Good morning all.

I am fairly new to "NeuroTalk" and I am looking for some input. I have already posted several times to the section on Peripheral Neuropathy & the Spine section.

Here is bridfly my story.

I have been thru 7 spine surgeries which includes surgery to implant and remove a spinal cord stimulator. I have severe cervical and lumbar issues and have had surgery where Harrington Rods were used. I still have spine issues and ongoing problems that include: weakness in my arms; radiating pain into my shoulders; numbness in legs; loss of balance issues; An EMG was done and showed severe nerve problems in my cervical and lumbar regions; severe arthritis in cervical and lumbar regions and neuropathy.

Other healh issues include; Type 2 diabetes; congenital absent left kidney; right kidney disease; surgery for a blood clot on my left leg and surgery for pancreatic cancer.

I started to see a new neurologist about 8 months ago or so. He started me on medication for pain management. Initially I was on Oxydodone and baclofen but was taken off of it because of side effects that didnt go away. I had trouble breathing and lightheadedness.

So I was put on Hydrocodone/Tyelenol 7.5-750 mg and can take a maximum of 6 tablets per day and Tizanidine 2 mg tablets where I take 3 tablets per day.

But here is what i noticed on the Rx. He put down a diagnosis of "Chronic Intractable Pain."

From what I saw when I googled it, it said basically that with all that is wrong there is no other treatmet options left. So does this mean just medicate me at this point that I am at the end of the road for finding any answers or treatment for what is wrong.

I'm finding that when I see him and the meds arent working the answer is just increase the medications. How long can you go on and just increasing the medications so that I can survive and function during the day?

I guess I am frustrated beyond belief at this point. I find it difficult getting thru the day without the medication. But on the medication I find it difficult as well due to side effects.

I guess I am just looking for input on what Chrong Intractable Pain is and how to deal with chronic pain when there may be no answers or treatment left.

Thanks for listening.

Allan