advertisement
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-08-2013, 10:45 PM #21
cicibell cicibell is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 6
10 yr Member
cicibell cicibell is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 6
10 yr Member
Frown Drugs I've tried that haven't worked...

Hello everyone. I am a 28 year old female struggling with right sided back/leg pain. The buttock/hip/thigh area is the most painful. I had a posterior L5/S1 fusion due to spondolysthesis, slipped disc, and 2 fractures on my L5 vertebrae due to a gymnastics injury. I had malunion after the surgery so they had to go back in and do a anterior L5/S1 fusion. That time I fused. It has now been 2 years and 4 months since that surgery. Starting back in February I became physically active again and noticed that I started to get pain radiating from my low back down my right leg. (I was not physically active prior or working because the doctor told me that since I did not fuse the first time and I was very active that this time I should take it easy until I fused) Since then I have had an MRI of back and hip, CT scan, x-rays of my back and hip, CT myelogram, and an EMG. Everything looked great! I am fused. There is no nerve impingement. There is nothing wrong with my hip. Flexion and extension xrays are normal.
So since then I have been to almost a dozen doctors. Orthopedic doctors, neurosurgeons, peripheral nerve surgeon, etc. I have been from Baltimore to Philadelphia. No one has an answer for me.

I have tried:
Neurontin 900mg three times a day
Ibuprofen 800mg three times a day
Naproxen sodium
Ultram (Tramadol) 50mg three times a day
Percocet 7.5mg three times a day
Zonegran 200mg daily

Does anyone have any suggestions for other medications or dosages that I could try??

I have had several pain injections at levels L4 and L5 which were unsuccessful.

Now they are talking about doing a nerve stimulator trial. From what I have researched I am not too excited about it and I don't know if it is the right option for me. Any thoughts?

I am really depressed and anxious. I see someone for my depression and anxiety, but I feel like that only does so much. I don't work because I can't. I used to have a wonderful career and now all I can do is sit around and barely go to the store to get the essentials.

I'm tired of being in pain and I'm tired of being sad. Please help.

CiCi
cicibell is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote

advertisement
Old 11-09-2013, 06:41 AM #22
mrsD's Avatar
mrsD mrsD is offline
Wisest Elder Ever
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Great Lakes
Posts: 33,508
15 yr Member
mrsD mrsD is offline
Wisest Elder Ever
mrsD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Great Lakes
Posts: 33,508
15 yr Member
Lightbulb

You can try Lidoderm patches... placed over the surgical site.

They take a while to get going, so expect a slow response.
__________________
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.-- Galileo Galilei

************************************

.
Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017


****************************
These forums are for mutual support and information sharing only. The forums are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.
mrsD is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-11-2013, 10:36 PM #23
ElaineD's Avatar
ElaineD ElaineD is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 293
10 yr Member
ElaineD ElaineD is offline
Member
ElaineD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 293
10 yr Member
Default

1. It is easier to keep pain "in the box" than to put it "back in the box". I have chronic pain, so I medicate it regularly, every day.

2. Things that work, may stop working, and may become a problem. I have become reactive to all the opioids and things like Tramadol. I cannot take any codeine product. I became 'reactive' to them very quickly and with little exposure.

3. Drugs that work for one person may be terrible for another person.

4. Aleve (naproxen sodium) works very well for me. I also take 60 mg of Omeprazole (Prilosec) because it is an NAID that is hard on my gastrointestinal system. I take two Aleve in the morning, and two at Aleve at night.

5. Cymbalta is an SSRI that is on label for pain, I take 60 mg of Cymbalta every night.

6. If I have a flare and my pain is much worse, I take Acetaminophen Arthritis Strength, which is stronger and lasts longer than regular doses. This is the generic of Tylenol. This drug should not be taken for prolonged periods of time, so I save it for occasional use.

7. I apply a heated wrap to my neck in order to get to sleep or stay asleep at night. This wrap is filled with beans/seeds and can be heated in the microwave.

8. I practice relaxation and meditation, specifically learned to deal with pain.

9. I exercise as often as possible, in a heated pool, stretching and mild aerobic exercise. I also use variable resistance equipment at the health club. I have found that for some of my pain, this exercise is the best way to control/stop it. Especially Interstitial Cystitis.

I haven't taken Plaquenil, Methotrexate or Prednisone for pain control. But I understand that they can be a great help.

Some people find that there are some foods that increase inflammation and they avoid them.

I have not found that, personally.

I have PN, DDD, CVID, Sjogren's Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, Severe Osteoarthritis, Anemia, Blepharitis, Meniere's Syndrome with Tinnitus and some deafness.

Hugs, Elaine
ElaineD is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Lara (08-06-2021), onlyhuman (02-23-2017)
Old 11-12-2013, 06:04 AM #24
mrsD's Avatar
mrsD mrsD is offline
Wisest Elder Ever
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Great Lakes
Posts: 33,508
15 yr Member
mrsD mrsD is offline
Wisest Elder Ever
mrsD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Great Lakes
Posts: 33,508
15 yr Member
Wink

Quote:
Originally Posted by ElaineD View Post
1. It is easier to keep pain "in the box" than to put it "back in the box". I have chronic pain, so I medicate it regularly, every day.

2. Things that work, may stop working, and may become a problem. I have become reactive to all the opioids and things like Tramadol. I cannot take any codeine product. I became 'reactive' to them very quickly and with little exposure.

3. Drugs that work for one person may be terrible for another person.

4. Aleve (naproxen sodium) works very well for me. I also take 60 mg of Omeprazole (Prilosec) because it is an NAID that is hard on my gastrointestinal system. I take two Aleve in the morning, and two at Aleve at night.

5. Cymbalta is an SSRI that is on label for pain, I take 60 mg of Cymbalta every night.

6. If I have a flare and my pain is much worse, I take Acetaminophen Arthritis Strength, which is stronger and lasts longer than regular doses. This is the generic of Tylenol. This drug should not be taken for prolonged periods of time, so I save it for occasional use.

7. I apply a heated wrap to my neck in order to get to sleep or stay asleep at night. This wrap is filled with beans/seeds and can be heated in the microwave.

8. I practice relaxation and meditation, specifically learned to deal with pain.

9. I exercise as often as possible, in a heated pool, stretching and mild aerobic exercise. I also use variable resistance equipment at the health club. I have found that for some of my pain, this exercise is the best way to control/stop it. Especially Interstitial Cystitis.

I haven't taken Plaquenil, Methotrexate or Prednisone for pain control. But I understand that they can be a great help.

Some people find that there are some foods that increase inflammation and they avoid them.

I have not found that, personally.

I have PN, DDD, CVID, Sjogren's Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, Severe Osteoarthritis, Anemia, Blepharitis, Meniere's Syndrome with Tinnitus and some deafness.

Hugs, Elaine
This is an interesting post. I do think if you take that 60mg of Prilosec for any length of time, you need to be aware that it will interfere with absorption of acid requiring nutrients:

magnesium (serious)
calcium
iron
zinc
B12
Folic acid

Naproxen interferes with folic acid.

I wonder if you have ever tried Ice on your arthritis? I find Ice is better for me than heat. Use sparingly for short periods once daily... like 20minutes.
Also you might try the Salonpas patches (original formula with methyl salicylate)...these work well on my joint flares.
__________________
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.-- Galileo Galilei

************************************

.
Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017


****************************
These forums are for mutual support and information sharing only. The forums are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.
mrsD is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Lara (08-06-2021)
Old 11-12-2013, 11:17 AM #25
Dr. Smith's Avatar
Dr. Smith Dr. Smith is offline
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 3,515
10 yr Member
Dr. Smith Dr. Smith is offline
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
Dr. Smith's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 3,515
10 yr Member
Default

Yes, interesting post...
Quote:
Originally Posted by ElaineD View Post
1. It is easier to keep pain "in the box" than to put it "back in the box". I have chronic pain, so I medicate it regularly, every day.

2. Things that work, may stop working, and may become a problem. I have become reactive to all the opioids and things like Tramadol. I cannot take any codeine product. I became 'reactive' to them very quickly and with little exposure.
1. Interesting way of putting it!
2. That's the flipside/double edge of #1.

Quote:
6. If I have a flare and my pain is much worse, I take Acetaminophen Arthritis Strength, which is stronger and lasts longer than regular doses. This is the generic of Tylenol. This drug should not be taken for prolonged periods of time, so I save it for occasional use.
Some who can't tolerate NSAIDs at all may have little/no choice. For those folks who have to take acataminophen/paracetamol/Tylenol longer term, taking N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) daily can help protect the liver against the ravages of acetaminophen.

Quote:
9. I exercise as often as possible, in a heated pool, stretching and mild aerobic exercise....
When you say "heated pool" do you mean like swimming pool temperature (83-86 degrees Fahrenheit/28-30 degrees Celsius) or like hot tub/jacuzzi/spa temperature (100–104 degrees Fahrenheit/38-40 degrees Celsius)?

Doc
__________________
Dr. Zachary Smith
Oh, the pain... THE PAIN...

Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE.
All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor.
Dr. Smith is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 11-12-2013, 01:04 PM #26
mrsD's Avatar
mrsD mrsD is offline
Wisest Elder Ever
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Great Lakes
Posts: 33,508
15 yr Member
mrsD mrsD is offline
Wisest Elder Ever
mrsD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Great Lakes
Posts: 33,508
15 yr Member
Lightbulb

@ElaineD:

Here are some medical papers discussing the safety of using proton pump inhibitors with NSAIDs:

http://agajournals.wordpress.com/201...e-from-nsaids/
Quote:
Patients who take NSAIDs are frequently given PPIs to reduce gastric acid and the damage it causes. However, approximately 70% of chronic NSAID users develop inflammation of the small intestine, which can lead to bleeding, strictures, and occasional perforations. To make matters worse, there is a high incidence of small intestinal damage among patients who take a NSAID and PPI together—the PPI confers little, if any, protection to the mid- and distal small intestine.
When this inflammation occurs all sorts of nutrients and minerals will suffer because they can no longer be absorbed by the damaged intestine.

This link is a long paper on Stomach ulcer prevention only:
http://arthritis-research.com/content/15/S3/S5

This article brings up the topic of bone loss doing this treatment.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the...id-and-ppi.htm
This is because acid in the stomach is necessary for proper Vit D absorption of calcium (and also magnesium). I mentioned this nutrient interaction in just above this post.

There is always a price to pay for using complex drugs for long periods of time (as in arthritis therapy). You'll have to decide how much risk you are willing to take, and remain vigilant for any signs of intestinal warning symptoms.
__________________
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.-- Galileo Galilei

************************************

.
Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017


****************************
These forums are for mutual support and information sharing only. The forums are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.
mrsD is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
"Thanks for this!" says:
Lara (08-06-2021)
Old 10-19-2016, 06:32 AM #27
kjb85 kjb85 is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 5
10 yr Member
kjb85 kjb85 is offline
New Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 5
10 yr Member
Blush qutenza patch

I know this is an old thread, but I cannotfind any n ew info here on the qutenza 8 percent patch. Has anyone now tried it?
kjb85 is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Old 10-19-2016, 09:07 PM #28
mrsD's Avatar
mrsD mrsD is offline
Wisest Elder Ever
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Great Lakes
Posts: 33,508
15 yr Member
mrsD mrsD is offline
Wisest Elder Ever
mrsD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Great Lakes
Posts: 33,508
15 yr Member
Lightbulb

We have had discussions about this capsaicin patch on this forum.

You can search for it on the main forum below.

Not many people in recent years have mentioned it, and I think that is because the lidocaine patches, became more popular.

Capsaicin is not really tolerated well by everyone. Some people cannot stand the burning it causes.

Our software does not support a 3rd party sharing links from a search...so I cannot list my search just now on
"capsaisin patch".

But here is an example:
A transdermal patch containing 8% capsaicin...

This post above is from 2010.
Here is another short discussion:
Qutenza for burning pain, Anyone try?

I found one interesting thing at CafePharma forum for sales reps discussions. In 2014 they discuss the "unavailability" of Qutenza patches and doctors asking why they cannot obtain it. No answers were forthcoming.

Just because we don't have many posts about it, just means people are not using it or asking about it. I found just a few hits on Google, so I don't think it is widely used now. Lidoderm patches seem to be much more popular. And now they are even OTC at 4% (the RX ones are 5%).
__________________
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.-- Galileo Galilei

************************************

.
Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017


****************************
These forums are for mutual support and information sharing only. The forums are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.
mrsD is offline   Reply With QuoteReply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
RLS and peripheral neuropathy jarrett622 Peripheral Neuropathy 20 04-29-2012 06:29 PM
Peripheral Neuropathy angusannie Peripheral Neuropathy 7 07-09-2010 08:53 PM
Peripheral Neuropathy -MMN crstr Peripheral Neuropathy 1 11-28-2009 07:59 PM
peripheral neuropathy madovi02 New Member Introductions 7 12-22-2008 08:51 PM
peripheral neuropathy lizmindurbiz New Member Introductions 9 07-14-2008 02:15 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:14 AM.

Powered by vBulletin • Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.

vBulletin Optimisation provided by vB Optimise v2.7.1 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
 

NeuroTalk Forums

Helping support those with neurological and related conditions.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
provided by a qualified health care provider.


Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.