Thanks for all these suggestions. You can bet I will be trying some of them. Right now nothing seems to help so I can sleep. I'll try anything!

an alternative to Alkaseltzer when other meds one is on essentially 'forbid' Alkaseltzer?...Three of my primary -critical meds cannot be taken within 3-4 hours [before/after] of such a product? There are only so many hours in a day! Not to mention...breakthrough pain...could you please describe yours? Either currently or in the past?

Meditation, attitude-adjustment, visualization, outlook...optimism...Self-fufilling-prophecy negative/positive...That I get...all of it....Been there/done that-got that tee-shirt wore it out...has holes in it. should be a rag, but still wearing it..attitude...it's a good tee! Know what works for ME, but I, I have tailor made and adjusted/accomodated all philosophies to fit, my needs. I would really like to know what options, that didn't work for you, mite work for me? - j
Essentially I'd like to know what all you discarded as not working for you?

As someone who cant take painkillers stronger then tylenol due to adverse reactions - (and unfortuately take quite a few of these with MD knowledge) - maybe its why and what is causing your pain also that may help?

My PN is predominately sensory, and I get the more constant burning, tingling, and aching from that in my legs all the time - I've really found that seems to be their sign to me to rest them - which after couple of days or relief, the intesity will let up sme.. I do have constant and pretty severe pain in my lower back with lumbar issues, and gut (still up for grabs) - but have found that tylenol is necessary at night - as they day goes on and if I keep changing positions my back pain subsides a great deal... and I have some aromatherapy spa gloves that I'll microwave and heat up - double purpose, as I'm letting them "do their thing" I'll lay them on my stomach to get the double benefit of the heat on them - which does help the pain a bit... (heating pads are great but learned the hard way not such a good idea for us folks with pn!)

Anyone else have problems with lidocaine patch???? Are there maybe any that might have less agressive type of med that might help? I was given lidocaine patches for my back - but within about half an hour would be flushed, shaking, heart racing... guess my body was saying, nope... but I've seen other patch type pain killers in drug stores - has anyone found any of these that might be helpful?

ALso, one thing that does work to distract me from pain - I'll put on my MP3 player that is a huge collection of music I've chosen each piece myself, turn up loud and sing... let the neighbors cringe in horror - who can hear em!

I know different methods work for all of us... my neuro says the tingling etc is worst at night cause the nerves are supposed to be at rest and because of the damage they have a real problem understanding that.... finding the right med for this is really a challenge as probably much of the key for a good nights sleep...

Just thoughts, and again, if anyone has found a patch or local rub on pain killer otc - love any ideas.....

I am not too sure what this is. I honestly have not hear of them before. I have read many posts on them, but I have not seen them in chemists.

I use Feldene Gel on my lumbar spine when discs act up. each gram contains 5mg piroxicam, which is an anti-inflammatory, and then I lay on my heating pad. I also may take 2 voltaren. I have alot of back problems too,and varying degrees of pain.

The gel is good, but these sports gels have been getting quite dear lately. $13 for a smalll $50mg tube.

http://www.pfizer.com.au/Products/FeldeneGel/FAQ.aspx

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lidoderm.htm for info. People in the old forum reported using it for PN pain with good results.

Thanks i still can do yoga after yrs. of it. And after yrs. of dance lesson's
i have a heavy walker you would not want to fall on you. Since i have
PN in my hands they came up with this one. I do dance with it i can strech
and and it's strong enough to use as a dance pole.
But at night i put on music i love,and excape into it ,in my head i'm up and
dancing to all those dance steps my Mom paid for. Or i think of the
years i taught my kids to dance and dream of all the laughter. I wake
up tired and sometimes sore, so i must of had a good time. Music is
wonderfull it has always relaxed me,yes you can dance in your dreams.
My oldest is putting up a dance bar the next time he comes home,I wonder
if pillows might be a good idea,well the last time i was in PT they taught
us if we are going to fall better to relax and drop then fight it.
We have to think of something for K tummy like a soft warm musical pillow.
Ha i can see Mel out in the middle of the night getting a contact high.
But i wouldn't know anything about ahhh the good old days. whoops
imust of dosed off. Where were we oh i know Bonnie Raitt,I can't make you
love me.. D that's another good idea. And Reva Forever Yours and
KT Turstall Black Horse and the Cherry Tree now that one makes me
think Huh. And good old Billie Holiday Momma may have and papa may
have but god bless the child who has his own. My Grandbaby loves that.
Hope this finds you all sleeping and in some pain free. Hugs Sue

I just can't believe the prices over there,but still want to see it. Im
afraid to ask how much a house costs there. Let's all go over and see
Aussie and Brian. Everybody pack you bags,a holiday that's what we need.
Going crazy in Mo. Ahh well back to music. Sue

I have the lidocaine patch on now but on the box it did say some side effects you said. You may be allergic? How many have you put on cause maybe if you just try 1. Have you tried over the counter ones that may be less strength. As for meds I'm sensitive but not to the pain killers just the things like neurontin. I do wonder though maybe a different brand? I'm not sure your side effects but for me drinking milk with my vicodin helps the stomach and with a meal.The milk though coats.Be carfeul of too much tylenol for the liver. Have you tried tramadol or more anti depressent meds to help overall so less pain killers? Sorry not much to add but good luck

Shiney Sue,
How old did you say you are?!!!! I find this absolutely amazing. That something like this still makes you dream. I love it too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIO2qpSsUTA Enjoy!

Guess we never forget to dream. Watching this took my mind off the pain.

Billye

Clonodine (Catapres patches) were prescribed by my Neuro; Off Label use for this BP med --so if you try watch blood pressure--but did help w/ nerve pain. I had problem w/ them staying on but d/c when got hives.

also, "customized" compounds of various "nerve" meds --that can include Ketamine, Lidocane, Flexeril, Neurontin and more (or Less) Depends on what Dr writing Rx feels may be best for you. I used topical creme , applied to most painful or bothersome areas. Pro-- customized specially for you-dose can be adjusted, more [meds] can be added inc. morphine.
topical applications are absorded via skin, going directly to affected area & nerves, Not thru organs like liver, GI, etc.
Cons: most insurance does not cover cost; findind Dr who knows how to write Rx for compounds ( compounds can be topicals--gels, cremes, patches , or other formualtions-- like syrups or sublingual for those who have difficulty swallowing--these are PRO)
There is a website w/ DR offering some compounded topicals--not customized--but could be option. I think he'll provide the needed Rx?! but I don't know name or URL.

PRO-medical MJ-- don't want to get into issues, esp Legal, now. Sativex -made from cannabis is supposedly very good (tho many still prefer da herb) available in Canada but not USA. Marinol--synthetic --is available. usually prescribed for cancer patients & nausea, but if interested ask DR. a friend w/ horrendous nerve pain, neuropathies raves about it , and also

other "non-invasives-- like TENS unit. I stopped using mine when caused elctric zaps up & down spine.

There are more... but my neuropathies are abuzz & I'm fading....


Lots of great suggestions!! and STORYs--thanks....