I have pain from perpheral neuropathy, sciatica, C2-3, L3,4,5,Dejenerative Joint/Disc Disease. HELP!

Boy. Where to start? In 1989 I had a back injury from lifting that put me in hospital for 7 days. Diagnosis - Mechanical low back injury. Put on permanent lifting restrictions. Spent about 3yrs rehabing my back so I could work again. The end of 1999 I had Total Knee Relacement on left knee following multiple scope jobs. Feb 2000 needed Knee Replacement on right. Returned to work in June. Aug 2000 hurt lower back moving boxes of pop. There was also injury to c-2. I was also having problems with peripheral neuropathy in both feet. This was not officially diagnosed until June of 02 when I went to Mayo Clinic for the second time. I WAS STILL ABLE TO DO QUITE A BIT UNTIL FALL OF 06. SINCE THEN HAVE DRASTICALLY GONE DOWNHILL. Currently take pain meds (Lortab 7.5mg) every 6hrs plus Ultram 2x's a day, baclophen max dose, Elavil so I can sleep and more. I know there have been a lot of days lately that I've had to take the Lortab every four hrs and sometimes even that doesn't help. I see my doc on 5/12 and want to ask for something stronger, possibly a patch with something for breakthru pain. They tried oxycontin last year but it didn't help and cost way too much money. All I wanted to do was sleep. I would like to be able to function.

I know this is a long story but can anyone help?

None of the sites I have been to deal with multi-symptom problems

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Answers (2)

Monday, May 05, 2008

Karen Lee Richards

There are a number of different pain relief options but I couldn't begin to suggest which might be best for you. I'm going to submit your question to Dr. Krusz, our pain specialist, to be answered in his "Ask the Expert" post. Although even MDs cannot diagnose or treat online, he might be able to suggest options you could discuss with your doctor.

To be sure you don't miss his answer, go to Dr. Krusz's profile and subscribe to his SharePosts. Then you'll receive an e-mail when his answers are posted.

Karen

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Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Jonley

Hi There,

You have my sympathies re. the tremendous amount of pain that you have.

I have had Peripheral Neuropathy for about 5 years and the main problem, like you, is my feet.

I was put onto 50mg. Anafranil at night - this really does help! Anafranil is actually an anti-depressant but apparently does work for certain types of nerve pain.

Before you take it ask your doctor if it will be OK with the other drugs that your on.

Hope it helps you!!!