Cialis?

General
1

Hello To Everyone,

I had an appointment yesterday with the "Rheumatologist to the stars". HOLLYWOOD Stars, that is. He has written many books on Lupus, Scleroderma, Fibromyalgia, etc. He teaches at UCLA and has published over 300 articles in Medical Journals. He is the 4th Rheumo I have seen since January.

First 2 Rheumos said I also have Fibromyalgia, last 2 said I do not.

The doc yesterday gave me Cialis. Also told me to take 2 aspirin 3x a day. He did a lot of blood work and sent me to get a CAT Scan X-Rays of my chest and abdomen and pelvic region. I am taking Elavil. 10mg in evenings for sleep/pain. (On the advice of the 3rd Rheumo.) And take a 50,000 IU Vitamin D pill weekly. Just took my 2nd weeks pill yesterday. Been on the Elavil for about 3 weeks now.

Have any of you ever taken Cialis or Viagra for this? I remember reading that they were often given for Raynaud's, which I also have. But I think they would make the EM worse, no? When Doc yesterday asked me if I had ever taken Viagra or Cialis I told him that I (being a 58 year old woman living in AGONIZING pain every day and just trying to hang on to find some relief for this misery) never had an issue with the sexual problem Viagra is usually prescribed for-he just looked at me and said, "Try it for a while" I just thought I'd throw a little humor into the situation!!!! This whole medical issue is so ludicrous. But he is not the hand-holding cheery type of doctor!

He said he will call me after he gets the blood work and CAT SCAN results to make another appt, but he wants the results to make a plan.

I have seen al least 18 specialists, probably had enough blood taken for testing that I could have created another person, tried several meds, and still have no answers or relief from this agony.

My sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU'S go out to everyone on this wonderful website. Your posts, the information you research and share, the understanding and support-Is so much appreciated. You all have helped more then these docs. But still am hoping for some medical relief!!

I don't want to put the doctors name I saw yesterday here publicly, since I still will at least be seeing him another time. But if you want his name please just send me a message and I will give you his name and contact info. He may be a huge help to one, or many, of us. I will say that he is brilliant, and known worldwide as one of the best Rheumatologists there is.

2

Hi Twinkle Toes,

It was good to read that you have seen someone with a 'stellar' reputation. I hope he is the bloke who can help you. I haven't read about Viagra or Cialis for EM pain so thanks for passing that info on. It would be wonderful if they helped with EM and have added benefits as well -- humour is so important. I think sometimes, that I'd go mad without it.

blue

3

Hi blue,

Sometimes I try to throw some humor in there somewhere. Because the reality of this sure isn't any kind of funny!

I find sometimes the better the reputation, the worse the doctor is. Don't know how or why, but that has been my experience so far.

But maybe this one will know something enough about EM to be a help. Not holding my breath on it, though.!

4

I think that too. I went to this specialist Rheum , who was in his 70's I think , and he was awful yet he was on this special list of Rheumatologists. And another Rheum I had was an instructor at the local University Hospital, and he was the worst. My best one was at an office that was not all fancy and his office staff was rather laid back as well.

5

Dearest Twinkletoes,

Cialis has most certainly been given to a few Raynauds sufferers due to its ability to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow - ie: vasodilation. Cialis ,or under its active ingredient Talalafil, is used for pulmonary arterial hypertension (40mg once a day) but I have never ever known of its use in EM. Did he actually diagnose you with EM. Did you see him for EM purposely? Sorry, the quib of "Try it for a while" I just thought I'd throw a little humor into the situation!!!! is rather disconcerting.We do have a good Dr directory , do you want me to check out EM aware Dr in CA? We also have info on the site 'new members' with details of most commonly tried medications to try to better manage symptoms. If you cant find or access let one of us mods know ;)

Also, Hayley3 just to check I am right in assuming this Rhuem was not from our list here at Bens Friends. I would appreciate you sharing name with me (privately) , so we know to advise EM'ers to avoid him in future.

Wishing you both a 'comfortable' evening

God bless

x

6

Hello twinkletoes.
I have never heard using that to treat EM before and I would think it would make some people worse but I have heard of other vasodilators helping some EM patients. It depends on the cause of your EM. I hope it helps you. Please keep us updated on your progress. I hope you get some answers from your testing too. It would be great if it shows what is causing your EM and it’s something that can be fixed.
Take care,
Alina