" life or not. Your life will not be defined by your parents, you will learn to define it as your own and make your own way in your own world. You will have happiness and you will have sadness and pain. We ALL do, with various levels of each. But never stop trying, no matter what anyone tells you even when they try to knock you down. I'm not saying get out of the house and climb a mountain. Your mountain may be as simple as finding a job that you can do at home, so that YOU feel you've contributed something to life. That is what's important in life, and to ME, that's one of the most important things. Maybe you can find a hobby that you can turn into a living.

Hang in there kiddo, you've got a long, happy road in front of you.

Linda

P.S. I should have read all the replys first. I just read what Mrs. D wrote, great advice there about the light. Where I live we only had 6 days that did not rain in January. My pain was up, I generally felt like crap. The other day the sun was out, it was gorgeous around 70. I headed for the park and walked almost 4 miles. It took a very, very long time. I walked, stopped, rested. Walked some more. But it felt so good to be in the light and it really cleared my head. I think Mrs. D is really onto something with the light therapy.

[Gymnast_Navy_Wife]

I take provigil on a PRN basis (100 - 200 mg) and overall, its been great and really improved my quality of life. I take it due to day day seizures, nocturnal seizures-- hence, my brain/body doesn't get any true rest, along with med side effects.

I will tell you this -- its NOT a "cure all " nor does it make you "high" in any way--it just helps you function. I still get tired and feel worn out, BUT, it helps me not fall asleep at the drop of a hat--which is wonderful. Side effects wise, the only real thing I notice is that occasionally I will gey sort of "hyper alert" and for lack of a better word, kinda can't sit still, BUT, as weird as it sounds it also helps me stay on track & keep focused, along of course, with the sleep/fatigue aspect.

I know you don't ask for this, but when people ask about Provigil, I always tell them this : I believe timing is VERY important. For me it takes 2-3 hours to fully kick in and lasts about 6-7 hrs and starts to wear off. So, take it for what its worth and time it to where it will benefit you most. So, in going with that thought, yes, it does wear off enough to allow you to sleep at night.

Good Luck-- GNW

[Eppy]

Hi,
I was prescribed Provigil 200mg and have been taking the samples for now until my insurance approves it. My PA was denied so we are appealing. It helps me tremendously. It doesn't give you a high or anything just keeps you from dozing. My only side effect is a little dry mouth. I found that taking it if you are going to have orange juice makes it wear out faster. I take 100mg in the morning like 6am and the other 100mg at noon. I get better results that way. I hope your insurance approves it. Good luck and hope things get better for you.


Luanne

[backless]

Ive been using provigil,on a kinda as needed ,or better as wanted basis for over a yr. Its a good med.Looks just like my norco 10 325.I been really sluggish lately and ran across the bottle today ,so I took one about 1pm.Its 12 08 am and Im now going to be.Bottom line,it really helps me move my butt,got some Valentines things out of the way,even with rain.It seems to give you energy you once had,no buzzing,speed feeling.Try it.I dont take it often because I;m afraid may become immune and then have nothing for events,company etc.