[Blueberry]

Hello, this is my first post, but I have been reading this forum for a while. I am diagnosed with Pudendal Nerve Entrapment, currently taking Lyrica 100 mg. My symptoms are genital, rectal, and unilateral buttock pain, severe constipation, and urination issues. I am trying to experiment with Lidoderm patches to minimize the meds use. I will appreciate any suggestions regarding the placement for this particular nerve issues. Thank you.

[mrsD]

I would try first a patch on the lower back just above the butt crack. You may have to tape it down, as that is a tough spot and they don't stick well.

You can cut them in half and put each half just to the side of the
spine there, to avoid some of the curves.

Give it two days.... (that would be a patch each day for 12 hrs).

If it does not work, go up the spine an inch a day, to see if you
hit the correct nerves.

This diagram shows the lower 3 sacral nerves from the spine.
Those would be your target.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkers...ge/3939144332/

This is another view:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...QEwBA&dur=1944

your target is the lowest S-- nerves. S3, S4, S5.

Lidoderms may take a few days to penetrate...so give them time.
The relief will not be instant... but it may start within an hour if you hit the right spot.

[Blueberry]

Thank you so much, Mrs. D! I was hoping to hear from you. Taping is a good idea as it doesn't stay in place in that area. Should I use it as needed or it has to be consistent for some time?

[mrsD]

I would use them every day for at least a month.

I had a remission of my meralgia in my right thigh, after 14 days.

This drug works by blocking sodium channels in nerves. This interrupts the signals. If the nerve is over-firing it will eventually "forget" with time.

If there is pathology present...something compressing it, or invading it, a remission is less likely.

When I started the Lidoderms I never expected a remission...just symptom relief. So when it happened, I was very pleased. It also demonstrates that nerves may get confused and fail to stop firing...which I didn't know about at the time.

[ger715]

Mrs. D,
I have PN; but since my L4-5 fusion, meds, etc., have a lot of pain in that same area. I do put the Lidoderm patch in the area you mentioned. Cutting in half has help to stay there without tape. But, and the big "but" (no pun intended) had no idea using the patch for a long period can possibly help interrup the pain signal. I would use the patch occasionally; maybe a couple in a month or two.

Thank you,

Gerry

[mrsD]

Originally Posted by ger715

Mrs. D,
I have PN; but since my L4-5 fusion, meds, etc., have a lot of pain in that same area. I do put the Lidoderm patch in the area you mentioned. Cutting in half has help to stay there without tape. But, and the big "but" (no pun intended) had no idea using the patch for a long period can possibly help interrup the pain signal. I would use the patch occasionally; maybe a couple in a month or two.

Thank you,

Gerry

I know they are expensive, but do try to use them for a time period of at least 2 weeks to a month.

I found that after my remission (my nerve was damaged from a C-section where an exploratory was also done to look for ovarian tumors and kidney tumors)... heat can reactivate the pain briefly now. Hot tubs, steam room, or heating pad will cause the nerve to "wake up". But those did not cause lasting trouble just "twinges" for a day or so. But the searing pain I had (like 100 bee stings or a lightning bolt) did remit. I am left with some mild numbness over the thigh, but that is really mild and not troubling.