Any Advice?
 

I broke my neck in a car accident last year. I was in another accident a few months ago and now my feet are killing me. The pain seems to be moving up my legs. My doc said I have neuropathy in my feet and put me on Lyrica. It isn't helping at all. I have young children and only slept 3 hours last night because of severe burning and pain. Any advice?

I am sorry to hear that you have had such a rough time of things. Have you had confirmation of the small fiber neuropathy (skin biopsy), nerve conduction studies, emg? Just to be sure that is what is causing your pain.

The drug trials can take time and be frustrating. One drug may work for one person, or a combination may work for someone else. This really can be frustrating. Try everything your neurologist recommends. Be very communicative with how you feel and give it some time.

Do you have a good neurologist? If you are not certain, research and find one that specializes in Small fiber neuropathy (or peripheral neuropathy) - if possible. Have you addressed your sleep issue with your doctor. You will have increased pain when you don't have enough sleep. Perhaps you need to take something at the advice of your doctor.

More people will probably be along to comment.

I wish you well.

Mere

Hi ouch,

Some people respond better to Lyrica, some better to gabapentin (similar but cheaper), and some better to amitriptyline. I was taking gabapentin, then learned about a supplement - R-Lipoic Acid - here on this forum, and that's all I take for the burning now. It worked like a miracle for me, but my results probably aren't typical. Nevertheless, it can't hurt, it's inexpensive, and no side effects.

Keep reading, keep communicating, keep trying.

Doc

What happened--
 

--during the second accident? Any further injuries to the cervical area, or lower down?

Reason I ask is that it would be unlikely for a cervical spine injury to cause symptoms in the feet and nowhere else--a cervical spine injury that was affecting feet would likely be compressing the spinal cord in such a way as to produce other symptoms that would be of concern (and that should involve consultation with a neurologist and/or a neurosurgeon) . . .

It's certainly possible for the symptoms to be caused by something unrelated to the cervical spine--and you might want to also look at our reflex sympathetic dystrophy/complex regional pain syndrome board, especially given the timing of the symptoms after trauma:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=21

From what I have read from others on this board it is the rare person who one drug helps them pain relief wise. I am not saying never but the majority. Usually it seems like a combo of meds or treatments and a lot of trial and error. I also wonder how your doc dx the neuropathy. I am not a fan of guessing. I hope you have had mris,emg,etc. I also agree about looking at the rsd forum. I give so much credit to moms who have to face pain plus be a mom. You are all so strong.