I have come to the conclusion that there is a "System" you have to jump through hoops in to get what you need from the Medical Mills. I Hate it. Whenever I have pain I just resign myself to the fact it's going to kill me or I'll get over it. I have very little faith in doctors anymore and I am just beginning that part of my life when I will be needing more help in the area of my health. I guess trying to prevent problems is the best I can do and hope for but when something unexpected happens, I feel like I am pretty much screwed. Like hanging off a cliff with no underpants on.

I just noticed the number of "views" for your post here. Quite a few more than the average. I think that is a sign of how many of us who may not be suicidal have still thought of the time when we might be at that point if things keep getting worse.

Thank you for in spite of your pain taking the time and trouble to post. I think there is a high probability that you have helped someone else knowing at the very least they aren't alone.

I would like to echo what others have said, you MUST take care of yourself. Given the limited energy you must have with all the pain, please try to prioritize and try to get the best care you can. That is all we can do. Sometimes that is so tedious and difficult, adding more stress to our already very stressed-out lives but keep the big picture in mind, you MUST keep trying the best you can to take care of yourself by finding responsible medical personnel. Sometimes that search can be frustrating.

But please reach-out wherever you can. Don't give up. Thanks for reaching out here and let us know if there is anything we can do.

I was wondering if anyone had tried you on any Klonopin? I know there are some who don't care for this drug, but I have taken this now for quite some time and it does help with pain. I think it is reasonably inexpensive, but cannot recall exact cost, since insurance pays here.

It is in the Benzodiazepine family, thus can be addictive, although probably not nearly as much as Ativan or Valium. It does help with pain. I take it twice daily. It is difficult to get off of, and must be tapered down slowly. This may or may not be important to you, since it looks like you will need to be on something to give you relief for a while.

I was going to post on this the other day and can't remember where. I don't think I really realized how much it was helping until last week, when I somehow forgot to add it to my 7 day pill dispenser and went without it several days... OUCH!!!

Hope you are making some headway getting some help with this pain.

Cathie

I know too as my insurance doesn't cover the meds you should inform the doc because there are many alternatives that are so much cheaper. They can also give samples too. How are you doing? Texasgeek I think your so right about the views. I have had a really bad few days in pain and it is so hard mentally to get through. I try to stay in the moment and it will pass and not add extra stress. I was wondering what helps other cope? I have had a lot of treatment in coping mechanisms for depression/anorexia but this seems different. Its just so hard when the pain gets to where you can barely think. I wish there was inpatient treatment for this where they help you with the mental and also continue to find the cause and help with treatments.I guess one day at a time and hoping better times ahead. Hugs to all.

Electrocuted, if your having troubles getting on to Disabilty payments, in the Stickies on the front page DanP who is a long time PN'er himself, highly recommends a fellow that knows how to get people through the system, he does not charge anyone.
Here is Dan's post; http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=7278
good luck
Brian

You re VERY welcome! I did not expect so many responses, and wish that I had the energy to thank you all personnaly. I know that some of you endure pain even worse than mine, and it is unimaginable!

I had a bad foot day today and found that I had to take 13 of my 300mg Lyrica pills before I began to feel some relief. I cope by taking more and more pills, and it still does not always bring complete relief. I know that you don't have much of an appetite when you are in pain. The Lyrica has actually caused me to gain weight. So I have an eating problem opposite of anorexia right now.

Thank you, Brian. I will try to contact him and see if there is anything I can do.

It is the 21st century now! There HAS to be a medicine or cocktail that will give GENUINE relief now. I challenge ALL physicians who know of any new medications to post here!

I know that they sell them on the streets in Baltimore. I think Klonapin is actually a pill to lower blood pressure for people with hypertension. My neuropathy is a result of nerve damage due to electrocution and is nod diabetes related, so it probably wouldn't work. The Lyrica usually worls IF I take enough of it, but sometimes even it does not reduce the pain, so I DO need to add other medications if I can get some insurance somewhere. I can not afford the $400/ month cobra payments.