[Featheredbrats]

Newly diagnosed with MP, really in a lot of pain and Drs dont seem interested in giving pain meds they prescribed Gapapentin 300mg 3x per day having a real hard time with it upsets my stomach...have a neuro appt in early Oct wondering how to make it till then.

Question what do you guys take for pain tried aspirn, tylenol, advil, aleve and I am ready to climb the wall...

I have alot of burning stabbing sensitivity in thigh clothing feels like sandpaper...tried the hot pepper stuff and since the thigh is soooo sensitive it felt like I was burned by scalding water and had to was it off

Nights are horrific I cant sleep for more than two hours and then up for two till I can walk off some of the pain...

[mrsD]

I had severe MP for many years following a C-section.

I finally found a remission, using Lidoderm patches. I applied 1/2 patch just below the groin area on the upper thigh near the lateral side. Daily use for about 2 weeks turned off the nerve.

There is a new OTC lotion out now that is almost as strong as a
RX Lidoderm. It is called Aspercreme Lidocaine.

Here is a website with a diagram 2B showing where this nerve is...the lateral femoral nerve:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0401/p2109.html

Apply a small amount at the spot shown in the diagram and see if you notice a change. Applying it to the thigh itself may be less effective. It is best to catch the nerve, at the groin level.
This is where doctors inject lidocaine as a test to see if this nerve is the culprit.

http://www.aspercreme.com/pain-relie...lidocaine.html
Don't use large amounts of this lotion...it is very potent and useful when used as directed on the package.

[Ifreedom]

Try about 3 pillows under your knees and even try pillows behind your upper back to simulate an inclined position when sleeping. I too woke up in the middle of the night and this worked for me. Else, try different sleeping positions. I'm suffering too and it sucks. I'm waiting for my first neuro appointment so I know what u mean.

[Hopeless]

To the two newbies with MP,
Ifreedom and Featheredbrats.

Lidoderm patches may provide some relief. Also, see mrsD's post above. Good advice.

My personal opinion,..... since it is ONE nerve, the LFCN, I do not agree with treating the entire body through oral drugs like pain killers, or other drugs used for neuropathies.

Treating the specific nerve gets much better results and does not present the side-effects that an overall oral medication might. Again, just my opinion.

There are several options that are localized and specific to the LFCN, such as the cream of which mrsD spoke, Lidoderm patches Rx, changes in lifestyle if appropriate, loose clothing, identify the triggers and avoid them when possible, and injections into the LFCN are some to consider.

One poster in another thread found that their sleep position was contributing to their MP pain and worked on changing their sleep position. If walking or standing brings on more pain, then try to avoid prolonged walking or standing when possible. If wearing a belt aggravates your MP, try suspenders.

Wishing both of you a spontaneous and speedy relief from your MP pain from one that knows all too well what you are experiencing.

The good news is many have a spontaneous relief from their MP. Others suffer for years.