[jcheeves70]

Just have a couple of questions on what people are doing for pain. I have severe pain in both feet that prevent me from walking very much. I am currently talking hydrocodone 10-325 4 times a day. The dr put me on gabapentin today has anyone had any luck with gabapentine relieving any pain? The pain pills by their self's are not strong enough. What pain meds are y'all taking and do they work. Any replys s would be greatly appreciated.

[St George 2013]

Originally Posted by jcheeves70

Just have a couple of questions on what people are doing for pain. I have severe pain in both feet that prevent me from walking very much. I am currently talking hydrocodone 10-325 4 times a day. The dr put me on gabapentin today has anyone had any luck with gabapentine relieving any pain? The pain pills by their self's are not strong enough. What pain meds are y'all taking and do they work. Any replys s would be greatly appreciated.

I too have pain in both feet that keeps me from walking very far. I was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy via skin punch biopsy in Sept of this year. My feet are devoid of A and C fibers. And they tell me now that all I can do is treat the pain. I started on 100 mg of gabapentin 3 times a day in May.....I'm now up to 2700 mg a day. I also take hydrocodone but I think mine is weaker than yours. The neuro asked me on Nov 5th if the gabapentin was helping. I could only say that I still hurt, still unable to grocery shop or clean my house. But....if I went off of it who's to say I would not be laying on the floor in a fetal position thinking I was dying of pain ? My hands started getting worse about 3 weeks ago as well as my legs aching. My symptoms are 24/7....sometimes extremely painful and sometimes just annoying.

My SFN is due to diabetes and chemo treatment with carbo/taxol. My new oncologist wants me to go to the Neuropathy Dept at Emory in Atl but my appointment isn't until March 25, 2014.

Hope this info helps some. I know a lot of people that cannot take gabapentin and are on Lyrica. MrsD recommends Morton's Epson Lotion which I am going to get this weekend. I have swelling also and am hoping this will help.

I'm sure there will be much more knowledgeable people coming behind me to help you out....this site has been wonderful for me and the people are great.

Debi from Georgia

[MelodyL]

Originally Posted by jcheeves70

Just have a couple of questions on what people are doing for pain. I have severe pain in both feet that prevent me from walking very much. I am currently talking hydrocodone 10-325 4 times a day. The dr put me on gabapentin today has anyone had any luck with gabapentine relieving any pain? The pain pills by their self's are not strong enough. What pain meds are y'all taking and do they work. Any replys s would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, many years ago when my husband was going crazy with neuropathy pain, his pain management physician prescribed the Duragesic Fentanyl pain patch. It was the only thing that stopped the pain. He got sick from Lyrica and Neurontin and when he got this patch it literally saved his sanity.

He had to keep increasing the dose (not all have to do this but in my hubby's case he had to). At the time he was doing 125 every two days. Most people change patch every three days but with neuropathy pain, well, our doctor had to phone the pharmacist and explain about neuropathic pain and how my husband needed it every two days. The pharmacist almost did not fill the prescription but when it was explained there was no problem.

My husband was on it for quite a while until he reached the maximun dosage at the time (which was 125) and then he had to titrate down and when he got to 25, he had to go into rehab to get off of it. That was not pleasant.

But that was over 10 years ago. His pain level (while very bad at times) is nothing like it was 10 years ago. His neuropathy was not caused by diabetes nor any known cause so they called it Idiopathic neuropathy.

But there is one bad side effect to these opiods. You don't go to the bathroom like normal people do. You must use laxatives.

But as he used to say "I don't care, it stops the pain".

I wish you well.

Take care, and Welcome

Melody

[Darlene]

jcheeves70,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[jcheeves70]

Thanks for the replys everyone. I too am from ga good to see some local people. Just experiencing lots of pain. Please let me know if the cream or the Emory clinic help I would love to have other options. From what I have read pain meds is the only real help but I would my pain meds would be enough but on the bad days it only scratches the surface. Thanks again for all of the responses it is nice to know Iam not alone with this terrible pain.

[St George 2013]

I'm about an hour from ATL and knew that Emory had a Neuropathy Dept but I just didn't want to have to ask family members to take off work to drive me up there. This new onco made me realize I HAVE to take care of myself and go to the best places possible that can help me. My husband has offered to take me out of state if necessary but I'm going to give Emory a try. I believe they do quite a lot of research on this and I'm hopeful they can help me find a way to have some quality of life back. I believe u should also take advantage of the Neuropathy Dept at Emory.....the onco said there are lots of dr's in that Dept with extensive knowledge of PN of all kinds. You really need to get a referral now....seems to take a long time to get in since March was the first opening they had for me. I'm sure it will be easier to get an appointment after I am an established patient.

My daughter is going to put in for FMLA so she can help out too. I am blessed to have a wonderful and very supportive family.

As far as the pain meds go....my local neuro, that I don't really care for and have only seen 2 times, does not want me on pain meds but didn't tell me not to take them.....they are prescribed by my wonderful PCP. He wants to get my gabapentin up high enough that I don't need pain meds. I'm thinking that is not going to happen. The onco said I need to keep seeing this neuro until I go to Emory in March. I have no plans to tell my neuro that I will be going to Emory.

Take care and pls keep us updated and always remember we are here if you just want to talk, vent or whatever

Debi from Georgia