Quote:
Originally Posted by indigo
I would love to try something like the Aspercreme with Lidocaine but it's illegal in my country. Just tried Amazon to see if it was possible but it blocked me. I have severe burning pain in my feet and hands and nothing helps. It's meant I'm now in a wheelchair. It's incredibly frustrating knowing there are a wide range of medications available overseas that could be helpful that I'm never going to be able to access.
This is partly a slightly depressed rant and also wondering if some others face this difficulty? If so any ideas about solutions?
I found out today I'm being discharged from the pain clinic who have seen me for the last 9 months. So it's sort of end of the line. I pretty much know what's available to me and also know it's not enough as I'm steadily
deteriorating. It means I'll have no specialist care but I think there's a recognition that they don't have anything else to offer me. They've been very good to me and I'm grateful but I'm also scared. My quality of life is not high. Guess the frustration is knowing there could be something out there that could make things more bearable but I can't access it simply because of the country I live in. Sorry if this sounds very negative. Just a bit worn out.
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Hi indigo
I realize the Aspercreme is what you'd really like to try and it's not available here in NZ - Searching NZ databases I did find a different product LMX4 which is a topical cream that has 4% Lidocaine (same as Aspercreme) which is used in NZ for local anesthetic. Here's the link to the Medsafe safety data sheet for the product (Suppliers name is at bottom):
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Dat.../l/LMX4crm.pdf
You may be able to get your GP to write a prescription for it. Another possibility is to have your GP write a prescription for a compounded cream with Lidocaine in it and have it made up. I use Pharmaceutical Compounding NZ Ltd for another medication which is not available at the pharmacy and they're very helpful and professional.
I've also recently found a source for Biofreeze in NZ and will pick some up next time I go to the city and try it. Happy to share details if you think it might help you.
Sorry to hear you've been discharged by pain management clinic - I hope you at least have a good GP who can keep monitoring your condition and refer you quickly back to a specialist if you need it.
Take care bluesfan