Help!!!!
 

I have PN, something to do with my Cervical spine being out of whack! I was rear ended a year ago & that's when all my problems began. I first developed Trigeminal neuralgia the over time the peripheral neuropathy started to creep up.
I have been taking Gabapentin (now up to 300mg/3 x day). In the beginning I tried amitryptalin (didn't work for me), I'm also taking Baclofin, as needed.

My biggest issue is being able to go to work. I work permanent nights, as a Nursing Assistant, in a major hospital. I have missed so much work, it's not even funny. Thank god we have a union or I'd likely be fired by now.
I'm either stoned on meds or in pain. My pain is mostly in my arms & hands, but also my legs & feet.

How the hell do you all function?? I need help/suggestions.

Also, does anyone notice if the weather affects your neuralgia??

Hi. Well 900 daily of neurontin is low dose. Some need 3500 I was told. So you may want to talk to your doctor about that. Are you seeing a pain management doctor? If not I would look into that especially if you have had all dx testing. The pain doc may be able to come up with better pain control treatment that will also allow you to function. I am not working now due to pain so I give people who do a lot of credit. I would think though an active job like nurse assitant would make things harder. Could you look for a more sedentary job? I know it is hard in this economy but the thought that came to mind.

Welcome to NeuroTalk:

This sounds like a cervical injury, and needs careful evaluation
by a neurosurgeon and orthopedic doctor.

You could try Lidoderm patches on your neck, to see if they help.

Whatever is compressing the nerves needs attention.
Have you been evaluated for Arnold Chiari?

Working 'stoned' is not a good idea.
There will be many compromises until this problem is settled,
either by correction for nerve compression (surgery or PT)
or by coming to grips with chronic PN and treating it as such.

Driving to work stoned isn't a good idea either! I realize that I need to come to grips with this, but I can't really get a grip on it when I'm not able to take the meds as prescribed & work. It's either work, in pain or take meds & not work. So far that's not working out for me.

Thanks

Leslie

I know that it's a low dose. The pain specialist put me on a cocktail of Gabapentin & Baclofin. He told me that my needs would increase over time. I just started the 300mg dose in March & I feel that my needs have increased already, either that or I'm having a flare.

I love my job & there's no way I would find anything that pays as well. An office job would prove to be difficult, as my arms & hands hurt the worst.

I'm calling my Dr. today.

Thanks for your advice. Will keep you posted.

Leslie

It is a cervical injury. I will look for the Lidoderm patches.

What is Arnold Chiari?? I'm gonna have to google that.

Thanks very much.

Leslie

Ok, looked it up. No that's definately not it. My MRI's show that the cervical spine is outta whack. Not sure exactly what my Dr. called it, as I forgot, (thanks to the Gabapentin). I'm gonna give her a call today.

Will keep you posted.

Chiari malformation is when the back of the brain herniates into the spinal column. Some people have mild forms and it is when
you have a neck injury that it may become worse. You are born with it. But it may be silent until stressed.

A good MRI should show it, but some doctors don't report it to you (don't ask me why)... so having the films read by another neurosurgeon sometimes reveals its presence.

Whiplash??
Possibly thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) We have a TOS forum here with more info so you can see if it might fit.
TOS useful sticky thread -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread84.html
Also your c1 c2 probably got misaligned with the accident.
see http://www.upcspine.com/self.htm