Re: Back Operation gone bad

[Guest guest]

Hi Tom,

Just wanted to drop you note after reading your post. My dr. told me that Lyrica

is all the good stuff of neurontin without the stuff that causes the side

effects. I have had fibro, stenosis, bulging discs and arthritis for who knows

how long but the Lyrica really helps. I was lucky enough to be chosen to

participate in a drug trial for Lyrica, not knowing what it was. I was

immediately better (pain from 10 to 2 or 3). Lyrica was approved in July for

fibro. Don't know if this helps you at all, but hope so..

----- Original Message ----

I had 3 fussions and was fine until I did a certain excerise. I have

had chronic pain in my back since 9/06. Dr's have tried nurotin but

that makes my head as goofy as can be.

[Guest guest]

--- " Tom " wrote:

>

> I had 3 fussions and was fine until I did a certain excerise. I

have

> had chronic pain in my back since 9/06. Dr's have tried nurotin but

> that makes my head as goofy as can be.

Hi Tom -

Lots of people can't tolerate Neurontin - me among them. It is

notorious for bad cognitive side effects, among others. For me it

didn't even help with the nerve pain either.

However, there are *lots* of other meds in the exact same category

(anti-seizure meds) that do the same or better without the side

effects. Everyone experiences them differently, so you have to try

them yourself to see if they help or if you can tolerate them. I

really like Gabatril myself - both because it's the only one that

really knocks back my neuropathy and has no side effects for me. I

could tolerate Topamax although it didn't help much. Lots of people

have luck with Lyrica - I couldn't tolerate it myself, but many say

it gives them few side effects and good relief. You need to insist

your doctor try more of these drugs before resorting to an implant

that is has the risk of causing more scarring and damage.

Also, you didn't mention any plain-old pain medications? These

seizure drugs are not designed to treat pain and as a result only

manage to knock the pain down a few degrees at best, and with the

risk of lots of side effects.

Opoid pain medications, on the other hand, are extremely safe with

few side effects, and are designed specifically for treating pain.

They are the single most effective drug for that purpose. Is your

doctor not able/willing to try opiods? If not, then find another

doctor! No one should have to suffer for lack of proper treatment.

Good luck.

Cheryl in AZ

Moderator