[Luckycharm]

I'm so glad I found this website! I've been lurking for awhile but decided I should introduce myself and say a big "hi" to everyone. This is my first time posting on a forum. I'll post something longer later to tell more of my story but right now I have 2 questions that I really need answers to. First off, what kind of luck have ya'll had with Lidoderm patches and how in the world do you get them to stay stuck?! And, does elbow pain go along with TOS or is that a totally separate problem? And if so, how does that pain usually feel? I don't know if that question makes any sense though.

[Jomar]

hello Lucycharm,
I haven't used the Lidoderm patches but I've read the tips made by others that do use them.
seems like there were just some posts last week on a thread - I'll try to find it and post the link here for you.

Some cut them in half or in a shape that will fit better

make sure skin is free of oils or lotions - it might have been mentioned to clean the skin with alcohol ??- so they stick better

if they still don't stick use a medical tape to secure it- some tape is better than others.

Elbow pain-
yes it goes with TOS quite often but it could also be ulnar nerve/cubital tunnel or both TOS & cubital tunnel. {called a double crush - because of 2 places being affected separately}.

I had elbow pain mostly due to the muscle spasms in my neck, arm and shoulder areas - besides the tension and pulling, the spasms were affecting my ulnar nerve - when we got the spasms under control the elbow pain went away for me.
My elbows were very sensitive to pressure and had sore spots around the joint - no arthritis at all though- they checked for that.
some swelling and weakness, soreness when lifting a milk jug- that sort of thing, and just a dull ache the rest of the time.

trigger points can also cause referred pain like this chart shows-
you don't need the tool - just a tennis ball , or any firm ball on the floor or against a wall or a friend willing to try it for you.
this explains it a bit -
http://www.pressurepointer.com/Users1.htm
and the clickable chart-
http://www.pressurepointer.com/pain_reference_chart.htm

[gibbrn]

Welcome to our little world!!
I hope to help by addressing the Lido patch issues you are inquiring about.
I LOVE them and can't live without them now. they work so well for me on my neck....scalene area top of shoulder and scapula whre the knife in my back resides.....they stick really well if you wipe with alcohol first to remove all your natural oils ..and never put cream on the area first ever ever.....so wipe clean with alcohol and let it dry off well!! Then take your patch or have someone do it if you can't reach...my case...and stick er on!!! to keep it on sometimes I use flash tape...it keeps dresses to skin... here is a link so you understand me.
http://www.advantagewear.com/flash-tape.html
I put a little...don't think the lido goes through it....on the places, usually edges for me where it is not sticking then it sticks well for the 24hrs I leave mine on for. I know it says 12 but for ME I like 24. I only use 1 patch or 1.5 a day at MOST not up to 3 so that is an easy out for me....

Another way to keep on your arm may be a wrap type dressing..no tape on skin over the patch...use a thing they use to keep dressings on...find a medical store and see if they sell
http://www.thefind.com/beauty/browse...nette-bandages

that kind of thing may work well....it has to be tight enough not to slip off or threre is no point to it...just a thought.

hope some of this helps!!! keep up the questions. You'll eventually get your answers!!

welcome again
hugs,
Victoria RN

[(Broken Wings)]

I love Lidoderm. You numb me and I'll move.

I take a hot shower or bath, let my skin dry completely and usually use the whole patch for hip, back, pecs or shoulder. My neck patch don't stay on too well. I will use them on my last two fingers on my left hand, cover last two fingers and hand and wrap to bottom of hand and underside two fingers. Helps tremendously. I use on my thumbs or wrists when they're hurting. I use them on my forearms, area between my tricep and bicep. I have used up to 3 at a time most times. Depending on where I need them the most, I can cut them and use in more places. My areas are usually big enough for the whole patch. I have found that a fresh new patch is a little strong for my wrists and forearms or thumbs. I sometimes reuse the ones for my back, hip or shoulder for those areas.

My cardiothoracic surgeon prescribed DSMO ? , or horse liniment. Instructed to apply it for 12 hours and then apply the lidoderm patch. the theory was the liniment was to open up my pores so that it would allow the lidocaine to soak into the skin better. My doctor also made my insurance pay for the horse liniment. He's amazing.

Elbow pain, oh yeah. I can't rest my elbows on tables or hard surfaces. I used pillows to rest my elbows in, and while driving. Stretches helps that.

Hope this helps in some way. Other people have posts about Lidoderm.

[tshadow]

HI, and welcome, although sorry if you have TOS...it sucks, we all agree.

A suggestion, if you use the search button, and put in for an advanced search, search "me", tshadow, and ask for all of my threads. I have one that is "top 5 symptoms" and then there are ALL symptoms - TOS can have some seemingly unrelated symptoms until you realize where the nerves are going...

Also, I have a testing thread that is helpful I think. Not to toot my own horn, but it's been 6 1/2 years, that I gelled down to a quick page of tests...

God bless you. We are a family here and always try to help, listen and be there.