Three doctors diagnosed ATOS with sympathetic pain syndrome
 

I just had a follow-up visit with my hand surgeon yesterday and he agreed with my vascular surgeon and EMG doctor's diagnoses of ATOS which is causing sympathetic pain. What does this mean? Do they mean I have RSD/CRPS? What do you do for this? My pain is very bad and it is wearing me out so much.

I was not very tolerant of Neurontin so doctor switched me yesterday to Lyrica. Does that med give anyone pain relief? How can a compressed artery cause so much pain?

Tos and RSD
 

I have bi lateral tos and RSD. Are they related? I never thought about it because my RSD is in my feet. But I do know that my RSD is effected by issues in other places. I have been on large doses of neurotin :)for a long time without a problem except for fatigue. Have not tried lyrica, but have heard that it is helpful. Sounds like you are in enough pain to warrant a pain med. Just be careful with dependency. Hope it helps just had a follow-up visit with my hand surgeon yesterday and he agreed with my vascular surgeon and EMG doctor's diagnoses of ATOS which is causing sympathetic pain. What does this mean? Do they mean I have RSD/CRPS? What do you do for this? My pain is very bad and it is wearing me out so much.

For my TOS and RSD pain, a combo of Neurontin, an anti-inflammatory, and narcotics works best.

I haven't used Lyrica. It is in the same class of meds as Neurontin. What side effects of Neurontin were hard for you to tolerate ?

Hi all,

I just started Neurontin due to allodynia post-surgery. How long does it take for Neurontin to take effect? I started it on Thursday and have been on 300mg/day for a few days. I read that it can take a couple weeks for the medication to take effect. I am curious to know your experiences...this pain is really draining.

Thanks!

The neurontin isn't going to get rid of the allodynia, just dull the sensations. I think it took 1-2 weeks for me to feel benefit from the neurontin (I believe it has to get into your system and cross the blood/brain barrier). Once the neurontin was effective it still took a couple of months for the allodynia to completely disappear for me (this was after my cervical fusion a year ago). I've been on neurontin 400mg 3/day ever since.

Marc,

Many thanks for your insights. Do you think you'll be on Neurontin for the foreseeable future?

Yes. I have lumbar disc compression as well. The Neurontin helps me with the lumbar radiculopathies as well.

I had to switch from Lyrica to Neurontin. I think Lyrica is the more advanced and effective drug, but has a higher incidence of side effects. If you have a compressed subclavian artery the brachial plexus is likely being compressed as well. I don't think Lyrica or Neurontin is indicated unless you are having nerve compression/irritation.

For lumbar issues, many people have been helped my "Somatics":
http://www.amazon.com/Somatics-Reawa...dp/0738209570/

I also like "3 Minutes":
http://www.amazon.com/Minutes-Pain-F...dp/0743476476/

And "Healing Back Pain Naturally":
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743424646/

... if you haven't already seen them.