Been a while
 

I have had PN in my feet for almost 10 years. I have controlled it, with the help of many of the veterans on this board, with Lyrica and Tramadol. I encourage anyone who is struggling to consider this cocktail as a treatment plan that has been very successful for me. Hi to all.:wink:

I am on gabapentin and Tramadol. I, too, find better pain relief with this cocktail. I also avail myself of lidoderm patches.

I am on nothing since I can't metabolize drugs reasonably. I am doing fine. I still have issues, but, all in all, it's tolerable right now.

I underwent spinal cord stimulator trial in July and had the implant in August. The surgery was slow recovery with two surgical sites but I have to say I am 80% better, was off gabapentin in October! Lost 25lbs in doing that too. I still have days where nothing in the world makes it go away when I overdo it, but by the next day I am back at it. Wearing tennis shoes for the first time in nine years, that was my big goal-walk without pain!
I still have my lower spine problems but I can stand/sit/walk for longer. MY only regret is taking four years to tell the Doc yes to the trial, might have saved me the thousands I am going to have to put in my mouth to save my teeth. Less pills in my life and I Know this isn't for everybody but it worked for me, I guess that is why I haven't been around much...too busy making up for lost time! Happy New Year Everybody!

Is anyone using Gabapentin and/or Tramadol have any problems with unwanted weight gain? Secondly, have you had any suicidal thoughts while on this protocol?

I have tried Lidoderm patches with no benefit.

@donsabi

Gabapentin has a warning about suicidal thoughts.
http://www.drugs.com/gabapentin.html

Also --where do you apply your Lidoderms? And where exactly is your pain?

Application site can make a huge difference in response.

Weight gain--
 

--often due to the twin mechanisms of fluid retention and carbohydrate craving, is a fairly common and well-documented side effect of Gabapentin.

This effect is common with many of the anti-epileptic medications, with the interesting exception of Topomax, which is more often associated with weight loss.

The common side effects are listed in the insert given with Gabapentin/Neurontin prescriptions:

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsa...129s027lbl.pdf

MrsD

I put the Lidoderm patch directly on the pain sight that was mainly the ball of my foot.

glenntaj,

I am aware of the side effects stated by the manufacture of these meds. I was asking for the personal experiences from those actually taking the meds mentioned.
If we are to believe all the side effect in the C.Y.O.A. statement provided by the pharmaceutical companies then we might as well sum it up in one statement, "the sky is falling," and simply not take those medications.

Well--
 

--I certainly gained weight on gabapentin--about 10-15 pounds--and noticed I craved a lot of cake. It almost seemed as if my body was getting ready to hibernate for the winter.

It's taken me quite a while to get rid of most of that weight, and I have now been completely off of the med for almost five years.

I put 1/2 patch on the instep of the foot because that is where the nerves are that feed the foot. I have sesamoiditis in both feet in the balls of the feet and where I place my patch results in total numbing and relief. I have also put a 1/2 patch around the ankle just above the inner ankle bone...this is where the major nerve enters the foot.

http://www.northcoastfootcare.com/pa...e-Anatomy.html
more detail at this link:
http://www.northcoastfootcare.com/pa...-the-Foot.html


The skin on the bottom of the foot is very thick, and penetration of the lidocaine in the patches will not be good there.

When used on the top of the foot, coverage is so good, you may find walking difficult as the numbness can be bothersome.
Hence when I need the patches on the foot, I put them on at night and remove in the daytime. The skin on the top of the foot is very thin, and the nerves very close to the surface. You can tap your foot with a hard object and get zings in those nerves,
which is calls Tinel's sign. Alot of positive Tinel's suggests entrapment issues.

Check the website I gave you more thoroughly if you want.
Metatarsalgia
http://www.northcoastfootcare.com/pa...Foot-Pain.html

This sublink shows the various mechanical causes of foot pain in the area you seem to have.

I have been on Gabapentin for about 6 months I havent had any problem with gaining weight, But I dont eat like I should as I am afraid to eat as just about everything I want has carbs, I also have a craving for cakes and white rolls.

MrsD

Thanks for those links. Great information!

howdy! i am a gabapentin/lyrica /sucide child
 

ive benn between gabapentiion and lyrica

lyrica 300 5 a day
and gaba 600 6 a day...

yes much so,weight gain,i cant explain,im on the same diet I have been on,no fast foods,no using my cast iron skillet..im at a point of asking my doc for help...before she gets on me about it...
ive had same reg md doc,for 9 years,a bond as if shes my mom..

being a suicide child ;ie my mom left dec 12-2009 I was raised to respect my elders,she had many strokes,and tended to least 5 deaths..she had a grit nobodys gonna wipe her but hahaha please don't fret or mourn.
her name is Betty,we called her betty BLI...thanks Leroy

my family is old fashioned we don't believe in nurseing homes..she also buried,2 husbands,and 2 kids,
Me sucicide yes mam!
the pain,how can you possibly explain the pain,..honestly?
when I was little,the baby of 5. daddy made the other kids rub my legs,from I was 4 to 14? no other kids had this.
it never stopped,just got worse.then a car wreck,back surgery
the pain,was the worst id ever felt,except learning mannors..I yes mam very much googled suicide.
Id take so much Tylenol,knowing the pain would be worse that night,SO I DRANK..alot of vodka..my best friend pushed me to see a doc.....

before meeting my doc,i was taking 16 to 18 Tylenol 500 mg a day..im just a country boy I diden know,she popped me in the head,
she did pop me in the head! explained why I hurt,

I cant explain anymore the pain,nor not haven it...
.I know im takeing over the limit on these drugs..only one at a time.she switches me...im a stay at home dad now,we adopt ""abused" dogs from kill shelters,an I bring em back..

but mam or any sir im here 24/7 lets chat afore you think bad thoughts ok?
im brand new here..i know the pain!

yall have a great day,an im sorry I was so long en telling yall bout my gaba an lyrica stuff,
Le'roy south ms.:hug: