My 65 year old husband was diagnosed with idiopathic PN in his feet 12 years ago. During the last 7 years it has been evident in his hands as well. He also has ventricular tachycardia, sleep apnea, under active thyroid, gastric issues and difficulty urinating at times, and two large patches of irritated, blistery skin on both lower legs that never seem to heal properly.

He was on 3600 mg of Gabapentin, 100 mg of amitriptyline, 90mg of Hydromorph Contin, as well as Oxycodone for the breakthrough pain. He’s also on meds for the thyroid and heart issues. He had also tried 1mg of Nabilone which initially seemed to help, but then didn’t, so he stopped taking it.

He went for his normal neurologist checkup a month ago and he was concerned at the rate of progression in his hands and feet/legs. Two weeks ago the pain in his hands went off the chart, in just two days, with the end result he is now on a Fentanyl Patch 75mcg/h every other day, and 5mg Oxycodone as needed.
He is off the Hydromorph and being weaned off the Gabapentin.

He is due to have the usual glucose tests and autoimmune tests, but they have always showed up normal in the past.

Everything I’ve read has never mentioned such extreme pain in the hands, any articles always seem to refer to the foot pain.

It’s so very hard not knowing what to do for someone in that much pain, and watching your “tough guy” husband be reduced to sobbing in pain, barely able to walk, or hold anything. Thank goodness for an understanding GP! The patch has certainly helped a lot and he’s said he can cope with the current pain in his hands, but of course his concern is what happens when this medication stops working.

• Anyone else got it this bad in their hands?
• Any ideas on why it spiked so dramatically, and so quickly?
• Anyone with experience of long term Fentanyl use?
  

Sorry this is a long post, thanks………..