[MJA - TOS]

So my story is I'm 3 yrs post op. Rib removed and scalenes cut and removed. Huge glob of scar tissue cleaned out. Had 80% vascular blockage. Have bilateral severe vascular tos.

So, in past four to six months pain is really bad again. Worst arm on fire, better arm getting worse as well as developing lump in neck. Went to Thoracic guy in area, he tells me they don't do redos often because of scar tissue. May have to send me to Phila if I persue. I told him I was going to try an anesthetist for spinal blocks. He said to do that and then revisit him. Went to anesthetist and he won't touch me. He is afraid that since I'm so scar tissue prone, his blocks will just create more scar tissue in my back.

During that time I started on Lyrica. I've had a significant drop in arm fire. However I still ache and hurt. Depends on what I'm doing and unfortunately typing is not one of the good things. Anyway, I'm giving this a try. I'm not getting my hope up cause I've been here before. I might just be between flares. It's supposed to be for shingles nerve pain and diabetic nerve pain. It's larger use is for seizure disorders.

Just wondered if any of you have tried it yet. I am taking meth for pain when necessary so as I said it's not perfect for the ache. However the fire isn't as bad.

(I hope I can mention a med here. Haven't been around a while. I am not any type of pharmaceutical rep, I promise!)

Marcia

[Jomar]

I did a search of the forum on Lyrica here is the link with results -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/se...searchid=60292

[dabbo]

Just my 2 cents- when started getting these symptoms diagnosed, the 2nd neuro i saw put me on lyrica. It worked wonders!! Pain levels, burning, etc went way down. I was only taking my pain meds (low dose lortab) 2-3 days a week, and usually only if i'd done something stupid before. However, I had an allergic reaction (they think to the lyrica) and I wound up in the ER 2 straight nights. It worked so well I've kicked around the idea of going back on it (w/ doc's permission, of course).

[johannakat]

I have not taken Lyrica myself, but others have said it has a tendency to push one towards diabetes. Use with caution, and if you have a genetic history of diabetes take extra caution.

I have also heard it was very successful for those same folks, often enough to take the diabetes risk.

Good luck!

[Dolfinz]

Hi there...
I have been on Lyrica for about a year now. When I started taking it (3 times per day 75mg ) It worked very well ! But the side affects are what killed me. One of them is Edema (swelling of the hands and feet) and where I already have that problem it just made it worse. I also makes you gain weight (gained almost 40 lbs.).. which is why I just take it when I am hurting real bad.

My Doc won't let me take any other like Cymbalta because he said this is the best one for nerve pain. Just keep an eye out for the side effects other than that I like it. Hope you and everyone else has a pain free day !

Dolfinz

[gibbrn]

hi hope it helps you,
I had scalenectomy and 1st rib resection in 2005 and am still in hell pain and numbness and vascular sx.....tried lyrica and had to go off it due to the side effects...read the sheet with all the side effects VERY carefully before continuing on this on...I am now back on neurontin. I liked lyrica but the side effects made me come off them.
take care,
Victoria

[MJA - TOS]

Thanks for the input on Lyrica. Only side effects I've noticed so far are blurry eyes (which went away), a bit of foggines (not quite as bad as topamax), and grogginess. I do worry about the weight gain. I gained a ton of weight when I went on Ambian. Can't afford to gain more. I do have to attribute alot of my weight gain to boredom and loneliness from being alone all day. Other than our cats, I sit and wait for my family crew to come home. Then I come alive again! However, those swiss rolls and other stuff just keep calling out my name!

Again thanks for the input.

Marcia

[johannakat]

mmmm swiss rolls. I hear you. I hear them, too, and the easter candy, the devils food roll things, and the peanut butter bars. *sigh*

I joined a gym that has a good hot tub- great for days you feel crappy, and the thought of the hot tub gets me in the door, and I can generally muster up 15-20 or so gentle minutes of starimaster or recumbent bike. If not, I am usually at least motivated enough to do my PT stretching. Hot tub alone is a good distraction from food- cardio/stretching is a bonus.

[gibbrn]

not to be crude or rude but the worst side effect I had was inorgasmia....one of the very last side effects on the sheet.....so if you are capable.....and the endorphines are the best thing for you.......it is a poor side effect and enough for me to stop taking it.
take care....of course this is a female side effect....

love and hugs,
Victoria

[dabbo]

swiss rolls are ok, but Zebra cakes are better. but i can never find them in anything less than a 10 pack. and i'm pretty sure thats a bad thing. anyways....good luck w/ the lyrica, and definitley read about the side effects.