You might want to heed Debi from Georgia's advice about not waiting to go to Pain Management. Without having medication for the pain; it would be almost impossible for me to get thru each day with the 24/7 pain.

I know it must seem that acceptance is impossible at this time; but it really does help.


Gerry

I hesitate with pain management because of my age... I'm only 31 if I happen to be on this earth for many years to come what do u do in 10 years when the meds don't work?

I also feel like I need to give the common drugs a try. Right now I'm titrating up in gabapentin (1200mg now) it doesn't do much at all but it is doing something. Nithing for sensory symotoms though

After this I may try marihuana in the form of Cbd oil ( I get my liscence in 3-4 weeks) or lyrica

I may try hbot therapy in July. The centre says they have had success with neuropathy when diabetes is the cause ( only form they have seen) but of course every one is different and not everybody improves.

A pain mgmt. dr will work with u on your gabapentin increase as well as trying lyrica and Cymbalta. The 3 most used/tried drugs for neuropathy.

There are numerous posters on here that have been using the same mgmt. plan for over 10 years and still do. So don't assume that whatever you take will not work for you in the long run. You don't know that.

In my opinion it doesn't matter it you're 18 or 53. With the pain we experience we need the best pain mgmt. we can get and that starts with a pain clinic.

I WISH I had listened to the 3 dr's that told me over and over again to seek a pain mgmt. dr.

PLEASE go and let them work with you on getting this pain of yours under control once and for all. You will be able to get on with your life much quicker than the route you are taking.

Note* You are at 1200 mg a day on gabapentin. You have a long way to go before hitting max level. If it's helping some now that is excellent and means you will probably get more relief as you titrate up.

Debi from Georgia

What does your age have to do with seeing a pain mgt. doc? Why are you worrying about 10 years down the road?

There is something to be said for "ONE DAY AT A TIME".

I am not as tactful and articulate as other posters but I think you need to spend time thinking about managing TODAY's pain rather than what will things be like 10 years from now. No one has a crystal ball and knows what life holds for them in the future.

Ten years from now there may be many new and different methods of treating PN.

People offer you suggestions, relate their stories, voice their opinions, and are trying their best to support you, empathize with you, and give you hope.

Stick with getting through today, and the next day. Don't try to live or imagine life a decade into the future.

Eleven years ago, I was working 3 jobs simultaneously. Today I am almost a shut-in. Did I know this would be my current life 11 years ago? NO. We never know what tomorrow or the next day holds for us. It could be entirely different than what we imagine. You could be 100% better in 10 years or not. You will just have to make it through each day the best you can until you get there.

Get your pain under control for TODAY. Pain mgt. docs don't just treat old folks like me. They treat people of ALL ages with chronic pain conditions.

Reading your posts, I can feel your frustration and agony. I spent many years going through the frustrations, the unrelenting pain, with no hope in sight from the many doctors I had seen. Then, one day, just a few years ago, I was referred to a pain mgt. doc. I had my hesitations but went anyway. My pain mgt. doc changed my life. Finally, I had hope once again. It took a little while before we got my pain under control, but we worked as a team, and he would not give up. Not only did he provide relief from the pain levels that seem to top the charts, he gave me back hope.

We all have some things we are willing to try and some things we are not willing to try. I just ask that you keep an open mind to resources that might be beneficial.

Hi Canagirl
I've been away so only just caught up with your post.
Sorry that your results for SFN are positive. Sometimes having a definitive diagnosis can be just as devastating as living with the symptoms. From following your earlier posts I know you've had a very difficult time but you always seem willing to explore all possibilities to search for causes and treatments. Don't stop now you have a diagnosis - that includes pain management and your start already on Gabapentin can be included in whatever pain management program is worked out for you. You have nothing to lose by going to talk to them (get recommendations for a good clinic in your area) - and you always have the right to postpone or refuse treatment. I can't emphasize enough how important it is for you to manage your own health - especially a chronic condition. As others have said keep monitoring your treatment and progress.
Try to find some enjoyment each day with your family and be kind to yourself.
Take care canagirl and keep us posted.

Hi CG,

It never hurts to get information. I was also resistant to PM but am ultimately glad I went. I talked to three doctors to find one I was comfortable with. You can always go talk with PM and if that doc rubs you the wrong way go talk to another one. Yes it is doctor shopping but If they are going to take care of you for a long time it is important to have trust and confidence.

PM does have things to offer and may come up with something novel. English Dave gets lidocaine infusions and I am getting ketamine for neuropathic pain. When I met my doctor the first time I told him I wanted to try things besides opiates and he set me right up for the infusions, which do seem to be helping. Pain begets pain. There is benefit in getting it under control. You will rest and feel better. If nothing else the longer your pain goes unchecked the stronger pain memory you will have. That alone is reason to see what they can do for you.

sending hugs

Your SFN seems to be presenting in the same fashion mine is. I have found in the past year that cannabutter is the best pain med for my symptoms if I still want to be able to function well in the day. I only use it at bedtime. Usually I can sleep well on it and only use it before bed. I'm wondering if you live in Oregon as I do. I got a license and grew a really wonderful crop right in the house.

Anyway Cannagirl my heart goes way out to you. I hope you find some kind of relief and I wish that for myself also. I've had a manageable years but right now the pain is scary. And I mean emotionally too. I know there is a level where I won't let my quality of life deteriorate too. I'm too close for comfort.

Thanks for the info on canabutter. U take it at bed but it continues to help u during the day? Or is it that it helps you sleep so in turn you are better able to handle or cope better the next day?

Canabutter, is that something you spread on toast and consume? ( an edible?)

I take it at night because it turned me from an insomniac to someone who often sleeps 7 to 8 hours now and on bad pain nights I can get maybe 4-5.
That's amazing.

This being Medical is high in CBDs and Lower in THCs. So it's most powerful effect is reducing anxiety and putting you to sleep and also pain relief. The side effects have been minimal and I take a hefty dose at bedtime and I also vaporize some to get me in the zone.

You do feel a little high but mild and pleasant. It's the best thing I've found and growing it was really fun. Anyway I don't take it during the day so as not to build tolerance too fast. I need it most at night. I have other tricks for the day and I'm still working on more. This place has already been of great benefit to me. I'll be hanging around.