Wool Goddess

A lot of people have asked me recently about my new medication; especially fellow fibromyalgia ladies who are curious, hopeful, and, understandably, cautious.

“What is it?”

“Is it new?”

“Why now?”

“What are the side effects?”

“Has it helped?”

I totally get it. When you live with something as relentless as fibromyalgia, any whisper of relief spreads fast. But before I spill the tea, let me just say: I don’t believe in gatekeeping something that might help another woman feel better. That said, I’m also incredibly cautious when it comes to talking about medications.

Because, let’s be honest, chronic illness spaces can be full of people claiming they’ve found a “cure.” And more often than not, they’re trying to sell you a book, a supplement, or a course on how they beat fibromyalgia with kale and a yoga mat. 

But fibromyalgia doesn’t work like that. Most of us aren’t cured, we’re managing. Sometimes better than other times. That’s all I’m doing. I’m not “healed.” I haven’t transcended pain and floated off into the wellness ether. I’m just managing it a whole lot better these days.

Fibro: Same Name, Different Snowflake

What works for me might not work for you. Our bodies are beautifully complex, and while we may all share the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, it presents like a unique snowflake in each of us. Yes, there’s a core group of shared symptoms; pain, fatigue, brain fog, but the way they show up (and how we respond to treatments) is wildly personal.

So, What’s This Magic Pill?

I started taking Gabapentin at the beginning of June. It’s not exactly new, but it was new to me. After the breakdown of a long-term relationship, I figured it was a good time to trial something that had always been off my list.

Why had I avoided it for so long?

Because of one very specific side effect that I just couldn’t sign up for…

Anorgasmia.

Yep. Some people taking Gabapentin report an inability to orgasm. And I don’t know about you, but fibromyalgia has already robbed me of plenty; my energy, my career, parts of my independence, but it was not coming for my orgasms.

Seriously. Whether with a partner or solo, orgasm is sacred. It’s one of the only ways I can deeply relax and release tension, which is essential when you live in a body that constantly hurts. My sex drive is part of my joy and wellbeing, and I wasn’t about to risk losing that.

So Why Try It Now?

After my breakup, I decided to give it a go. I wasn’t dealing with the complexities of a relationship, and I figured, if ever there was a time to experiment with side effects, this was it.

And you know what? I’m so glad I did.

Within a week, I started noticing a difference. I stopped needing my strong painkillers (shout out to the now-retired Zapain 30mg Codeine), and I felt….. dare I say it……. hopeful.

How Gabapentin Actually Works

Gabapentin is thought to reduce the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Glutamate is great for learning and brain activity, but in conditions like fibromyalgia, it can go into overdrive by overstimulating the brain and turning up the volume on pain.

To balance it out, we need GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which calms the brain down. When GABA and glutamate are balanced, things feel manageable. In fibromyalgia, that balance is often out of whack.

Gabapentin helps calm the chaos. Less pain. More calm. More me.

What About the Side Effects?

Here’s a list of potential side effects:

• Sleepiness or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Mood changes
• Swollen limbs
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Changes to sexual function
• Weight gain
• Memory issues
• Headaches
• Increased risk of infections

Sounds terrifying, right?

But for me? I had mild tiredness and some light-headedness in the first couple of weeks, and that was it. No scary stuff. No sexual side effects. If anything, my orgasms are even better now because I’m not in constant pain.

Sorry if that’s TMI, but if you’ve lived with chronic illness, you’ll understand: that level of release isn’t just nice, it’s necessary.

In Summary

I feel joy again. I feel myself again. It’s not perfect, but it’s a hell of a lot better than it was.

You’ll always find horror stories in forums and Facebook groups. And of course, those experiences are real and valid. But I wanted to share a good news story, for balance. For hope. For the woman out there quietly struggling and wondering if there’s anything left to try.

This isn’t a miracle. This is me, managing better.

Quick Disclaimer (Because Legal Stuff Matters)

I’m not a doctor. I don’t play one on TV. My medical degree is as non-existent as my ex’s accountability. Everything I share is based on my personal experience or my work as a qualified holistic therapist.

Please, please talk to your actual doctor before starting anything new.

Love & healing hugs