Feeling a little better
 

I have been suffering from PN for 2 1/2 years now. The last week or so I have been feeling better. I am on 2700 mg gabapentin, 100 mg Tramadol, and lidocaine patch. I know these are fairly high doses, but it seems like pain has leveled off or even a little improved. My PN is idiopathic. Do pain works work better over time?

I am glad that you are feeling better. I hope you continuously feet better.

I am on Gabapentin 1500mg a day but just Friday, this was increased to 1800mg a day. I dont take tramadol or any kind of pain killer. I use Lidocaine Patch too. I put it in the instep (just in front of the ankle). This is the best spot that works for me. It allows me to do my responsibilties.

Idiopathic PN that is a great idea to put the Lido Patch on your instep. I'm going to try that tomorrow!
Hopeful

Nice update! It is wonderful to see a positive post, and improvements.

When you put those Lidoderms on the top of your foot (instep), be careful walking...sometimes they numb me up too much and I stumble around. Not always, but sometimes. 1/2 patch is enough for each foot.

I use only 1/4 for each foot. I experimented many times before I got the right spot and the right size that works for me. The downside of it is the patch doesn't hold up. So I put a plaster to hold it. I make sure that its not so tight.

Thank you.

Mrs.D do you put lidoderm pain patch on foot even if you don't have pain in foot? My pain is mainly in abs and some pain in my upper legs.

I only use the Lidoderm patches when I have severe foot pain, which is not often anymore. But I have done so maybe once a month or two. Usually it knocks it out in one day.

I don't know if this is sesamoid inflammation flare or the PN pain. But I have used them on the instep, and once I went shopping with them on and that was a mistake. Now if I need them I use them at night and take off in the daytime.

I also use the Lidoderms behind the knee, esp the right one which tends to flare every once in a while.