Hi Mrs D, I kown you had a chart on where lidoderm patches can be placed to give relief to certain areas. I think I wrote on here last week that I am experienceing severe muscle and joint pain. That was after I stopped my plaqunil. I am wondering where I should place the patches if I am looking for relief in both arms and both legs. I believe the script says only 3 patches at a time. I had one in my sacral area for the legs and two above my scapulas for my arms. I did get some relief but not great.
Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks for all you do. hopeful

The Lidoderms are not that effective for muscle pain.

They were designed for nerve pain, mostly.

I find 1/2 patch works pretty well for one sided issues.

So if you have pain in the legs...is it below the knee? if so 1/2 patch behind the knee may help.

Really "vague" pain, is less easy to treat with Lidoderms. They have to be placed over a major nerve path to help with pain caused by nerve compression, or injury.

Can you be more specific as to what kind of pain, and its exact location?

Unfortunately, It is everywhere in both arms and legs bilaterally. Really bad muscle and joint pain. Again with all of this type of pain it is really hard to describe. I can't even touch joints on the inside of my elbows. Fingers joints are also really bad. My fingers feel like they are swelling during the night and a little during the day. this is all on top of the burning, twitching etc. I'm coping Ok just don't understand what is happening. The rheumo has told me my neuropathy caused Fibromyalgia. I didn't believe it but I guess it is true. What do you think?

Why not consider starting the Plaquenil again? Like you said before, it might have been the stopping of it that caused the increased pain. Even at half the dose, it might be helpful.

I don't remember why you said you stopped it to begin with?

Hope you find some relief.

Up to three patches on for 12 hours, then off 12 hours. They can be cut into smaller pieces, you may need to tape them in place. This is from the pt info sheet inside box. You can also go to the web site & print a card for $30 off.

Hi I stopped it because it seemed to be making me really miserable. Picking at people etc. After I stopped one of the girls in work said they had noticed but did not want to say anything. I did call the doctor back and tell the assistant that I would try it again at a lower dose. She said she had just spoke with him and he said he was going to look at my chart and try to come up with something else so to wait a few days. If I don't hear something soon, I may just start it again. Thanks!

Hopeful, I had a lot of that especially in both knees and it wasn't gout but a permanent stiffness and joint pain ( no swelling)

I commenced a 10mg daily dose of prednisone (steroid) and it has relived all joint pain and may even be contributing in reducing nerve pain

This sounds alot like Lupus.(hence the response to Plaquenil)

Have you tried Aleve or another NSAID for this? Anti-inflammatories are better for this type of pain.
Even aspirin can help. But make sure you are allowed aspirin.
(hence the AlkaSeltzer effect). One clue-- do you feel better after you eat? This is a cortisol effect, most noticeable after breakfast and dinner. This points to inflammation also.

The Prednisone suggested by Zorrro works in a similar way, but is much stronger and faster acting.

Zorro thanks for your suggestion. I really do appreciate any advice I get here. I think I will try NSAID's first and see if they work if not I will consider the steroids. They always scare me due to s/e.
Mrs. D. It is funny you should mention Lupus. My rheumo just told me at last appt that he would not be surprised if I eventually tested positive. I had a sister who had very bad RA and they always went back and forth with diagnoses due to high levels for lupus testing. I also have a sister who has Crohns and as you know that is also immune mediated.
As far as feeling better after I eat, I never noticed. I will have to be cognizant of that.
I am going to start The r-lipoic acid tomorrow. I was reading though the thread and saw that your doctors best has 250mgs. I am wondering if I orderd the wrong thing. Mine says 100mg of the acid. Do I need to take two. I know if is on an empty stomach. I also remember you saying that it gave you energy so I am thinking I will need to take it in the morning. Will this help with the joint and muscle pain also?
Also I brought the grapeseed extract. I am thinking I should wait a few weeks to take it so I know what is giving me relief before I start something else.
Well I gotta go my hands really hurt when I type anymore.
Thanks again to everyone on here. I have gotten some awesome advice and caring support. If I knew how to get a smile face I would put one here. haha!!!