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Originally Posted by CRPSjames
Sorry you have PN. I have heard that the symptoms are similar to CRPS. Do you also have CRPS?
Yes I am off all narcotics now. (was no picnic getting there) The mental clarity alone was worth the journey. Since I had been on narcotics for so long I now know that they were only adding to my pain. Wish I had dumped them long ago but I convinced myself that I could not function without them. One of the problems was that a psychiatrist, who I really liked and trusted, kept adding meds over time which caused brain fog. Got rid of the shrink and the narcotics at the same time. Don't need either now. Looking back I wonder if I ever did need either of them.
There is a tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) thread containing lots of info and resources. It is where I first learned of the treatment. I recommend reviewing it. tDCS is a treatment for various forms of chronic pain. It might be worth giving it a shot for PN.
Whatever path you choose I hope you find some relief.
Additionally, if you have CRPS consider it good fortune that you did not have a successful trial. With CRPS a Spinal Cord Stimulator is a ticking time bomb.
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Thanks for the info. I am under the care of a Pain Specialist for the past few years. I do not believe I have CRPS. A little more than 5 years ago,I had spine fusion/laminectomy and a badly crushed nerve. Eventually the pain spread from waist to toes. I am on a lot of narcotics. 240 mg's total daily Oxycontin and Percocet for breakthru. Eventually, the constipation led to bladder and rectal surgeries a few years ago. (My Pain Specialist wants me to do another trial.....Not!!!)
Not sure where a tDCS could help since it seems like only one area is treated. I will have to look into this further.
I often have wondered how much my pain is from narcotics and how much is the real pain. Mark56, one of our posters, went thru the withdrawal of all his meds. Not sure I could handle this. Even when a little late taking the 60Mg's Oxycontin every 6 hrs, I experience some withdrawal. The legs are like lifting lead weights and quite painful.
Hope things keep working for you and bring you relief. All this chronic pain is really awful.
(Ger)