i'm going to try the Morton's Epsom Lotion, thanks :)

debbie, i second the baclofen suggestion, i i use it daily, it really helps, i forgot to take it last night and i was miserable :(

Debbie,

Sorry that you are having such spasms and pain.

I too take Baclofen for spasticity and don't think that I could get on without it.

Regarding the pain and spasticity pre-op, you might ask the surgeon &/or the anesthesiologist if they could give you a spinal infusion of Baclofen at the time of the surgery. Generally this is only done as a test for a Baclofen pump but I've had it done several times to stop the cycle of pain-spasm-pain.

The dose is very low because it is put directly into the spinal canal through a lumbar puncture. So you don't get the side effects of a high oral dose.
At first the legs are nearly useless because the spasms are drastically reduced. I rely on a certain amount of spasticity in the legs to get around, so for a few hours after the infusion I can't stand or walk. But then it wears off and I'm just left with muscle weakness and a small amount of spasticity in the legs and hips.

For me that lasts for around 24 hours, but then as the infusion effects wear off the severe spasticity and pain doesn't return for a few days. That's enough time to collect myself, do a few things and feel somewhat normal. The break is a God send from hopeless despair.

If they agree to do it, it might help you to get through the initial period after surgery without spasms in the operated leg or the other one. That would likely mean less need for post-op pain killers as well.

With love, Erika

Ericka,
Thanks for the advice. The surgeon's pcp I saw yesterday for the pre op exam stated that he has seen surgeons give infusions before surgery and even after surgery for people with RA, etc.
They're going to work up what method of anesthesia they'll utilize for the surgery, and I hope that when we discuss this I can bring it up.
They do want me walking by the end of the day of surgery though, so I think they may want me to be able to use my legs. They start PT right away and also put patients on a passive movement machine once you're out of recovery to keep adhesions from forming.
My neuro talked to the pcp yesterday while I was in the neuro's office regarding his approval for spinal or epidural forms, which the surgeon prefers; it allows better pain relief and an easier& shorter time of recovery.

Debbie, I too am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. I hope that these suggestions help you. I have a lot of pain too, so I truly sympathize.:hug:

Erika, do you think that Baclofen only helps your pain because it relaxes the spasms, or do you think it has an analgesic effect as well? I'm just asking because in addition to spasms, I have neuropathic pain that has not responded to anything (tried a whole bunch of the usual antidepressants and anti seizure meds and have the scrambled brains to prove it!).

Debbie,
They may be able to infuse a very low dose of Baclofen, so that your legs work after surgery. It usually wears off in a maximum of 8 hours. If they use less, that would be enough time for you to recover and to get up and walk a bit...hopefully without spasticity or pain.

The dose they use for me is to knock out the spasticity as much as possible, knowing that it will rebound to an acceptable level within a few hours.

Joan,
I think that both the oral and the spinal infusion Baclofen provides some analgesic effects as well as relief from the spasticity. I've taken the oral form in a low dose (5-10 mg) to get relief of the pain after cramp-type spasms, and it seems to work.

I don't know if it has an effect on neuropathic pain as much as muscle pain though, because I have a fair amount of neuropathic pain despite taking it.
Thus the reason the MS neuro tried me on Lyrica. Unfortunately I'm probably allergic to that as well, so we may have to try something else.
Epsom salt baths have been taking the edge off while I am in there, but I can't live in the tub :D.

I'm sort of new to this drug taking stuff, other than Baclofen and over the counter anti-inflammatory meds, because up until recently those worked enough to keep me and the body fairly functional.
The neuropathic pain is a real...well, just that...a real pain.

Have you tried Epsom salt baths? I put 4 cups into into a warm, not hot bath and soak for 30 - 60 minutes; adding hot water as it cools off.
I've tried the lotion but it doesn't work the same for me. Works on the joints very well though.

Hope that you find something that gives you relief.

With love, Erika

Thanks for the continued advice, Erika...:hug:

Joan, I used to take Gabapentin (neuron tin) for the neuropathic pain, but too many side effects made me decide it wasn't worth being on it. I just put up with the stabs and jabs...I have read too many negative things about Lyrica to even bring it up with my neuro.

I second that on the Lyrica.
My fingers are still little sausages after only a few doses.

Hope that all goes well for you Debbie.

With love, Erika

Thanks Erika…

I feel SO much better!! the change in meds that my neuro prescribed helps me soooo much. I still get painful spasms in the evening, but for the most part I'm walking better, able to pick up my leg again and even shop and clean…yay!!

I'm going to write him a thank you note…I have to trust him more for sure...:rolleyes:

Debbie, that's great news that you're feeling better!:yahoo:

I have tried soaking my feet (the main location of pain) in Epsom salts, but have found that it's mostly the cool-ish water that calms things down. I don't think my feet could tolerate a bath that was warm enough for the rest of my body, so a whole body bath is probably not an option.

Lyrica, Gabapentin, Cymbalta, yep, tried them all and not a one put a dent in the pain. The only thing that has ever helped me is Ambien, which doesn't just help me sleep, but relieves the pain even when I'm not asleep. Doctors, without exception, are not interested in this, nor in trying to figure out if there's something in it that could help apart from the sleep-inducing components.

But there's a Walgreens about two miles from me, and I saw in someone's post saying that they now carry the Morton's mag lotion. Maybe I'll pick some up this Saturday and give it a try.

What did he give you Debbie? I'm wondering if I need baclofen again and maybe it will help with my walking and spasms. :confused: