Thanks. Well at first I thought it was an injury from exercise overuse but it turned out to be nerve damage. They did bring up the rsd but none of the tests indicate that. I have other come and go issues but the left inner ankle/foot/calf is the bed rest pain issue. I really like the licodine patch and it helps I think.Does that only help though when on or does it build up like other meds? I was able to do a couple things today which is such a pleasure and now am taking their pain med tramadol instead of vicadin well today is the first day back and were going back to cymbalta as I talked to the neuro today and off elavil. I'm so drained and right now the neuro said to wait for the pc because of how I can't be touched at all without being sent back and having to take vicadin every few hours so to try this first. I'm having random panic attacks cause I feel I will never be "normal", I can't sleep,the pain. You guys know but thank goodness the horrible pain from the past few days has lessened and able to do a few things. The small pleasures like going to the grocery. Who would of thought. Well thank you again.Also thank you because you encouraged me all to use my voice to the docs and speak up. I asked about the cymbalta and told the one doc how she really hurt me when I specifically asked her not to touch me and I knew that would happen and I told the neuro who refered me to her. Its hard for me to speak up so thanks for the encouragment.

Daniella:

Oh, Lidocaine Patches. I have them in my closet. They save my life when my frozen shoulder acts up.

And they last a long time.

I had a double heel spur in my left foot, years ago. I got the orthotics. I really couldn't walk without them. The pain in my heel drove me crazy.I got a shot in my heel. And they did ultrasound also. So what happened??? I have no idea. The pain just stopped. Don't know why, don't care why!! And I haven't used the orthotics in a long time. They are still in my sneakers but because it's hot outside, I wear my sandles. I'm very careful with my feet but I like to show my toes. Women are so vain!!!!

Take care Hon.

Melody

Hi Daniella:

Try not to focus on thinking you will never be normal again and take one day at a time. If today was better, maybe tomorrow will be even better. If you can bring yourself to do this, try to find something you can focus on to help get your mind off of this. I know this is terribly hard, but just give it a try. Read, watch TV and if you can, get out of the house a bit each day. Anything that will help give you a mental break from this.

I was also wondering if the fact that your medications are being changed around quite a bit, might aggravate your pain.

And NO, you do not have to let anyone touch you.

Hang in there and let us know if we can help you.

Cathie

Thanks again. The patch does help but still the pain is severe. I'll take any relief of course. I'm thinking I may have to keep an open mind of going to Mayo if they want to see me after they review my reports. Will see I'm trying to take one day at a time but like many of you know it is easier said then done. The distraction is hard when the pain is severe but when less I do see a more positive self of course. I do think the meds are screwing up my stomach that is for sure and the constipation issue. Will see I just want to find the meds for some relief to the leg and that work quicker. I hate the starting over and over again and fear of side effects and not working. Well thanks again. One moment at a time.

Daniella:

Do you know for sure if Mayo is the best place to go for nerve problems? I know they are great in other areas, but I thought Johns Hopkins or Cornell were better known for working with nerve problems.

Maybe someone who is familiar with these will come along and post beneath this and provide more information...

Chin up!
Cathie

That I don't know but we sent it there and to Chicago. I think my mom heard that Mayo has a good program and someone mentioned here they possibly have a week pm. That is scary for me though since I fear being touched. Thanks again.
On another note I was wondering I always see a lot about supplments here but very little on diet. I read through the stickies and saw about omegas etc. I work with a nutritionist for my other issue but was wondering if anyone has found anything else helpful in terms of nutrition. Also if people who are not gluten intolerant found going on a similar diet helpful? I have such severe stomach problems seperate from this and have been tested but nothing comes up. Ok now thanks

--who are not necessarily gluten intolerant and/or diabetic or have impaired glucose tolerance, have noticed that going on a gluten free (or, in some cases, a reduced gluten) diet and cutting down on the sugars has helped to ease some of the symptoms.

It's probable that most of us should not eat so many simple carbs anyway, for lots of other health reasons, but it's likely that many of us with nerve damage are particularly sensitive to their determinental effects. And, obvously, diabetes and gluten intolerance are causes of peripheral neuropathy.

It may well be that the gut dysfunction that such sensitivity engenders also hurts us in absorbing other essential vitamins/minerals. Moreover, those of us trying to heal damaged nerves, or any other damaged tissue, indoubtedly need nutrients wellin excess of minimun daily requirements--at the very least, vitamins C, D, and the B's, along with essentail fatty acids and magnesium/calcium/potassium.

In the end, as Wings has noted, we need to create an internal environment that is most conducive to bodily regeneration, flooding it with that which is good for us and trying to avoid that which is not.