Hello everybody...I am so glad I found this forum, I was thinking i am crazy and lonely , but obviously I am not alone...in September 2011 I started getting this stabbing/tingling...pain in my abdomen/back area....when it kept coming every single day, I went to the GP and did so many tests/scans since then, seen so many doctors....the final conclusion is that it's more likely neuropathy, I have been on Lyrica 50mg three times daily since December 2012, which isnt working, I will start amitryptiline 20 mg daily tomorrow....hopefully it'll be better...my question is:
does nerve pain get worse in the afternoon/ evening? sometimes it's very bad first thing when i wake up
Thanks for all the support.

Hi Omya, Welcome.

It's different with everybody. Some folks' pain is worse during the day; others during the night. It's not uncommon for the pain to be worse when we're tired or just waking up.

Amitriptyline for chronic back pain is an off-label use, but not uncommon either. Many (most) folks take it at bedtime to get through the night a bit easier.

amitriptyline for chronic pain

Have you been referred to Pain Management?

Doc

Have you had any kind of PT, chiropractic, acupuncture, or maybe try a TENS unit?

Posture, fitness, uses during the day? all those can play into pain levels.

I think alot of us experience more pain in the afternoon/evening, after we've been up and a little more active during the day.

I know that I sure have more pain later in the day. It gets pretty darn severe in the afternoon, and by the time I have supper finished (which is a huge chore to even do THAT) I'm ready for bed! I usually just lay there and watch TV, and finally fall asleep about 9pm. I get up in the morning between 4am and 5am, so I go to bed early.

So yeah, afternoon & evening gets pretty bad. God bless & please take care. Hugs, Lee

Dr. Smith
thank you for your reply. I have started using Amitriptyline last night, I am a bit dizzy today, as expected. I dont know if I will always feel dizzy or I will get used to it.
i have been referred to the pain doctor, who prescribed Amitriptyline....the pain management is still a suggestion, do you think it's worth pursuing?

Jo*mar
Thanks for your reply.
No I havent been offered any of these. I have had chiropractic therapy about 14 years ago after suffering from severe pain in my back+right hip and leg while pregnant.
I dont quite get what you mean by postures, fitness and uses during the day. I used to be very active, doing my house work, walking and all. But since this whole thing started, I do the basic stuff only, with difficulty.

Leesa
Sorry to know you are suffering with pain. I hope you get well.
Thanks for your good wishes.

As others stated, pain later in day and nights is always worse. As dr smith stated, a pain management doctor is essential in treating chronic pain. While I don't believe in chiropractor the pain doctors use many non drug treatments. I personally have a peripheral SCS that was off label placed by one with great results. Down over 80% down in narcotics since then.

The dizziness should pass. If it's a problem, call your doctor and ask if you can cut the dosage in half to see if, a) the dizziness is lessened, b) a lower dose will suffice. Then if necessary, you can resume the full dose one you've acclimated (should be a few days). It's also possible that the dosage may have to be increased in time, but cross that bridge later...

pill splitter

I think pain management is definitely worth pursuing. The therapies Jo*mar mentioned are all typical pain management therapies, and there are others as well. Physical Therapy (PT) will likely be one of the first they try, as it has a decent success rate. They will also likely try only one thing at a time so they & you will know which therapy(ies) work and which don't.

Best wishes,

Doc

Njbackpain

Thanks
I wasnt offered SCS, but obviously from your case, it's a good option

Dr. Smith
I was prescribed an increase of the Amitripltyline to double (20 mg) after 1 week, so we'll see how this does.
I will try and see my GP and talk about the pain management option.