With so many posters, regulars, etc., it's probably hard to remember or tell who's who, so a brief recap- I've suffered from severe intractable back pain after multiple vertebral fractures a few years ago. The most effective modality has been hydrocodone, but still, even sitting upright in an admin. type position for hours on end was painful for more than 30 minutes, causing me to shift positions ever few seconds-minutes just to try and get relief.
Last week my agony finally ended after a little experiment. My PMD was talking about my particular issues over lunch with a neurologist, when he suggested Lyrica. I've never had post-herpetic neuralgia or DM/ peripheral neuropathy. After exceeding otc meds many times over in addition to the Rx narcs at prescribed dosages, and a failed attempt at an injection two weeks ago, I had hit my point of desperation and was ready to try ANYTHING.
Skeptically, I took the Lyrica. By the next day I was not only feeling the best I've felt pre-accident several years back, but feel like I have my life back again! Where this was an old injury w/ongoing pain, it was felt to have been neuropathic pain in etiology. In fact, since starting the med, I have needing NO pain meds. Cold turkey on otc's & rx pain meds with no side effects for nearly a week now. I have some discomfort that I'm toughing out, but it's nothing compared to what I've dealt with for so long.
Since topics dealing with chronic pain, both when it comes to patient care, but for many of us who have chronic pain or issues as well, I would hope maybe my situation and sharing this might benefit someone else. The Lyrica is expensive, but worth it to me.
Specializes in ob high risk, labor and delivery, postp.
Congrats , soo happy for you.
I have chronic back pain. Bulging discs, degenerative changes annular tear on Mri. Have tried PT, ESI ablation with little success. We worker's compensation has taken me to court and lost, but i have been told that they will keep tormenting me. Most of my docs seem to be working for them, since they discount my pain level. presently i am seeing a pain management doc who is trying to help. His discogram was positive, which i think means that the incredible pain i felt was at the level of my annular tear. i have to go back next week to discuss these results. I may have to have an idet next. From what i read there is only a 50% success rate. I have been forced to work (i need the money) at present 4 hour days. They give me regular assignment and just tell me to ask for help when needed. I am in constant pain varying from a 4 to 9. i can barely walk to my car, and cry my way home. Usually my right foot is completely numb when i drive home . Vicodin lessens the pain, but i can't take it and function well. I also tried Lyrica last year, but it really made it difficult to focus..I literally could not remember what I had opened a chart to check or gone into a room to do!! Anyone have advice?
deehaverrn
83 Posts
Congrats , soo happy for you.
I have chronic back pain. Bulging discs, degenerative changes annular tear on Mri. Have tried PT, ESI ablation with little success. We worker's compensation has taken me to court and lost, but i have been told that they will keep tormenting me. Most of my docs seem to be working for them, since they discount my pain level. presently i am seeing a pain management doc who is trying to help. His discogram was positive, which i think means that the incredible pain i felt was at the level of my annular tear. i have to go back next week to discuss these results. I may have to have an idet next. From what i read there is only a 50% success rate. I have been forced to work (i need the money) at present 4 hour days. They give me regular assignment and just tell me to ask for help when needed. I am in constant pain varying from a 4 to 9. i can barely walk to my car, and cry my way home. Usually my right foot is completely numb when i drive home . Vicodin lessens the pain, but i can't take it and function well. I also tried Lyrica last year, but it really made it difficult to focus..I literally could not remember what I had opened a chart to check or gone into a room to do!! Anyone have advice?