Lyrica

[Guest guest]

Get your doctor to diagnose something that Lyrica is used for that

you have. With fms/cfs that should be easy.

Lyme disease will cause nerve pain. Have you been tested?

a

>

> My rheumatologist suggested that I try Lyrica at my appointment

about

> a week and a half ago. It is for nerve pain, apparently a second

or

> third generation derivitavie of neurontin. This past week is the

> best I've felt in a year!!! My pain levels went from about an 8

to

> about a 2, and I've been able to resume some activities, but am

> trying to be careful not to rush it so that I don't have a

relapse.

> Last night I actually potted a few flowers, put a load of laundry

in

> the washer (hubby put it in the dryer because I was in bed when it

> was done washing) and cooked dinner. It has been a while since

I've

> felt like doing any one of the three things, let alone all of them.

>

> Anyway, on to my question... I was not aware that nerve pain

> was/could be part of FMS or CFS, and since the Lyrica has made me

> feel soooo much better, I'm wondering if I actually was diagnosed

> correctly or if there is something else going on instead

(something

> neurological). I did get a referral to a neurologist, and will be

> seeing her on March 9, but I'd appreciate any input in the

meantime.

>

> Also, my insurance denied coverage of the Lyrica because there

> wasn't " research based evidence " that it works for my diagnosed

> conditions. Does anyone have tips on how I can appeal the

decision

> and get them to cover it? The prescription, if I pay out-of-

pocket,

> without insurance, runs about $190 per month. That's a car

payment

> for some people!!

>

> Thanks in advance for any input, advice, comments, etc.

>

>

>

> P.S. My appointment with Dr. Chia is next week, so I will be

finding

> out what I can about the interferon treatment.

>

[Guest guest]

I don't think I've been tested for lyme disease, but I live in Los

Angeles... not really a tick area. Does my geographical area make a

difference as to if I should be tested?

> Get your doctor to diagnose something that Lyrica is used for that

> you have. With fms/cfs that should be easy.

>

> Lyme disease will cause nerve pain. Have you been tested?

>

> a

>

[Guest guest]

- had you ever taken Neurontin, that you could make a comparison between

Neurontin and Lyrica for us?

If you have insomnia, or clonus, did the Lyrica help those conditions?

I think that peripheral neuropathy and shingles pain might be two 'approved'

conditions for Lyrica, that insurance will accept as reasons - Les

Lyrica

My rheumatologist suggested that I try Lyrica at my appointment about

a week and a half ago. It is for nerve pain, apparently a second or

third generation derivitavie of neurontin. This past week is the

best I've felt in a year!!! My pain levels went from about an 8 to

about a 2, and I've been able to resume some activities, but am

trying to be careful not to rush it so that I don't have a relapse.

Last night I actually potted a few flowers, put a load of laundry in

the washer (hubby put it in the dryer because I was in bed when it

was done washing) and cooked dinner. It has been a while since I've

felt like doing any one of the three things, let alone all of them.

Anyway, on to my question... I was not aware that nerve pain

was/could be part of FMS or CFS, and since the Lyrica has made me

feel soooo much better, I'm wondering if I actually was diagnosed

correctly or if there is something else going on instead (something

neurological). I did get a referral to a neurologist, and will be

seeing her on March 9, but I'd appreciate any input in the meantime.

Also, my insurance denied coverage of the Lyrica because there

wasn't " research based evidence " that it works for my diagnosed

conditions. Does anyone have tips on how I can appeal the decision

and get them to cover it? The prescription, if I pay out-of-pocket,

without insurance, runs about $190 per month. That's a car payment

for some people!!

Thanks in advance for any input, advice, comments, etc.

P.S. My appointment with Dr. Chia is next week, so I will be finding

out what I can about the interferon treatment.

This list is intended for patients to share personal experiences with each

other, not to give medical advice. If you are interested in any treatment

discussed here, please consult your doctor.

[Guest guest]

Hello:

I use Lyrica for neuropathic discomfort of tingling in my feet. It is an excellent drug for painful neuropathy and I know of many people using it for that purpose.

I take a "moderate" dose of 150 mg twice a day. Some people take upwards of 450 mg per day but that is a high dose.

There are side effects like any drug. Check with your pharmacist or look up Lyrica on the internet and you can find side effects from it. The generic name for Lyrica is Pregabalin.

Good luck.

Stan in Ft Lauderdale, FL

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:17:45 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, pilgrim900@... writes:

Thanks for responding, Stan. I assume, since you're part of this group, that you too suffer from SS? Is the neuropathy cause by the SS or do have additional pain caused by SS. If so, does the Lyrica help that additional pain?Pat in Pittsburgh, PA

Hi Pat:

I used to have SS. I had surgery about 18 months ago called a "standard laminectomy without fusion" and it went beautifully. I no longer have SS. My SS is not the cause of my neuropathy but for others it could be. I have no pain now from SS. I have tingling in my feet from the sensory neuropathy which was due to my taking Valium for 31 yrs and then having to get off of it as it wasn't working any longer. That is my opinion and not an opinion of any doctor, but, what do doctors know anyway??? Quite a little. The Lyrica helps me with the tingling sensations.

Best

Stan

[Guest guest]

Thanks for responding, Stan.

I assume, since you're part of this group, that you too suffer from

SS? Is the neuropathy cause by the SS or do have additional pain

caused by SS. If so, does the Lyrica help that additional pain?

Pat in Pittsburgh, PA

>

> Hello:

> I use Lyrica for neuropathic discomfort of tingling in my feet. It

is an

> excellent drug for painful neuropathy and I know of many people

using it for

> that purpose.

>

> I take a " moderate " dose of 150 mg twice a day. Some people take

upwards of

> 450 mg per day but that is a high dose.

>

> There are side effects like any drug. Check with your pharmacist

or look up

> Lyrica on the internet and you can find side effects from it. The

generic

> name for Lyrica is Pregabalin.

>

> Good luck.

>

> Stan in Ft Lauderdale, FL

>

[Guest guest]

thanks thats the first time i've heard somthine good about back surgery--a laimenectomy---how long was the surgery rgs555@... wrote: In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:17:45 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, pilgrim900@... writes: Thanks for responding, Stan. I assume, since you're part of this group, that you too suffer from SS? Is the neuropathy cause by the SS or do have additional pain caused by SS. If so, does the Lyrica help that

additional pain?Pat in Pittsburgh, PA Hi Pat: I used to have SS. I had surgery about 18 months ago called a "standard laminectomy without fusion" and it went beautifully. I no longer have SS. My SS is not the cause of my neuropathy but for others it could be. I have no pain now from SS. I have tingling in my feet from the sensory neuropathy which was due to my taking Valium for 31 yrs and then having to get off of it as it wasn't working any longer. That is my opinion and not an opinion of any doctor, but, what do doctors know anyway??? Quite a little. The Lyrica helps me with the tingling sensations. Best Stan

goes everywhere you do. Get it on your phone.

[Guest guest]

Stan, how bad was your pain before you had the surgery? Did

yours come on gradually like I've read it usually does?

Mine came on very quickly, almost overnight. Had a hard

time getting my PCP to take me seriously. He gave me

Vicodin and let's wait for six weeks and then let's wait

another six weeks.....but I finally got him to do an MRI

when it had been over 3 months. I tried chirpractory, with

minimal results. I knew a neurosurgeon so I went to him and

he wanted a myleogram, which took 2 1/2 weeks to get in to

have done. By then I was in serious pain and using a cane

to walk. He diagnosed SS and arthritis said he felt I would

need surgery, but to put it off if I could. Within another

week I was in such serious pain back, hip, upper leg, lower

leg and into the foot that I could not stop sobbing when I'd

get up and missed a week of work. I was able to get into

pain management and get an ESI that week. The ESI took

about 5 weeks to take effect, but it gave me a lot of relief

for about a month. I started working with a physical

therapist after the ESI took over and she a serious forward

located pelvic bone. It took about 3 weeks to get it fully

corrected and by then I was back into serious pain and she

is saying she sees no alternative but surgery. I had

another ESI late last week, but it has not taken effect yet.

18 months after the surgery you say you are fully

functional. How long after the surgery before you were able

to start living normally? I've not done much since December

and feel I am already so out of shape. PT did finally get

me started on some light exercise, but I'm frustrated at my

inability to do anything. I'm 68 and have had back issues

for 20+ years, but this kind of back problem. My back is

riddled with SS (particularly bad at L4/L5), arthritic

growths and a L3/L4 spondylothisthesis.

I am beginning to worry about permanent nerve damage, so

will probably agree to the surgery. BTW, how old are you,

Stan?

I'm a fairly new member, but have just been lurking. Any

feedback will be appreciated.

Sandi

>

> In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:17:45 P.M. Eastern

> Daylight Time, pilgrim900@... writes:

>

> Thanks for responding, Stan.

>

> I assume, since you're part of this group, that you too

> suffer from SS? Is the neuropathy cause by the SS or do

> have additional pain caused by SS. If so, does the

> Lyrica help that additional pain?

>

> Pat in Pittsburgh, PA

>

>

>

> Hi Pat:

> I used to have SS. I had surgery about 18 months ago

> called a " standard laminectomy without fusion " and it

> went beautifully. I no longer have SS. My SS is not

> the cause of my neuropathy but for others it could be. I

> have no pain now from SS. I have tingling in my feet

> from the sensory neuropathy which was due to my taking

> Valium for 31 yrs and then having to get off of it as it

> wasn't working any longer. That is my opinion and not an

> opinion of any doctor, but, what do doctors know

> anyway??? Quite a little. The Lyrica helps me with the

> tingling sensations.

>

> Best

> Stan

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ph,

My Dr. recommended this one, saying it is way better than any other

allopathic drug that's on the market right now. But I didn't try it yet.

Chiara

_____

From:

[mailto: ] On Behalf Of 2276@...

Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 3:11 PM

Subject: lyrica

anyone try lyriaca? It passed with flying colors for pain. fatigue, and

sleep in double blind placebo controlled studies. I'm on day 5 and it is

helping all of these things for me but I also have the side effect of

feeling even

more drugged. I'm only taking 75mg per day but I'm allready on 2 other

meds.

ph

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi ph,

>

> My Dr. recommended this one, saying it is way better than any other

> allopathic drug that's on the market right now. But I didn't try

it yet.

>

> Chiara

>

>

> _____

>

> From:

> [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

2276@...

> Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 3:11 PM

>

> Subject: lyrica

>

>

> anyone try lyriaca? It passed with flying colors for pain.

fatigue, and

> sleep in double blind placebo controlled studies. I'm on day 5

and it is

> helping all of these things for me but I also have the side

effect of

> feeling even

> more drugged. I'm only taking 75mg per day but I'm allready on 2

other

> meds.

> ph

The drugged feeling is not a good sign as far as I am concerned and

would think that this could build up also...have tried several drugs

in the past and have always felt drugged out with overall bad

reactions longer term. I think you can feel less pain with these

meds but overall I feel they can harm longer term. I am no expert

this is just personnel experience of other drugs and as so often one

drug can do some good to some but to others it is a nightmare.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi dianne

I tried it but it did not agree with me. everyones different with

this type of illness though.

I found that it put me into a drugged stupor and increased my

appetite to the point where I felt hungry all the time; which

obviously wouldnt suit when I am already 5 st overweight with this

illness.

Then when I decided not to continue with it, it took me three weeks

just to wean myself off of it, going according to the instructions in

the packet.

But it helped with pain after the first few days, and I was in a

drugged sleep for about 20 hours a day, so it obviously helps with

insomnia, if that is the approach you are looking for.

as I say, everyones different, I know some people who swear by it,

too; only you can tell if it suits you or not.

all the best

> >

> > Hi ph,

> >

> > My Dr. recommended this one, saying it is way better than any

other

> > allopathic drug that's on the market right now. But I didn't try

> it yet.

> >

> > Chiara

> >

> >

> > _____

> >

> > From:

> > [mailto: ] On Behalf Of

> 2276@

> > Sent: Monday, May 22, 2006 3:11 PM

> >

> > Subject: lyrica

> >

> >

> > anyone try lyriaca? It passed with flying colors for pain.

> fatigue, and

> > sleep in double blind placebo controlled studies. I'm on day 5

> and it is

> > helping all of these things for me but I also have the side

> effect of

> > feeling even

> > more drugged. I'm only taking 75mg per day but I'm allready on

2

> other

> > meds.

> > ph

>

> The drugged feeling is not a good sign as far as I am concerned and

> would think that this could build up also...have tried several

drugs

> in the past and have always felt drugged out with overall bad

> reactions longer term. I think you can feel less pain with these

> meds but overall I feel they can harm longer term. I am no expert

> this is just personnel experience of other drugs and as so often

one

> drug can do some good to some but to others it is a nightmare.

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Oops, I should have said it took 5 days (not 5 weeks) for

the first ESI to start to take effect.

Sandi

> [email.htm]

> <html><body>

>

>

> Stan, how bad was your pain before you had the

> surgery?  Did<BR> yours come on gradually like I've

> read it usually does? <BR> Mine came on very quickly,

> almost overnight.  Had a hard<BR> time getting my PCP

> to take me seriously.  He gave me<BR> Vicodin and

> let's wait for six weeks and then let's wait<BR> another

> six weeks.....but I finally got him to do an MRI<BR> when

> it had been over 3 months.  I tried chirpractory,

> with<BR> minimal results.  I knew a neurosurgeon so I

> went to him and<BR> he wanted a myleogram, which took 2

> 1/2 weeks to get in to<BR> have done.  By then I was

> in serious pain and using a cane<BR> to walk.  He

> diagnosed SS and arthritis said he felt I would<BR> need

> surgery, but to put it off if I could.  Within

> another<BR> week I was in such serious pain back, hip,

> upper leg, lower<BR> leg and into the foot that I could

> not stop sobbing when I'd<BR> get up and missed a week of

> work.  I was able to get into<BR> pain management and

> get an ESI that week.  The ESI took<BR> about 5 weeks

> to take effect, but it gave me a lot of relief<BR> for

> about a month.  I started working with a physical<BR>

> therapist after the ESI took over and she a serious

> forward<BR> located pelvic bone.  It took about 3

> weeks to get it fully<BR> corrected and by then I was back

> into serious pain and she<BR> is saying she sees no

> alternative but surgery.  I had<BR> another ESI late

> last week, but it has not taken effect yet.<BR> <BR>

> 18 months after the surgery you say you are fully<BR>

> functional.  How long after the surgery before you

> were able<BR> to start living normally?  I've not

> done much since December<BR> and feel I am already so out

> of shape.  PT did finally get<BR> me started on some

> light exercise, but I'm frustrated at my<BR> inability to

> do anything.  I'm 68 and have had back issues<BR> for

> 20+ years, but this kind of back problem.  My back

> is<BR> riddled with SS (particularly bad at L4/L5),

> arthritic<BR> growths and a L3/L4 spondylothisthesis.<BR>

> <BR>

> I am beginning to worry about permanent nerve damage,

> so<BR> will probably agree to the surgery.  BTW, how

> old are you,<BR> Stan?<BR>

> <BR>

> I'm a fairly new member, but have just been lurking. 

> Any<BR> feedback will be appreciated.<BR>

> <BR>

> Sandi<BR>

> <BR>

> <BR>

> ><BR>

> > In a message dated 5/13/2006 12:17:45 P.M.

> Eastern<BR> > Daylight Time,  

> pilgrim900@... writes:<BR> ><BR>

> > Thanks  for responding, Stan.<BR>

> ><BR>

> > I assume, since you're part of this group,  that

> you too<BR> > suffer from  SS?  Is the

> neuropathy cause by the SS or do<BR> > have additional

> pain  caused by SS.  If so, does the<BR> >

> Lyrica help that  additional pain?<BR> ><BR>

> > Pat in Pittsburgh, PA<BR>

> ><BR>

> ><BR>

> ><BR>

> > Hi Pat:<BR>

> > I used to have SS.  I had surgery about 18

> months ago<BR> > called a  " standard 

> laminectomy without fusion " and it<BR> > went

> beautifully.  I no longer  have SS. 

> My  SS is not<BR> > the cause of my neuropathy but

> for others it could  be.  I<BR> > have

> no  pain now from SS.  I have tingling in my

> feet<BR> > from the  sensory neuropathy which 

> ; was due to my taking<BR> > Valium for 31 yrs and then

> having  to get off of it as  it<BR> > wasn't

> working any longer.  That is my opinion and  not

> an<BR> > opinion of any  doctor, but, what do

> doctors know<BR> > anyway???  Quite a 

> little.  The Lyrica helps  me with the<BR> >

> tingling sensations.<BR> ><BR>

> > Best<BR>

> > Stan<BR>

> ><BR>

> <BR>

> <BR>

>

>

>

> <!-- |**|begin egp html banner|**| -->

>

> <br><br>

> <div style= " width:500px; text-align:right;

> margin-bottom:1px; color:#909090; " >

> <tt>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/21/2006 10:55:15 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, teaslambrickman@... writes:

thanks thats the first time i've heard somthine good about back surgery--a laimenectomy---how long was the surgery

Hi again:

Sorry for the delay in responding. I don't really know how long the surgery lasted, but, I believe it was about 45 minutes. Not 100% sure.

Stan

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/21/2006 10:53:51 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, sandib@... writes:

18 months after the surgery you say you are fullyfunctional. How long after the surgery before you were ableto start living normally? I've not done much since Decemberand feel I am already so out of shape. PT did finally getme started on some light exercise, but I'm frustrated at myinability to do anything. I'm 68 and have had back issuesfor 20+ years, but this kind of back problem. My back isriddled with SS (particularly bad at L4/L5), arthriticgrowths and a L3/L4 spondylothisthesis.I am beginning to worry about permanent nerve damage, sowill probably agree to the surgery. BTW, how old are you,Stan?I'm a fairly new member, but have just been lurking. Anyfeedback will be appreciated.Sandi

HI Sandi:

I was 60 when I had my laminectomy (no fusion). I was back to "basic" normality at 6 months post surgery but not 100% until one year. I could do 80% of what I wanted to do at six months post surgery. The best part of it is that I was out of horrible pain. That was a godsend for me.

I had a nationally known surgeon here in Fort Lauderdale, so, I had no reservations about going thru with the surgery. I tried chiropractic and physical therapy and nerve injections and everything under the sun. Nothing worked so I said, screw it, it's time to bite the bullet and do what is obviously not going to improve by itself no matter what I do and no matter how much money I spend.

I was supposed to be in the hospital about 3 days, but, because a hurricane was bearing down on Ft Lauderdale, I had no place to go (my home was evacuated) so the doc kept me in the hospital for almost a week.

You will need someone to be with you for about 5-7 days while first recovering at home. Bandages need to be changed and you will need assistance with basics.

You will have to go through physical therapy after the surgery to get your body moving again and healing properly. That will be ongoing for at least 3 months if not longer. Three times a week. Very time consuming but part of post operative care.

Good Luck.

Stan

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeri, just wanted to let you know that my dr. prescribed lyrica for me about4 months ago, it helped a lot with the pain along with pain pills of course. Best of luck to you. Deb

[Guest guest]

Hi Jeri,

What a bummer this illness must be for you!

My daughter, who has been a pharmacy tech for 16 years, tells me her

patients are raving about Lyrica.

I want to give it a try, myself, but am waiting for it to be out a

little longer because I took that other Phizer drug that everyone is

suing about and had 2 heart attacks back-to-back after being on it

for 14 months.

The FDA is pushing drugs through much faster these days and clinical

trials are not what they used to be.

Hope the Lyrica works for you. Keep us posted on your results.

Hugs,

Pat

>

> have been in this group, but have not posted much. I had another

dr

> appointment today. PT was not working so I saw a Physiatrist. She

> was shocked at my MRI and said that I have severe stenosis, bulging

> disks, and instability. She said that injections would not be a

good

> option as the 2 previous back surgeries have taken too much out as

> her " landmarks " for the injections. She said that although I am

> young and fusions are not reccomended at my age, I am also too

young

> for these problems. She said I have the back of a 75 year old or a

> 50 year old factory worker who has abused their body and smoked 2

> packs a day. They are still not sure why I have this. I am 24

years

> old, take care of myself, dont smoke, dont drink, dont do drugs,

> etc. I work full time in sales and go to school full time as

well.

> This is frustrating to me. During the first surgery I suffered

nerve

> damage and now have foot drop/peroneal palsy permanently as a

> result. This has not slowed me down, only just made me stronger.

>

> Sorry to ramble on, but my main question was about lyrica. My dr.

> gave me a prescription today for this. 75 mg 2 times a day. Has

> anyone had any luck with this drug? I am curious. Thanks for

> reading and I hope to hear from you soon.

>

> Thanks,

> Jeri Leigh R

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the encouragement. Sounds like this medicine might work! I will keep you updated on how it's working. I am on day 3 today, and not much change. I know it will take a week or two to start though. Thanks again.

Thanks,

Jeri Leigh RAOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Hello Jasmina,

My son started on Lyrica last month. It is the newest AED on the market.

It works for partial and secondary generalized seizures, but not for

primary generalized seizures. It is excreted through the kidneys rather

than the liver, so that's a plus. The cognitive side effects are mild. He

had a terrible time with Zonegran, so Lyrica is great by comparison. The

one drawback is that it is so new, so who knows what the long-term effects

will be.

jpnaleid

<jpnaleid@comcast

.net> To

Sent by: " "

@yah < >

oogroups.com cc

Subject

04/10/2007 05:01 [ ] Lyrica

PM

Please respond to

@yah

oogroups.com

Has anyone tried Lyrica,any thoughts on this drug?We are dealing with

complex partials for 15 years, not controlled, secondary generalized to

status,tried almost everything on the market, including brain surgery.It

would be added on Trileptal and Clonazepam.

Jasmina N.

[Guest guest]

I have been on it now for about a year and in a half. I am in the

midst of decreasing in hopes to get off one day. Some of my side

effects were I had an increased appetite, was very hungry, eye sight

seem to get worse, for my seizures was the same. I was taking

trileptal and lyria but now taken off the trileptal and placed on

Carbatrol with the lyrica.

But remember we all react differently to meds.

take care

EpilepsyApproach1/

http://www.sleep-safe.co.uk/id90.htm

>

> Has anyone tried Lyrica,any thoughts on this drug?We are dealing with

> complex partials for 15 years, not controlled, secondary generalized to

> status,tried almost everything on the market, including brain surgery.It

> would be added on Trileptal and Clonazepam.

> Jasmina N.

>

[Guest guest]

I was just asking my son's epi about Lyrica the other day. He's on 15cc's of

felbatol a day, 3 cc's of valproic acid and 1 1/2 tablets of clorazepate. We

have about 95% control of his sz's - which is a miracle in and of itself. The

valproic acid never did anything for his sz's - he has simple partials, complex

partials and cp's that secondary generalize.

Our epi mentioned that lyrica, while helping sp's and cp's can cause an

increase in generalized sz's. But, since we seem to have control of the

generalized sz's, it might be something that we try. We've begun weaning the

valproic acid since we're having side effects that we can't get away from and

are causing problems -- and VP never did a damn thing for my son anyway so I

can't for the life of me figure out why we're still on it - except that the epi

says sometimes the effect of the two meds together is what works. My gut tells

me that's not the case here.

Anyway, that's the only thing I've heard about Lyrica.

hth,

[Guest guest]

We are very concerned about Clonazepam side effects +how addictive to a

brain it is+ vary hard to stop it if used on regular basis. We will try

Lamotrigene. Our neuro really wanted her on Lyrica,but again side effects we

read about weight gain + overall felling of sadness ,we decided against it.

Thank you for your reply, Valporic acid did not work for us either, as well

Felbatol. Maya was part of control study for it at Stanford about 9-10 years

ago.

Jasmina N.

On 4/17/07 1:20 PM, " Schiera " <schieratwins@...> wrote:

>

>

>

>

> I was just asking my son's epi about Lyrica the other day. He's on 15cc's of

> felbatol a day, 3 cc's of valproic acid and 1 1/2 tablets of clorazepate. We

> have about 95% control of his sz's - which is a miracle in and of itself. The

> valproic acid never did anything for his sz's - he has simple partials,

> complex partials and cp's that secondary generalize.

>

> Our epi mentioned that lyrica, while helping sp's and cp's can cause an

> increase in generalized sz's. But, since we seem to have control of the

> generalized sz's, it might be something that we try. We've begun weaning the

> valproic acid since we're having side effects that we can't get away from and

> are causing problems -- and VP never did a damn thing for my son anyway so I

> can't for the life of me figure out why we're still on it - except that the

> epi says sometimes the effect of the two meds together is what works. My gut

> tells me that's not the case here.

>

> Anyway, that's the only thing I've heard about Lyrica.

>

> hth,

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Thanks for the encouragement. Sounds like this medicine might

work! I

> will keep you updated on how it's working. I am on day 3 today,

and not much

> change. I know it will take a week or two to start though. Thanks

again.

>

> Thanks,

> Jeri Leigh R

>

>

>

> ************************************** AOL now offers free email to

everyone.

> Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.

>

Dear Jeri,

I am wondering if the Lyrica has helped you? My husband has spinal

stenosis and he also had shingles last summer. I found Lyrica from a

shingles web site and then started poking around in this group to see

if it crossed over. I suspected it would and would love to know how

you are doing with the drug. We are currently looking for a new

doctor and considering a minimally invasive procedure but when I

learned about this drug I was pretty excited to think maybe surgery

could be put off. My husband is 76 and has already had one surgery 8

years ago and frankly he has never been the same because of nerve

damage. Sorry to be so long winded.

Sincerely,

Pamela

[Guest guest]

I have found that lyrica does offer relief, but not total relief. With a combo of Lyrica and Motrin I make it through the day great. Lyrica did not have any side effects at all! I did find though that Lyrica is too new to be covered by my insurance I wish you luck, let me know if there are any other questions. Thanks.See what's free at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

>

>

> In a message dated 5/21/2006 10:53:51 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

> sandib@... writes:

>

> 18 months after the surgery you say you are fully

> functional. How long after the surgery before you were able

> to start living normally? I've not done much since December

> and feel I am already so out of shape. PT did finally get

> me started on some light exercise, but I'm frustrated at my

> inability to do anything. I'm 68 and have had back issues

> for 20+ years, but this kind of back problem. My back is

> riddled with SS (particularly bad at L4/L5), arthritic

> growths and a L3/L4 spondylothisthesis.

>

> I am beginning to worry about permanent nerve damage, so

> will probably agree to the surgery. BTW, how old are you,

> Stan?

>

> I'm a fairly new member, but have just been lurking. Any

> feedback will be appreciated.

>

> Sandi

>

>

>

> HI Sandi:

> I was 60 when I had my laminectomy (no fusion). I was back

to " basic "

> normality at 6 months post surgery but not 100% until one year. I

could do 80% of

> what I wanted to do at six months post surgery. The best part of

it is that

> I was out of horrible pain. That was a godsend for me.

>

> I had a nationally known surgeon here in Fort Lauderdale, so, I had

no

> reservations about going thru with the surgery. I tried

chiropractic and physical

> therapy and nerve injections and everything under the sun.

Nothing worked

> so I said, screw it, it's time to bite the bullet and do what is

obviously not

> going to improve by itself no matter what I do and no matter how

much money

> I spend.

>

> I was supposed to be in the hospital about 3 days, but, because a

hurricane

> was bearing down on Ft Lauderdale, I had no place to go (my home

was

> evacuated) so the doc kept me in the hospital for almost a week.

>

> You will need someone to be with you for about 5-7 days while

first

> recovering at home. Bandages need to be changed and you will need

assistance with

> basics.

>

> You will have to go through physical therapy after the surgery to

get your

> body moving again and healing properly. That will be ongoing for

at least 3

> months if not longer. Three times a week. Very time consuming

but part of

> post operative care.

>

> Good Luck.

>

> Stan

> Hi Stan,

I live in Fort Lauderdale and am 68 years old but healthy except for

back . I was wondering who the surgeon was that you used. I have had

pain injections and physical therapy. I am considering the minimumly

invasive spinal stenosis surgery. I have talked to a neurosurgeon

that told me to get the pain shots first. I had them in Dec. Jan and

3rd one worked and I had PT, but now the sciatica pain is coming

back.

I would really like to know who you used. Thanks,

lie

[Guest guest]

Hi !

I take Lyrica and I think it has helped me out physically so much.

I started at the end of last year, I was having so much pain that I

couldn't stand it, I thought it was going to drive me insane. I had a

constant pulse or heartbeat going thru my whole body but mostly in

my legs...it was even overshadowing my neck pain. I have a

herniation / dessication (sp?) / and degenerative disc at L5/S1

and it caused intense sciatic pain and all this crazy nerve pain in

my lower body. I feel now like someone turned a volume knob down in

all that noise that was happening and it was like my own mini (or

not so mini) miracle pill. I take about a dozen different

medications daily and I noticed this one's benifits within the first

day when they told me that it may take up to a week or so.

I give it an A++

Granted the underlying problems still persist so it isn't a cure all

pill but I am really happy that I have started taking it, wouldn't

want to not take it and go back to where I was with that nerve

pain...I have enough problems...so I couldn't tell you how it would

be to stop, unless there is a cure for me I hope not to be able to

tell you that without an equivalant.

Gotta be honest with you, there were side effects, and strange ones

with the vision being fuzzy, blurry, double vision, intensed colors

at times and it makes me even more forgetful. I'll take that over

the pain! It lessened then went away, then they increased my dose

and it came back but its gone again now.

I wish I knew about this one sooner!!

Debbie

>

> Hi,

> My dr. recommended Lyrica for my nerve pain in my calves and feet

and I

> would like to hear from people that have or are taking it. Does it

> help? have side effects? is it easy to get off of or is it another

one

> your body becomes dependent on? Thanks,

>