Hi vintagewine,

Yes, Lidocaine can cause damage to the heart, especially if the Infusion runs too fast. But I have been having them since '07, had a heart attack in '08 (unrelated) and I have coronary ischaemia and microvascular disease on top of the heart damage. My Cardiologist still oks the Infusions.

I have extreme Neurological Hypersensitivity, Neuropathic Facial Pain and compressed spinal cord from neck injuries. Well, that is the pain the Lidocaine treats - with Oral Ketamine top-up. At the end of the month (4 weekly Infusion cycle) my pain is a 9. After Infusion and my meds, a 4-5. That is except for the days the Cluster Headaches and TN strike, then all numbers are meaningless for hours.

As for Meditation, it takes patience and practice. Try this simple 5-10 minute Buddhist Breathing Meditation to clear the mind.
Sit comfortably upright in a chair in a silent room with no distractions.
Close your eyes half way.
Let your mind focus on the feeling of your breath entering and leaving your nose and body.
Do not change your breathing, simply concentrate on it and let all other thoughts fade away
When you reach Clarity of Mind, concentrate on that feeling.
If you feel your mind wandering, return your focus to your breathing.

A 10 minute session should bring 1,2,3 minutes of Clarity which will become easier to achieve and expand as you practice.

Another possible medication to discuss is Topiramate, or other alternative Anti-Convulsants. I take Topiramate for my Cluster Headaches and noted a marked decrease in pain when I recently increased dose. These meds are now being found to be helpful in treating Neuropathic pain.

Dave.