Pain

[tooter212]

Your right, I can't live this way any longer!!! What is the best pain reliever without the depression side effect and the easiest to get off of.

[clean_in_ks]

Hi Tooter.....so sorry the pain is overwhelming you.  I can totally relate to chronic pain.....and especially in my feet.  Though I must say, the red, blazing, pins & needles, burning, painful neuropathy in my feet is no longer ALL dang day...so for that I am grateful.

I have read that you were once taking amitriptyline (a tricylic AD used many times for pain) but you quit taking it.  And if I remember right, you didn't wean off of it, but just stopped abruptly?  And now you are back on it as of today, right?  If you allow a little time for your blood plasma levels to process the Amitriptyline....you will more than likely get some relief.  It is commonly prescribed for diff types of nerve pain, chronic pain and neuropathy (as is it's cousin noritriptyline which Mary metioned above)
I think you will feel some improvement once it gets into your system.

Also, gabapentin (Neurontin) has been mentioned above.  It, too will help.
I was on BOTH of those meds (Ami and Gabapentin) and my neuropathy was so much better then.  I hear you on the hydros not being effective....so what do you think about trying the Ami for awhile and then maybe the gabapentin.  I weaned off of both those meds and had no trouble weaning off the gabapentin.  
The NSAID gels like Voltaren could bring some relief.  And MOST OF ALL, not overdoing it.....elevating your feet OFTEN, ice after activity, some foot massage (which sounds like it might hurt, but has been proven to HELP with the pain), epsom soaks just for your feet, and then really good shoes.

If you are just a little over a month off the opiates, I would try some of these other things first and see how you do.  As you said, the hydros weren't even effective anymore....and the Ami or Gabapentin will help A LOT.

P.S.  For my own personal reasons I got off the Ami and Gabapentin...but I PROMISE you my neuropathy and nerve pain was better while on them....

[ouchie1987]

Have you heard of quartezone (sp?) Shots?
It's quite drastic n they don't do it in a lot if places, I broke my back in 4 diff places at 16, they injected my spine n I felt no pain.
I later got it again when I ripped my groin.
Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you

[VICourageous]

Ok..I was looking up on some patches. The Lidoderm (lidocaine) is a local anesthetic. It is supposed to be put over the area of pain..This one is good for Arthritis. They commonly use it to treat tingling, burning or stinging pain.

Flector (diclofenac epolamine) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory..It is a class of pain killers that include Advil, Motrin, Aleve and Naproxen.

OTC Patches..Topical Anesthetics..They use these for burns, insect bites, minor cuts etc. It is used to help for some pain.

There are many Chinese Herb Patches for Pain.

Duragesic (fentanly) treats moderated to severe pain..It is a Strong Opioid Pain Med..Should only be used for Long-Term..Now this one builds up a Tolerance and is Highly Addicting too. There has been many negative reports on this one if it is not used right. Plus it is a very hard one to detox from. I would try to stay away from this one..I have read many awful stories on here from people that used it and came off of it..There are all kinds of side affects too.
Maybe do some research on where your pain is and what it feels like..Look up some Non_Addictive Meds, Creams, Ointments. If you soak from warm to cold and back and fourth in water this will help alot.
I wish you the Best and Pray you do not have to go back on the Pain Pills.
Bless

[marycarmel]

I didn't see your last comment about the doctor wanting you to only  put the patches on your feet as a last resort.  Ask about the Voltaren gel for that.  I see someone else mentioned gabapentin Neurontin).   You might get some good relief from that.  (I've used it several times and had no trouble coming off it.  I did get good pain relief from my nerve pain.)

[marycarmel]

I hope the lidocaine patches help.  I use them and find they help a bit.  Putting several things together helps take the edge off.  There are prescription gels and compounding creams you could ask your doctor about.  I switch between Voltaren gel and a compunded cream that has ketamine, baclofan, Fentanyl and some other meds.  It's sort of bridging a bunch of things together to get enough relief to be able to live your life.

If the hydrocodone isn't working anymore, there are lots of other meds they can try.  It's inevitable that you develop a tolerance.  I have come off my meds several times and I feel like taking a medication holiday helps keep my tolerance down.

I would be careful of using the Fentanyl patch.  It was not a good medication for me.  Personally I think it is more of an end-of-life medication.  It can be very difficult to come off.  There are other long-acting medications you could try if younwind up going that route.  Just research whatever medication you plan on going on so you have all the facts.

[tooter212]

I forgot to tell you I had neuropathy pain in feet as well. Sometimes I can hardly stand for a sheet to touch them. The vascular Dr. said he didn't really want me to put the patches on my feet. Do so as a last resort. I'm really in a mess. I guess I just feeling sorry for myself.  Thanks for the support. God Bless you all.

[tooter212]

I got the lidocraine 5%  patches today. They are not helping that much and are making my feet burn more.

[tooter212]

What kind of patches? I'm for anything but going back to the hydro

[VICourageous]

I am so sorry to hear that you are dealing with so much pain. Pain can also cause so much darn depression..You have to do what you must do. Is there any way you can get some shots?? Maybe even a pain patch if it comes down to it. We do build up a tolerance and this is where we need more & more and get our selves in trouble. Maybe talk to the Dr about a patch..This way you will not have pills in your hands and be tempted to take more.
I sure do Pray that what the Dr is trying right now works for you. Give it Time to adjust.
Bless

[tooter212]

The only problem is the hydrocodone quit working for me. I don't know what I'm going to do. :- (

[tooter212]

Thank you Hippise.

[hlpplse]

I hope they help, if they don' t just know that chronic pain is a real disease, just like diabetes and you need to do what is best for you. I hope you feel better sending prayers your way

[vicki595]

I hope the patches help you.  Are you off your feet?  Really? lol...

Going back on the Hydrocodone may be necessary so don't worry about it! You need to be comfortable...

[Sonrissa]

I certainly hope and pray that this works for you! If you have to go back to hydrocodone, please don't beat yourself up over it. Living in constant and debilitating pain, is no life at all. I don't think anyone has tried harder than you! Try to stay positive, and pray that this latest treatment will work!

[tooter212]

well I got back from the Dr. (nurse practioner)  She filled a script for lidocaine 5% and the amitriptyline. I put the patches on and they seem to help some. Will know more as the day goes on. If this doesn't help, I'm going back on the hydrocodone. Please pray it does.

[msdelight]

Hey toots I am so sorry you are going through this and glad you're going to the doctor. See if you can get ibuprofen 800. It's a Rx. Also there are some antidepressants that are very effective for neuropathy and fibromyalgia. If you can try medical (or not) marijuana. It will certainly help with sleep! Also look into accupuncture. I'm praying for you girl! God is with you and so are we!

[marycarmel]

It's very true that constant chronic pain can wreak havoc with your health.  Your blood pressure goes up, often to dangerous levels.  I had to go back on meds last winter because of BP being way too high.  I was taking two or three BP pills and nothing else was helping.

  Not too long ago I started my slow taper off them again.  Unfortunately I had some sort of a weird seizure.  I was admittedmand had sekveral testsmdone.  It is unclear whether or not I had a seizure.  But they dis find a 5mm aneurysm in my brain.  All the doctors said to stop the taper until this ia taken care of.  I'm still waiting for a consult with a world renowned neurosurgeon.there are lots of things to try.

If it's nerve pain. (Which is one of the types of my pain, you could ask avout Neurontin, nortryptyline and Clonidine.  Also some type of exercise is helpful.  Heat and ice can ihelp as can ibuprofen.

I don't think as chronic pain patients we will ever be pain free.  I think we need to put a bunch of things in place and when all those things are used together we can get a significant reduxtion in pain.

I hope you get some relief soon.

I'm not sure where your pain is or what kind of pain you have but

[Sonrissa]

I personally like Aleve. It works well, and seems to last longer than most OTC meds. My mom, however, swears by Excedrin. Go figure. Take care Tooter! I'm sending prayers and hugs. Hope you feel better soon!

[jenjen1966]

Hi tooter. I also have chronic pain. I take gabapentin (generic neurontin) it helps a ton. I have heard it is difficult to get off of, but I'm ok staying on it. It makes me sleepy too. So I only take it at bedtime. And honestly I'm sleeping really well most nights. Good luck with your doctor today!

[CRSeaside]

You also need something to keep you calm. Too much pain puts us in the fight of flight mode & whole system is on high alert. You know. How are you planning on staying a bit peaceful. Deep breathing. Prayer, I do some bed yoga. For me my skin burns so bad, it feels like someone is using a hot steam iron & ironing me. One thing pain pills never help. Granuloma Anulare

[katmandu516]

Hey Tootie!! I think we must be connected somehow because I am going through the same crap you are. Just cleaning my apt because my poor dog has allergies, and now I'm rendered paralyzed. I have a pain mgmt. clinic apt on the 21st for injections. Hope they give me something besides opioids for pain. I mean what did people do for pain before they came out with these damn pills? Well, I guess I'll find out. Hang in there girlfriend. One day at a time, keep praying to God. I know you do...PM me if you need me, always here for you honey.
Kat

[CRSeaside]

I understand   I have pain 24/7 & am doing a Dr recommended taper off my opioids.    Another thing that helped me years ago was Nuerontin .
I did get withdrawals later though, getting off

[tooter212]

I know I don't want to get on tramadol

[tooter212]

I take 3 advil every 4 hours.That or the Excedrin is going to eat my stomach up. No counting my liver. This is a on going pain