[daniella]

I know we are all different but in form of meds especially the type like neurontin etc but also as needed meds what have people found the most helpful and how long did it take to feel a difference? Thank you.

[AintSoBad]

The biggest single change I made, almost 20 years ago (had rsd since 83), was to be put on "Methadone".
A "Life Changer".
It doesn't fade in efficacy. (I don't have to keep increasing it over the years). I've been started
@60 mg, been down to 10-15, up to 100 (2nd accident), now I'm back to 50-60/day.

Funny story, my first wife said "I'm not going to be married to a "drug addict". I replied, I'm not going to live my life in pain. She split, and three months later, called, screaming at me why I'm not begging her to come home?

Huh?
You filed for divorce! I decided to not live in pain, nor with one!

Oh well.
Life does go on!

Pete
Asb

[SBOWLING]

Hi Daniella,

I use Atvian .5 mg twice a day. It helps control my anxiety/stress level. Which for me is a pain aggrivator. When I am flared I take an additional .5 mg.

I also see a Chiropractor 3 times a week. He doesn't use his hands he uses an activator. It's a small spring loaded insturment that he places on the area of my spine that needs adjusted. He DX my RSD and helped me find the doctors that treat my condition. I know he is the reason I don't use a lot of narcartics. Dr. S in Philly said it's one of the best things I could be doing for myself.
Take care,
Sherrie

[dreambeliever128]

I second the Methadone. I love it. It works great for the pain. I took it for 6 years and now only take it when needed. The only side effect I found was some sweating but I do that anyway.

I also use the lidocaine patch when the pain is just in an area or a few. You can use 3 of them and they do help.

Ada

[daniella]

Thank you so much. Aintsobad I am glad you can joke now. I am glad you found something to work. I was suggested methadone by one pain but then it got ruled out. I am going to ask on Mon with my new doc. The lidocaine patch and the lidocaine infusion made me worse pain wise. You know my mom is on ativan and not for pain but for sleep/anxiety it really helps. I have huge sleep issues of course like many here. I am on klonopin though and my psych said you can't mix the two but she was wrong on other but maybe someone knows? I am also on serequel which I find useless in all aspects and is costly so am going to ask about that to.

[Dew58]

I am just feeling somewhat better from the pain flare that I have endured for over a week..so here goes:

Meds that I would not give up:

Neurontin, Opana ER, Ultram, Xanex, Cymbalta, Diovan/HCT, Prontonix

Med that doesn't seem to do anything: Mobic 15 mg( anti-inflammatory)

Others I choose to keep close at hand:
TENS UNIT
Lidoderm Patch
Flector Patch

What soothes me instantly:
heating pad
X-tra Warm Epsom Salt Bath

Sleep is a real problem, and at one time, I was taking AmbienCR, it stopped working so I don't take it anymore.

When I am sleepless in Oklahoma, I will work on my art of paper quilling or watch classic movies on TV or my computer. This last flare, I went on a Bette Davis classic movie marathon by way of youtube, in comfy jammies and my heating pad and blanky

Yes, youtube now has movies

Hope this helps
Dew

[angelrsd]

the meds that i take on a daily basis are

fentanyl in my pump
zanaflex 4mg 3 pills up to 3x's daily
nortriptylne 25mg at night


and thats it.. for me.. but i have to have the zanaflex period i cant live with out it

carrie

[daniella]

You guys are on some strong meds. I am so sorry for your pain.
Dew I can relate to the sleepless nights. I watch so many old reruns it is unreal. Makes for long days and nights. I watch a lot of TLC too it is light hearted and often shows people with struggles who have such a good attitude. Angel thank you as well
I may be trying hbot but am going to ask my doc though he does not do it but if there is a possibilty that it can flare me up like the lidocaine infusion and the block so will see.

[GalenaFaolan]

I only take two meds, generic vicodin 10mg and baclofen. I can't and would not care to try and live without the baclofen. It holds the uncontrollable jerking at bay. Not that I would want to try and live without some sort of pain med either. LOL Been there, done that when I was a wc case.

Other than the above, I keep my mind busy researching, writing, reading, and doing crafty things. :-)

Hugs,

Karen

[SandyRI]

Originally Posted by daniella

I know we are all different but in form of meds especially the type like neurontin etc but also as needed meds what have people found the most helpful and how long did it take to feel a difference? Thank you.

I also have been saved by Methadone. I only take 15 mg a day, and I'm afraid to take more because I'm too busy - I still drive, work, take care of my kids, etc. It does not get rid of all of my pain. But I am SO much better off pain wise than I was.

I take 3-4 percs a day for breakthru. I've been taking them a while and they are loosing their effectiveness.

There's a long list of other meds and vitamins that I take, but those are the main pain relievers.

Good luck to you.