[scottishandy]

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

[Leesa]

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

[scottishandy]

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

[Leesa]

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

[scottishandy]

Originally Posted by Leesa

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.

[scottishandy]

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

[scottishandy]

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.

[Colin Street]

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.

[scottishandy]

Originally Posted by Colin Street

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.

Pain lessened post operation, left with neuropathic pain constant below left knee with some weakness and sensory changes (all of which were there before operation). My lower back aches continuously. Also have pain/sensory changes from left buttock too toes when I have stressed my back too much.

Since operation I'm able to stand straight again and pain is not severe in my back just continuously aches.

Feel the constant burn feeling has lessened since starting the Methyl B12. Have also cut Dosulepin to 25mg as was sedated (See GP again this week).

Not asked for follow up MRI as I'm in a lot better place than I was before the operation. However, do you think it's worth asking? Don't know if I would want a further operation, with symptoms I have now, don't want to risk further damage weakness to spine/spinal cord.

[Pendora]

Hey Scott, I had an open laminectomy/discetomy L5-S1 about 3 years ago. Looks like we are in the same boat. I saw a spine specialist and he said that I should get an MRI every 6 months since my surgery. Of course, I am not going to do that but I think you better get one done because post operative changes do occur. I think it is definitely worth asking. Hope you get to feeling better.