Re: Topical Creams? Patches?

[Guest guest]

, AKA Mermie

Yes, I'm pretty interested in the topical creams and I think you

mentioned something about homade remedies.

I have a severely constricted nerve root at C-6 and 7,

causing " referred " left arm pain and finger numbness after an auto

accident last summer. I really need surgery soon, but for a variety

of reasons must have the surgery postponed for a " few " months. Even

following surgery, I am fully aware pain may not subside.

Not on much for pain now. A Dr. prescribed Celebrex, but it did

nothing and was not covered by my insurance. Aspirin and tylenol do

almost nothing. That Blue Emu cream actually helped a little in the

beginning and may still help take the edge off. The muscles in my

arm get really tight and achy and sometimes my numb index finger

actually has a " burning " sensation. I play with alternating heat

and cold and that helps a " little " . They gave me a EMS/tens unit,

which really doesn't help at all.

I appreciate your insights on pain, sounds like you have had a lot

of experience! I enjoyed your various posts lately. Hang in there!

Hank

> They had done studies in England regarding topicals regarding

neuropathic

> pain CAUSED by back problems. It does NOT cure but they do

relieve. I am

> proof positive of this. I have talked to many neuros who although

you have

> to in the end have surgery, the prescription pain med when applied

to the

> disks involved does numb them a bit. Also there is a numbing patch

you can

> apply temporarily, but only once within a twelve hour period,

called

> Lidoderm patch. I did not say that it would cure your back, only

relieve

> some of the neuropathic pain which spreads throughout your body

when you

> have severe back problems

>

>

[Guest guest]

, AKA Mermie

Yes, I'm pretty interested in the topical creams and I think you

mentioned something about homade remedies.

I have a severely constricted nerve root at C-6 and 7,

causing " referred " left arm pain and finger numbness after an auto

accident last summer. I really need surgery soon, but for a variety

of reasons must have the surgery postponed for a " few " months. Even

following surgery, I am fully aware pain may not subside.

Not on much for pain now. A Dr. prescribed Celebrex, but it did

nothing and was not covered by my insurance. Aspirin and tylenol do

almost nothing. That Blue Emu cream actually helped a little in the

beginning and may still help take the edge off. The muscles in my

arm get really tight and achy and sometimes my numb index finger

actually has a " burning " sensation. I play with alternating heat

and cold and that helps a " little " . They gave me a EMS/tens unit,

which really doesn't help at all.

I appreciate your insights on pain, sounds like you have had a lot

of experience! I enjoyed your various posts lately. Hang in there!

Hank

> They had done studies in England regarding topicals regarding

neuropathic

> pain CAUSED by back problems. It does NOT cure but they do

relieve. I am

> proof positive of this. I have talked to many neuros who although

you have

> to in the end have surgery, the prescription pain med when applied

to the

> disks involved does numb them a bit. Also there is a numbing patch

you can

> apply temporarily, but only once within a twelve hour period,

called

> Lidoderm patch. I did not say that it would cure your back, only

relieve

> some of the neuropathic pain which spreads throughout your body

when you

> have severe back problems

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi hank

i assume u have had a scan done on this constriction. i would be very careful

before you have surgery. surgery has given very disappointing results. bed rest

is best. the constriction may heal itself if you take the weight of your upper

body and head off the spine. an mr scan is essential.

peter

Hank <hankzzz@...> wrote:, AKA Mermie

Yes, I'm pretty interested in the topical creams and I think you

mentioned something about homade remedies.

I have a severely constricted nerve root at C-6 and 7,

causing " referred " left arm pain and finger numbness after an auto

accident last summer. I really need surgery soon, but for a variety

of reasons must have the surgery postponed for a " few " months. Even

following surgery, I am fully aware pain may not subside.

Not on much for pain now. A Dr. prescribed Celebrex, but it did

nothing and was not covered by my insurance. Aspirin and tylenol do

almost nothing. That Blue Emu cream actually helped a little in the

beginning and may still help take the edge off. The muscles in my

arm get really tight and achy and sometimes my numb index finger

actually has a " burning " sensation. I play with alternating heat

and cold and that helps a " little " . They gave me a EMS/tens unit,

which really doesn't help at all.

I appreciate your insights on pain, sounds like you have had a lot

of experience! I enjoyed your various posts lately. Hang in there!

Hank

> They had done studies in England regarding topicals regarding

neuropathic

> pain CAUSED by back problems. It does NOT cure but they do

relieve. I am

> proof positive of this. I have talked to many neuros who although

you have

> to in the end have surgery, the prescription pain med when applied

to the

> disks involved does numb them a bit. Also there is a numbing patch

you can

> apply temporarily, but only once within a twelve hour period,

called

> Lidoderm patch. I did not say that it would cure your back, only

relieve

> some of the neuropathic pain which spreads throughout your body

when you

> have severe back problems

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi hank

i assume u have had a scan done on this constriction. i would be very careful

before you have surgery. surgery has given very disappointing results. bed rest

is best. the constriction may heal itself if you take the weight of your upper

body and head off the spine. an mr scan is essential.

peter

Hank <hankzzz@...> wrote: , AKA Mermie

Yes, I'm pretty interested in the topical creams and I think you

mentioned something about homade remedies.

I have a severely constricted nerve root at C-6 and 7,

causing " referred " left arm pain and finger numbness after an auto

accident last summer. I really need surgery soon, but for a variety

of reasons must have the surgery postponed for a " few " months. Even

following surgery, I am fully aware pain may not subside.

Not on much for pain now. A Dr. prescribed Celebrex, but it did

nothing and was not covered by my insurance. Aspirin and tylenol do

almost nothing. That Blue Emu cream actually helped a little in the

beginning and may still help take the edge off. The muscles in my

arm get really tight and achy and sometimes my numb index finger

actually has a " burning " sensation. I play with alternating heat

and cold and that helps a " little " . They gave me a EMS/tens unit,

which really doesn't help at all.

I appreciate your insights on pain, sounds like you have had a lot

of experience! I enjoyed your various posts lately. Hang in there!

Hank

> They had done studies in England regarding topicals regarding

neuropathic

> pain CAUSED by back problems. It does NOT cure but they do

relieve. I am

> proof positive of this. I have talked to many neuros who although

you have

> to in the end have surgery, the prescription pain med when applied

to the

> disks involved does numb them a bit. Also there is a numbing patch

you can

> apply temporarily, but only once within a twelve hour period,

called

> Lidoderm patch. I did not say that it would cure your back, only

relieve

> some of the neuropathic pain which spreads throughout your body

when you

> have severe back problems

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi hank

i assume u have had a scan done on this constriction. i would be very careful

before you have surgery. surgery has given very disappointing results. bed rest

is best. the constriction may heal itself if you take the weight of your upper

body and head off the spine. an mr scan is essential.

peter

Hank <hankzzz@...> wrote: , AKA Mermie

Yes, I'm pretty interested in the topical creams and I think you

mentioned something about homade remedies.

I have a severely constricted nerve root at C-6 and 7,

causing " referred " left arm pain and finger numbness after an auto

accident last summer. I really need surgery soon, but for a variety

of reasons must have the surgery postponed for a " few " months. Even

following surgery, I am fully aware pain may not subside.

Not on much for pain now. A Dr. prescribed Celebrex, but it did

nothing and was not covered by my insurance. Aspirin and tylenol do

almost nothing. That Blue Emu cream actually helped a little in the

beginning and may still help take the edge off. The muscles in my

arm get really tight and achy and sometimes my numb index finger

actually has a " burning " sensation. I play with alternating heat

and cold and that helps a " little " . They gave me a EMS/tens unit,

which really doesn't help at all.

I appreciate your insights on pain, sounds like you have had a lot

of experience! I enjoyed your various posts lately. Hang in there!

Hank

> They had done studies in England regarding topicals regarding

neuropathic

> pain CAUSED by back problems. It does NOT cure but they do

relieve. I am

> proof positive of this. I have talked to many neuros who although

you have

> to in the end have surgery, the prescription pain med when applied

to the

> disks involved does numb them a bit. Also there is a numbing patch

you can

> apply temporarily, but only once within a twelve hour period,

called

> Lidoderm patch. I did not say that it would cure your back, only

relieve

> some of the neuropathic pain which spreads throughout your body

when you

> have severe back problems

>

>

[Guest guest]

hi hank

i assume u have had a scan done on this constriction. i would be very careful

before you have surgery. surgery has given very disappointing results. bed rest

is best. the constriction may heal itself if you take the weight of your upper

body and head off the spine. an mr scan is essential.

peter

Hank <hankzzz@...> wrote:, AKA Mermie

Yes, I'm pretty interested in the topical creams and I think you

mentioned something about homade remedies.

I have a severely constricted nerve root at C-6 and 7,

causing " referred " left arm pain and finger numbness after an auto

accident last summer. I really need surgery soon, but for a variety

of reasons must have the surgery postponed for a " few " months. Even

following surgery, I am fully aware pain may not subside.

Not on much for pain now. A Dr. prescribed Celebrex, but it did

nothing and was not covered by my insurance. Aspirin and tylenol do

almost nothing. That Blue Emu cream actually helped a little in the

beginning and may still help take the edge off. The muscles in my

arm get really tight and achy and sometimes my numb index finger

actually has a " burning " sensation. I play with alternating heat

and cold and that helps a " little " . They gave me a EMS/tens unit,

which really doesn't help at all.

I appreciate your insights on pain, sounds like you have had a lot

of experience! I enjoyed your various posts lately. Hang in there!

Hank

> They had done studies in England regarding topicals regarding

neuropathic

> pain CAUSED by back problems. It does NOT cure but they do

relieve. I am

> proof positive of this. I have talked to many neuros who although

you have

> to in the end have surgery, the prescription pain med when applied

to the

> disks involved does numb them a bit. Also there is a numbing patch

you can

> apply temporarily, but only once within a twelve hour period,

called

> Lidoderm patch. I did not say that it would cure your back, only

relieve

> some of the neuropathic pain which spreads throughout your body

when you

> have severe back problems

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> hi hank

> i assume u have had a scan done on this constriction. i would be

very careful before you have surgery. surgery has given very

disappointing results. bed rest is best. the constriction may heal

itself if you take the weight of your upper body and head off the

spine. an mr scan is essential.

> peter

,

Yes, I've actually had two MRI's done and a recent cat scan, as well

as a recent cervical X-ray. The view of the most recent MRI and X-

ray is really shocking, even to someone without the knowledge to

read it. The disk between C-6 and 7 is completly blown out and

though I have not seen that Cat scan, I guess the two vertebrae are

fused on their own, though C-6 is not in alignment. I am in the

process of getting copies of all the MRI's, Cat scans and X-rays. I

originaly visited a Neurosurgeon last September, and he did not

insist upon surgery, however you can see that things have definately

changed. The herniated disk that was there is not really there

anymore and the C-6 being out of allignment is constricting my

spinal canal.

Sooo, surgery is indicated sometime, but I agree that everyone

should try and avoid it " if " possible, as it is serious stuff! I'm

getting copies of all the surgeon's reports and the films, so I can

do some consulting to find out what surgery exactly is right. I

still do some light home exercises for my arm and shouler and walk

up to five miles a day. My original surgeon fell and fractured his

kneecap and then re-injured.

I was sceduled for surgery with another surgeon in the group, but

him and the other surgeon had a disagreement on the procedure, so it

was cancled at the last minute.

I am sort of convinced that unless I have another accident or do

something really stupid, that it can wait a few months.

[Guest guest]

>

> hi hank

> i assume u have had a scan done on this constriction. i would be

very careful before you have surgery. surgery has given very

disappointing results. bed rest is best. the constriction may heal

itself if you take the weight of your upper body and head off the

spine. an mr scan is essential.

> peter

,

Yes, I've actually had two MRI's done and a recent cat scan, as well

as a recent cervical X-ray. The view of the most recent MRI and X-

ray is really shocking, even to someone without the knowledge to

read it. The disk between C-6 and 7 is completly blown out and

though I have not seen that Cat scan, I guess the two vertebrae are

fused on their own, though C-6 is not in alignment. I am in the

process of getting copies of all the MRI's, Cat scans and X-rays. I

originaly visited a Neurosurgeon last September, and he did not

insist upon surgery, however you can see that things have definately

changed. The herniated disk that was there is not really there

anymore and the C-6 being out of allignment is constricting my

spinal canal.

Sooo, surgery is indicated sometime, but I agree that everyone

should try and avoid it " if " possible, as it is serious stuff! I'm

getting copies of all the surgeon's reports and the films, so I can

do some consulting to find out what surgery exactly is right. I

still do some light home exercises for my arm and shouler and walk

up to five miles a day. My original surgeon fell and fractured his

kneecap and then re-injured.

I was sceduled for surgery with another surgeon in the group, but

him and the other surgeon had a disagreement on the procedure, so it

was cancled at the last minute.

I am sort of convinced that unless I have another accident or do

something really stupid, that it can wait a few months.

[Guest guest]

>

> Hank,

> Hi! Just wanted to add a word or so....it definitly sounds like

you need to have surgery. My herniation at C5-6 was nothing like

yours. My herniation was not constricting the spinal canal. That is

serious stuff. Be careful.

Janice,

Yup, I agree. I asked the surgeon about the artificial disks, he

sounded very optimistic about them, however it sounds like it may be

a while before they get FDA approval in the States for surgeries...

I'm looking at months and not years... even my boss at work knows

that. But I am lucky that I have a low impact job of only 20 hours

per week as a PBX operator that qualifies me for benefits! In the

mean time, it's time for some pain management!

I'm glad for anyone who doesn't need surgery! Also glad to see

reports from some of our members who survived it o.k....

[Guest guest]

>

> Hank,

> Hi! Just wanted to add a word or so....it definitly sounds like

you need to have surgery. My herniation at C5-6 was nothing like

yours. My herniation was not constricting the spinal canal. That is

serious stuff. Be careful.

Janice,

Yup, I agree. I asked the surgeon about the artificial disks, he

sounded very optimistic about them, however it sounds like it may be

a while before they get FDA approval in the States for surgeries...

I'm looking at months and not years... even my boss at work knows

that. But I am lucky that I have a low impact job of only 20 hours

per week as a PBX operator that qualifies me for benefits! In the

mean time, it's time for some pain management!

I'm glad for anyone who doesn't need surgery! Also glad to see

reports from some of our members who survived it o.k....

[Guest guest]

Hi

You do sound to be in great sorrow. I feel very much for you.

You seem to have done all you could to obtain information about your injury

which is excellent.

I do wonder if walking five miles a day is advisable. I know medical staff of

all specialities are keen on you taking exercise. However, I would press your

doctor or surgeon as to whether you are up to that. I do not need to dwell on

the advantages of exercise. However, walking would, before and even after,

muscles were in good shape put considerable weight on your spine.

Hank <hankzzz@...> wrote:

>

> hi hank

> i assume u have had a scan done on this constriction. i would be

very careful before you have surgery. surgery has given very

disappointing results. bed rest is best. the constriction may heal

itself if you take the weight of your upper body and head off the

spine. an mr scan is essential.

> peter

,

Yes, I've actually had two MRI's done and a recent cat scan, as well

as a recent cervical X-ray. The view of the most recent MRI and X-

ray is really shocking, even to someone without the knowledge to

read it. The disk between C-6 and 7 is completly blown out and

though I have not seen that Cat scan, I guess the two vertebrae are

fused on their own, though C-6 is not in alignment. I am in the

process of getting copies of all the MRI's, Cat scans and X-rays. I

originaly visited a Neurosurgeon last September, and he did not

insist upon surgery, however you can see that things have definately

changed. The herniated disk that was there is not really there

anymore and the C-6 being out of allignment is constricting my

spinal canal.

Sooo, surgery is indicated sometime, but I agree that everyone

should try and avoid it " if " possible, as it is serious stuff! I'm

getting copies of all the surgeon's reports and the films, so I can

do some consulting to find out what surgery exactly is right. I

still do some light home exercises for my arm and shouler and walk

up to five miles a day. My original surgeon fell and fractured his

kneecap and then re-injured.

I was sceduled for surgery with another surgeon in the group, but

him and the other surgeon had a disagreement on the procedure, so it

was cancled at the last minute.

I am sort of convinced that unless I have another accident or do

something really stupid, that it can wait a few months.

[Guest guest]

Hi

You do sound to be in great sorrow. I feel very much for you.

You seem to have done all you could to obtain information about your injury

which is excellent.

I do wonder if walking five miles a day is advisable. I know medical staff of

all specialities are keen on you taking exercise. However, I would press your

doctor or surgeon as to whether you are up to that. I do not need to dwell on

the advantages of exercise. However, walking would, before and even after,

muscles were in good shape put considerable weight on your spine.

Hank <hankzzz@...> wrote:

>

> hi hank

> i assume u have had a scan done on this constriction. i would be

very careful before you have surgery. surgery has given very

disappointing results. bed rest is best. the constriction may heal

itself if you take the weight of your upper body and head off the

spine. an mr scan is essential.

> peter

,

Yes, I've actually had two MRI's done and a recent cat scan, as well

as a recent cervical X-ray. The view of the most recent MRI and X-

ray is really shocking, even to someone without the knowledge to

read it. The disk between C-6 and 7 is completly blown out and

though I have not seen that Cat scan, I guess the two vertebrae are

fused on their own, though C-6 is not in alignment. I am in the

process of getting copies of all the MRI's, Cat scans and X-rays. I

originaly visited a Neurosurgeon last September, and he did not

insist upon surgery, however you can see that things have definately

changed. The herniated disk that was there is not really there

anymore and the C-6 being out of allignment is constricting my

spinal canal.

Sooo, surgery is indicated sometime, but I agree that everyone

should try and avoid it " if " possible, as it is serious stuff! I'm

getting copies of all the surgeon's reports and the films, so I can

do some consulting to find out what surgery exactly is right. I

still do some light home exercises for my arm and shouler and walk

up to five miles a day. My original surgeon fell and fractured his

kneecap and then re-injured.

I was sceduled for surgery with another surgeon in the group, but

him and the other surgeon had a disagreement on the procedure, so it

was cancled at the last minute.

I am sort of convinced that unless I have another accident or do

something really stupid, that it can wait a few months.