Neurologist appointment........

[since95]

I had my Neurologist appointment this on Monday (after waiting 3 months to get in). Just for any of you who don't know my story, I have been experiencing horrible sharp, stabbing pains and stabbing itchiness all over my body. I also get the feeling of someone pouring vinegar into an open wound all over but I don't have any open wounds. It seems to be all nerve related and anti-inflammatory drugs don't do anything for me.

The doctor was a very pleasant fellow. He listened to my story very closely and his letter to my doctor was very thorough and professional. Of course my MRI and EMG came up clean. He is still going to have me take a few tests that are specific to the autonomic nervous system to see if there are any clues for possible small fibre neuropathy. However, my wandering pain that travels my body (mostly in my limbs, back and chest) has him quite confused. He of course recommended Lyrica or Neurontin to deal with the symptoms and those are two drugs that have me scared out of my mind to try.

I mentioned the possibility that Paxil withdrawal is the cause of this pain and he said unlikely but possible. I wasn't going to even get into it with him over the seriousness of my paxil withdrawal journey, as it wouldn't have accomplished anything.

So, the pain is still horrible (usually a 7-8 out of 10 every day). I refuse to use opioids as a long term treatment and will continue to look for alternative ways at dealing with the pain. I currently do acupuncture weekly and I am thinking about getting a TENS machine. I also got a referral to a Physiologist that specializes in pain management.

My dilemma is that my work is so hectic in January - March with a bunch of traveling (including 2 weeks across the country). I don't think I can physically do it in the condition I am in. However, like many of you, I have a mortgage and a wonderful family to take care of. Taking time off is just not an option so I may have to try the Lyrica / Neurontin to see if I get any relief. However, I am so scared to take such a heavy drug and don't know if I could ever make it through another withdrawal from another pill.

I will contemplate my next move over the next 3-4 days.

Dan

[carolyn]

{{{HUG}}} Oh man, that sounds so miserable!

Granted, I'm just one person, but I took Lyrica for about six weeks a few years ago for some nerve pain and it really helped. The only side effects I had were that it made me a little loopy (I felt kinda drunk, like my legs were heavy) for the first couple of days. I couldn't drink alcohol at all while on it, but otherwise, it worked and my life was totally normal. Getting off of it was a total non-issue.

My mom has been on Neurontin for years (I think I've mentioned to you that she has peripheral neuropathy) -- I'm happy to ask her more info about it. She must be having a fine time with it because her insurance doesn't cover it and she continues to pay out of pocket for it.

[since95]

Oh thank you carolyn, I needed the hug.

May I ask why you only took the Lyrica for six weeks and then stopped? Did your nerve pain calm down or did you decide another approach?

[carolyn]

In that case, have another hug! {{{HUG}}}

I stopped the Lyrica because the nerve pain calmed down. Basically, I had a bad reaction to an epidural steroid injection, and the area became so inflammed that it really irritated a nerve. I took the Lyrica for about six weeks while the inflammation went down on its own (well, I took a lot of ibuprofen too). When the inflammation calmed down, I could stop the Lyrica as the nerve pain was gone by that point.

[Aeroman]

I seriously think that SSRI w/d causes inflammatory responses to some of us...my low back, knee, hands, and lungs have gotten inflammation issues causing pain, a "hot" knee, red palms, and shortness of breath. I am curious to see what your new doc says.

[since95]

Hi Aeroman

I don't think the pain I am encountering is due to inflammation, as anti-anti-inflammatoriesdo nothing for the pain nor does ice or pain killers (Tylenol 3s). I think it is more a disturbance in my nervous system, as all the sensations are more similar to neuropathy.

[Aeroman]

Originally Posted by since95

Hi Aeroman

I don't think the pain I am encountering is due to inflammation, as anti-anti-inflammatoriesdo nothing for the pain nor does ice or pain killers (Tylenol 3s). I think it is more a disturbance in my nervous system, as all the sensations are more similar to neuropathy.

Yes, I am with you there...I also sometimes take 800mg of Motrin and it does nothing. Ice does numb it out a bit. I havent tried pain killers and Tylenol doesn't do a thing either. The only thing that has put a dent to my back pain has been acupuncture.

[luc]

Originally Posted by since95

I mentioned the possibility that Paxil withdrawal is the cause of this pain and he said unlikely but possible. I wasn't going to even get into it with him over the seriousness of my paxil withdrawal journey, as it wouldn't have accomplished anything.

That's the sad part of it all. No matter how good a doctor might be, they seem not to realise the severity of Paxil withdrawal. If I told mine about all the symptoms I have had, she would think I'm an alien from Galaxy XY876. Fortunately, I don't go to her anymore. And I'm improving on regular basis.
Hang in there, Dan!