Neuropathy pain HELP!!!

[TI double GGER]

I have had disc problems off and on for several years. Pain grabs my butt, goes down the back of my leg and I can't walk. Thought that was miserable pain until now! This time I can walk just fine but I have stabbing, shooting, burning, tingling and electrical shock like pain in both legs. Nothing is touching this pain. I'm doing the steroid pack and taking Flexiril, it's been a week but no relief. I really wanted to just bang my head against the wall last night it was so bad. I start PT on Thursday. My other option is the nerve block but I wanted to try PT first. Not sure that was a good choice. Anyone have any advice for a way to get a little relief? Thanks.

 

[quasar4legs]

Sorry no experience or advice but wanted to give you a

I hope the PT makes a difference.

 

[guytongal]

My mom is recovering from surgery for the same thing. She tried the steroids, and the spinal block gave minimal relief. She also tried physical therapy. The surgery went very well and she woke up in no pain. She didn't know she had a hairline fracture in the L5. The doctor fused L4 and L5 and did what they call a nerve decompression for the nerves surrounding the area. Sometimes the swelling or even the displacement of the spine puts pressure on the nerves and causes them to swell and that can cause terrible pain. Surgery should not be a first option by any means, but in my mom's case she really benefited from it. I hope you get some relief soon. Good luck.

 

[Pooh2]

My mom is recovering from surgery for the same thing. She tried the steroids, and the spinal block gave minimal relief. She also tried physical therapy. The surgery went very well and she woke up in no pain. She didn't know she had a hairline fracture in the L5. The doctor fused L4 and L5 and did what they call a nerve decompression for the nerves surrounding the area. Sometimes the swelling or even the displacement of the spine puts pressure on the nerves and causes them to swell and that can cause terrible pain. Surgery should not be a first option by any means, but in my mom's case she really benefited from it. I hope you get some relief soon. Good luck.

How long did your mom take to heal from her fusion surgery?

 

[guytongal]

@Pooh 2, sorry this reply has taken so long. My mom is 4 weeks out from surgery and is doing pretty well. She is still wearing her brace, but can now feel her right foot and her back doesn't hurt anymore. However, with nerve decompression surgery, her sciatic nerve is "waking up" so her pain is sometimes bad since the nerve is receiving signals now. Her doctor has told her to still take it easy, and has been getting stronger everyday. she was told the nerve pain will subside over the next few weeks.

 

[Pooh2]

Hope your mom has a smooth recovery.
I am trying to decide what to do next. It's good to hear a positive outcome.

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

nerve pain is unique and typical pain relievers are often ineffective. Neurontin is used specifically for nerve painm Takes like 4-6 weeks to work, though. Hope you get some relief.

 

[Tinker Pam]

My DH has horrible diabetic neuropathy pain and the only thing that has helped it is Cymbalta. Hope you find some relief.

 

[TI double GGER]

Hi everyone. I want to apologize for not answering I have no excuse except for forgetting that I posted until I got Tinkerpams reply in an email yesterday. I have been taking gamapentin, which is an antiseizure drug, and have gotten some relief with that. Doesn't take it away but makes it more bearable. PT did nothing, actually seemed a little worse. Shots did nothing. I am scheduled for surgery on Tuesday. It took me a long time to give in! But I am out of options and do not care to live like this when there is a chance of relief. I hope to have it done endoscopically but Dr says he won't know for sure until he gets in there because the nerve is involved on both sides.I think he really does know but figures I'll bolt! At this point whatever works, I don't care if I have a ten inch incision! He has also told me, like guytongals mom, that it could take awhile before the nerve pain subsides. I want to thank all of you for your advice and hugs it means alot to me. When I am able I will let you know how it goes. I'll write myself a note so I don't forget!

 

[TI double GGER]

Hello again. Just a quick update since I've had the surgery. It was done endoscopically and with lasers. Bone was cut with the laser from both sides of L4 L5 & S1 then the disc was cut and the nerves untangled and released. I have a 2inch horizontal scar on one side and a 2 inch vertical scar on the other. The nerve pain is not gone but is much better. I understand it will take awhile. Patience is not my strong suit but I'm trying to remain calm and not scream about it not working! The pain around the incisions is mostly gone already. Thanks again for your kind thoughts.

 

[mommasita]

I'm so glad you are having some relief. I hope you continue to heal at this rate. So nice to hear some good news

 

[TI double GGER]

Thank you, everyday is a little better.