Hi all. I have been on Lyrica now for four years or so. Along with that, I am also taking tramadol. Anyway....the feet have been feeling okay for sometime. Yes, I do have the occasional bad day, but overall, my foot pain hasn't spread, or increased in intensity. I have always been able to sleep pain free. And aside from the numbness, where the "so-called" neuromas were removed, there is no additional numbness.
So.....night before last, I didn't take my nightly Lyrica before going to bed. When I went to work, I didn't take the two that I typically take, and I didn't bring one to work. OH MY GOD!!!! Not really stabbing, but just yucky, icky non-discript pain. It is so darn depressing to think that it would somehow be okay without the anti-convulsive...but...........

Don't be too hard on yourself jakatak. You just wanted to experiment a little. Sometimes thats how we find out where we stand, and who knows, you just might reach that day where things change. I had taken gabapentin for months, but I was still having a lot of pain. I wondered if it was really helping, but I was afraid to stop taking it, because what if it was really holding off some pain? Finally in June I decided to go for it and weened myself off. Not only did I find out that it wasn't helping, but I seemed to have a little less pain not taking it. Could have been a coincidence though. Of course everyone is different, and everyone is going to react differently when going off a med, but you just never know.

I agree with PP, weening slowly is the way to go. Sometimes an abrupt withdrawal of a drug can kick up the pain something awful. Maybe have a chat to your doctor about getting on a good plan to taper down slowly.

But, on the other hand, if you DO have to stay on the lyrica to manage your pain, then annoying as that may be at least it works well for you.

hope you get that pain under control again soon

cheers

raglet

I am sorry you had to face yuck pain. See for me I would take many many pills a day at this point to have a better life of less pain. I am not a pill person and for awhile I was on like none but my quality of life was so bad and even now on many I am limited but thankful to at least be able to do. Of course rx pills are not the ideal but neither is this condition and at least it allows you to have a better life. Many pain free wishes

Jack........been there.... done that !!
I can't miss a dose, and if I forget the bedtime one-
the next morning is the wrath of God!
I think the way to get off, or taper down on both of those meds -
is never to skip doses,
but get lower doses to take at the necessary times.
You really need a titration schedule that your doc & you agree to try -
and Rx's that let you down easily.
Bob B

I feel a kinship to you....I just do. I think we have some similar things going on...and you've been down "the" road of why....what do I do....can I deny....try to accept...something like that. Thanks again Bob. I really listen to what you have to say.

Sorry to you had to go through that pain,but I know one thing,ya sound
better. II have left home without taking my pills oh more then a ouch.
I also agree with Bob,,he;s one very wise man. Sue

Jack,

I'm on Lyrica and tramadol as well and was thinking of doing the same thing just to see where I stand. You did well other than the mistake of leaving your med's home. Been there done that. Pretty sure the Lyrica is doing more than I think. I think I'm going to stay on the vitamin regimine for a while to see how I do. Then I think I'm going to see where I stand with the Lyrica.

Sorry you didn't get the good news you were looking for but at least the Lyrica is helping.

Marty

Thanks Marty. It is so difficult to believe you have PN, when the Lyrica is working and the feet almost feel normal. I will have to deal with it like a diabetic and insulin. It is what it is..................

Eggzactly!
It is a hard pill to swallow, initially- but it is , what it is.
BTW - keeping watch on your glucose levels is necessary, because they
are finding a larger percentage of PN'ers who are not diabetic....
are becoming pre-diabetic, and could cross the line at any time.
I've been borderline for over 7 years. (I admit to a sweet tooth and chocoholism..... all my adult life) Haven't crossed the line, yet.
(knock on wood!)