Hi

I'm two years post surgery on my lumbar spine. Micro Discectomy and Lateral Stenosis Decompression.

Mechanically my back has been great since surgery however, still have Neuropathy.

Was on Gabapentin for three years but began feeling really ill on it. I have not been able to find a replacement that offers the same level of pain relief.

Anybody in a similar situation that could offer some advice, would be appreciated.

Thanks

You might ask your doc to put you on Topamax. It works MUCH better (for me) than Gabapentin EVER did. The Gabapentin made me feel LOOPY and kind of nauseated, plus I gained 30 lbs of water weight! I hated that stuff. So I did some research, and found Topamax -- it was kinda new at the time, and my doc hadn't heard of it. I asked him if we could try it and he said ok. WOW - it worked great!

I had NO side effects at all. Plus it totally ended the burning, the zaps, all the neuropathy!! I was amazed, to tell you the truth. And I'm not on a high dosage either -- only 400mg per day! Not bad, huh?

So ask your doc about it -- I'm NOT saying that you won't have ANY side effects, cause you might. Hopefully, they'll go away after a time. I hope so anyway. Will you let me know what he says? I'd appreciate it!

God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee

I asked GP about Topamax, he was not a fan and would not prescribe.

I wonder why? Hmmm

Ok. Then ask him about Lyrica. Have you asked him about that? I'm on that too, and that works well. Perhaps he'd let you take that?

You sure need something. Let us know what he says, ok? Hugs, Lee

Lyrica (pregablin) is the newest version of gabapentin, tried it, but had the same side effects of gabapentin.

Now building the dose of Dosulepin, just raised the dose to 75mg. It's taking the edge off but not as good as the Gabapentin.

I suppose I would do the research on Topomax. Show the findings to your doctor, and ask him why he is not a fan. Gebepentin in my opinion is alot harder to take. If you have other health issues that prevent a change to topomax, the research you google up would show it. I sure hope you find something that works for you. ginnie

I have been taking methyl B12 for a couple of weeks now. Think it has helped lessen the burning feel in my leg to a bearable level.
Also, my eyesight has improved.
Told GP, so I am waiting for the results of a B12 blood level test.
If the result level is ok, I am still going to continue with B12.

I have been reading about Vitamin B12 on here, do you think it is worth a try?

I've been on Dosulepin 75mg for 11 days now, sedating effect is not lessening on this dose and is not giving anymore pain relief than 50mg was.

Where is pain, and is it local or dispersed? Have you had any report/diagnosis on the post-operation condition of your back, and probable cause of pain?
I had a similar operation six years or so ago and it seems to me that it is important to find out as much as you can.