Now that I've maxed out on Lyrica and Tramadol (also tried Cymbalta) have started weaning off the brain food and will try the Fentanyl Patches next. I got 2 fairly good years on neurotin, then Lyrica and Tramadol, but like everything else the body seems to build up a tolerance. Also the side effects seem to become more pronounced and adding Cymbalta paid no dividend. The Rebuilder was there at the start and well worth the cost (I like toys) and it will help get me off the meds. If you like to experiment you can use the electrodes on the Rebuilder on the nerves in the legs and feet. The foot bath is great while surfing the net. If you have never had neck surgery this is an easy exercise for heavy feeling in the legs. Lay flat on your back in bed, move your head so it is hanging over the side, slowly roll it from side to side, stay relaxed as possible. When you get up and start walking it feels as if 15 pounds has been removed from each leg. Don't overdo this at first as it will make you nauseous.

A lot of people have already posted some helpful advice. To that, I would like to suggest that you get some 11x14 heavy blue ice packs (ColPak by Chattanooga), freeze them, wrap 1 in a hand towel and apply to feet, knees moving to wherever it hurts. I use them at night and move them around where I hurt and swap one out for a colder one. Cold helps nerve pain in a lot of people. I could not make it without these. Get a couple and at least give them a try. You can usually get them locally from Chiropractors, but you can get them cheaper on the Internet.

These do not sweat and make you wet all over like other ice packs. They feel sooo good... They are used in sports medicine.

Also, the kind of shoes and socks can affect your pain. I cannot tolerate anything but all cotton and no tight shoes. I had a huge brown bag full of expensive custom made shoe inserts, which constantly had to be remade, because I could not stand where they touched the bottoms of my feet.

Cathie

YorkieMom. I found your posting about the cold packs absolutely amazing. I cannot use anything cold anywhere on my body.

For instance, years ago, I had spasm in my lower back. I had pinched nerves all over the place, I couldn't move my neck to the right and left, and my left shoulder was driving me crazy. My doctor sent me to rehabilitation and physical therapy.

The first thing they did was put a hot pack and then the electrodes. That was nice. I wouldn't let them rev it up too much because I felt like I would be electrocuted and I wasn't about to do this. Then they gave me this very nice massage. That was just fine.

Then they sent me into a room and had me sit up and they put this ice cold pack on my lower back. I HATED IT. COULDN'T STAND IT AND WHEN I SAID "TAKE THIS DARN THING OFF OF ME, THEY SAID "NO, THIS IS GOOD FOR SPASMS!!!" I just took it off and told them not to use it on me again.
I DON'T LIKE ANYTHING COLD ON MY BODY.

When my feet get cold (like in the winter), I just microwave my microwave bead thing. Then I put my feet on the thing and my feet don't freeze up.

Something about my body does not like cold. I'm absolutely fine when it's 95 degrees. I once went walking all day long when everybody else was dying in the heat and pouring ice water all over them. They took a look at me (using my ipod) and swinging my arms when I power walk and they just shook their heads in amazement as if to say "how on earth can this person walk in this hot weather". I have degenerative joint disease and when it's 95 outside, I DON'T FEEL ANY PAIN. I just take my bottled water and I go walking.

But forget about that when it's 40 or below. I am stiff as a board.

I think I need to move to either Las vegas or New Mexico.
But all my doctors are here so I can't move anywhere.

And congratulate me, I WENT TO THE DENTIST YESTERDAY. I am a severe dental phobic but I found the nicest phobia dentist in NYC. Takes me two hours to get there by Access-a-ride but I wouldn't go to anybody else.
He's a doll. Alan couldn't believe I actually made the appointment to get my teeth cleaned. He knows my phobia. My in-laws met up with me there. They are my support system.
The staff is so nice to me. So now my teeth are nice and clean and I don't have to go back for another 6 months. You have no idea how hard this was for me. But I've decided to get my life back and at almost 60 years old, doing this is one step at a time.

BUT I DID IT. I went to the dentist. Yippee.

Melody

Cold packs work like a miracle for pain and healing. That's why professional athletes use them for slight and serious injury. Once the tissue cools down after the initial shock they actually feel warm. They deaden pain almost 100%. Ice packs also promote healing because the cold reduces swelling and inflammation, and new blood comes to the area when the ice pack is removed.

Don't let the initial shock of the cold stop you. Just endure it for a minute or two. You'll see. It'll make you comfortably numb.

Some procedures and cautions:
- Ice on for 20 minutes, then remove. You can repeat hourly.
- You can alternate with warm for injuries except when swelling is present. If swelling is present, use only cold.
- Be careful about frostbite. If your freezer is below 0 degrees F., double wrap the pack. I like ice cubes and a little water in a doubled zip-lock plastic bag. It is always 32 degrees until all the ice melts and thus cannot cause frostbite. However, as Cathie pointed out, they are drippy. Even without leaks, moisture condenses on them.
- For nerve pain, use cold only. Heat makes PN pain worse.

So, where is heat good? For infection, tissue damage and injury without swelling present. Warm increases blood flow to the area, speeds up the healing process, and helps your white cells and antibodies kill bacteria and clean up the area.

Heat may or may not be good, but cold packs always are.

The one thing I notice...almost universally...with all the wonderful people on this website is the courage that you all possess. My sister had osteogenic sarcoma as a 13 year old...she lost her right leg....she survived...only to get breast cancer at 48...she survived that too....she just lost her job and is barely hanging on to her home.....I...on the other hand...have a beautiful home...a nice paying job....a wonderful wife...and I am ready to end it all. I just don't have the energy to live a life of disability. Now trust me....I'm not asking for 911 or some...get some help...kind of support...I'm just rambling tonight, because I used to be such an athlete....I was always so in shape...My best friend died of lupus...and I never thought I'd be affected by anything...other than a heart attack at 90. I don't want to live a life of pain and sorrow...be miserable...and not be positive for my wife. She is 10 years my junior and in perfect health....she has supported me when I gave up on cycling at the club, because it aggravated my arthitic knee....she supported me on so many things...she shouldn't have to do that...I remember the line from Saturday Night Live...."It's better to look good than feel good". I am a 57 year old male who looks about 40, but am know feeling about 80. In the old days we all checked out at about 50....I think that is probably a good thing. I am so jealous of men my age that are healthy....running...biking...and in wondeful shape......I really do want to check out. Not a pity message...so...you know who you are....please don't rip me.

When any major crisis hits most of us go through the stages of grief- this happens when we have health set backs too.

[A Normal Life Process

At some point in our lives, each of us faces the loss of someone or something dear to us. The grief that follows such a loss can seem unbearable, but grief is actually a healing process. Grief is the emotional suffering we feel after a loss of some kind. The death of a loved one, loss of a limb, even intense disappointment can cause grief. Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross has named five stages of grief people go through following a serious loss. Sometimes people get stuck in one of the first four stages. Their lives can be painful until they move to the fifth stage - acceptance.
Five Stages Of Grief

1. Denial and Isolation.
At first, we tend to deny the loss has taken place, and may withdraw from our usual social contacts. This stage may last a few moments, or longer.
2. Anger.
The grieving person may then be furious at the person who inflicted the hurt (even if she's dead), or at the world, for letting it happen. He may be angry with himself for letting the event take place, even if, realistically, nothing could have stopped it.
3. Bargaining.
Now the grieving person may make bargains with God, asking, "If I do this, will you take away the loss?"
4. Depression.
The person feels numb, although anger and sadness may remain underneath.
5. Acceptance.
This is when the anger, sadness and mourning have tapered off. The person simply accepts the reality of the loss.

Grief And Stress

During grief, it is common to have many conflicting feelings. Sorrow, anger, loneliness, sadness, shame, anxiety, and guilt often accompany serious losses. Having so many strong feelings can be very stressful.

Yet denying the feelings, and failing to work through the five stages of grief, is harder on the body and mind than going through them. When people suggest "looking on the bright side," or other ways of cutting off difficult feelings, the grieving person may feel pressured to hide or deny these emotions. Then it will take longer for healing to take place.
Recovering From Grief

Grieving and its stresses pass more quickly, with good self-care habits. It helps to have a close circle of family or friends. It also helps to eat a balanced diet, drink enough non-alcoholic fluids, get exercise and rest.

Most people are unprepared for grief, since so often, tragedy strikes suddenly, without warning. If good self-care habits are always practiced, it helps the person to deal with the pain and shock of loss until acceptance is reached.]

from -
http://www.memorialhospital.org/libr...ess-THE-3.html

Hi Jak:

Reminds me of when Alan was at his worse (with his PN), years ago. He told me recently, "Melody, I never told you this, but I was ready to end it all". I was so shocked, I never knew he felt like that.

But as you now know, Alan got a break and got better.

Miracles do happen.

I am praying for one for you!!!

Take care, Melody

Time for some serious stuff... Please don't check out on us, your wife or family. I know it's tempting, but think about the pain you would cause those left behind who love and care about you. I understand you are not asking for pity. Pain is a tough row to hoe, for sure...

What if.... You found a doctor tomorrow, who with the right combination of meds, could give you at least a part of your old life back, maybe quite a bit of it back... Or if not tomorrow, the next day or the next? Please don't give in to this temptation...

When I first got sick, I was in such agony, I would call my husband at school every day screaming, crying and threatening to do myself in. Like you, I wasn't asking for pity either-I wanted relief AND my old life back. At 48, I could not imagine living like I was living. However, the medication I am on at least checks part of the pain and symptoms. No, I don't like taking it, but it has at least given me a portion of my life back.

Am I still angry? YES!!!! But, I am trying very hard to focus on what I can do though.

The other thing that has been a blessing is that I have a supportive spouse, just as you do. I don't know you well, or your spouse, but from some of what you have said, she still loves you, even if you cannot do some of the things you used to be able to do. Isn't that worth living for?

Please, pick up the phone tomorrow and call a pain management doctor. Meanwhile, get to a Rheumatologist and see if they can determine if you have some autoimmune issues. You know some of the autoimmune diseases can also cause PN. If you don't, a good, supportive pain management doctor might be able to give you some relief...

And, give the ice a try. I will be happy to send you one of my ice packs, if you would like to try one out...

Cathie

Lanny42, I have tried the patches...I wouldn't recommend them for several reasons. They are very expensive. They don't last the 3 days they're supposed to, barely 2. They are a hassle to keep track of. You will build up a tolerance to them very quickly and have to increase constantly.

I have tried just about everything. What worked the best for me, and still is 6 mos. later is, believe it or not, methadone. It works very well for nerve pain. It has very little to no side effects. It is easy on the body(few metabolites).
Tolerance is very slow to develop. It is unbelievably inexpensive. It was approved last June. for pain treatments. It has helped me more that anything.
I know it has a bad rap as a heroin withdrawal drug, but for pain relief, it has no equal. My pain specialist recommended it and I'm glad he did. Hope this helps. Nacho.

Hi Nacho:

Does the methadone affect the digestive tract like the fentanyl pain patches (or vicodin) did??? Alan never was able to go to the bathroom while he wore these patches. He went, maybe once a week. I mean, it did what it had to do for the pain but the side effects were horrible. And he was up to 125 of the fentanyl. My friend who had stage 4 lung cancer, (this was 5 years ago), we only went to 100 of the patch before he passed away.

Just imagine, Alan was on 125 of the patch and took vicodin for breakthrough pain. All I can say is thank God for Dr. Theirl and whatever he did to get rid of Alan's pain so now he doesn't use anything for pain!!!



FOR SUE:
If you read my recipe for the muffins, there is no sugar added. Of course there is some sugar because it starts with a Jiffy muffin mix but after that, it's all splenda and no sugar added apple sauce.

I think, if you go on the interent and type in "no sugar muffins", you might get a recipe using bisquick, or pancake mix and sugar substitutes.

But honestly, I eat one or two of these things every day and this morning my sugar reading was 117. It was 400 4 years ago. So I must be doing something right??? I never put sugar in my coffee or whatever. There is no sugar in my house. I only use Stevia or Splenda.

Thankfully, we have these muffins so if Alan wants a snack, besides his cereal, yoghurt, bananas, etc. (he eats all night by the way) & I don't eat after 6 p.m., well, I guess I don't have his metabolism and he goes to the gym every other day so he builds muscles.

The day I pick up a weight again, well shoot me!!!

Melody