in reply to @soccer1477 I am so sorry! I understand chronic pain and could write a book about the same. I do know that Predisone can often be a "miracle drug" in terms of its many uses, and the short course of it may be helpful to you. I would be careful with the Gabapentin, especially if used long term. While it can be very helpful, like many other drugs it comes with some long term side effects that are of concern. I was given it for a short time, and while it was helpful, the side effects outweighed any potential solace the drug gave. Have you tried a TENS unit? I received one a few months ago and use it everyday, as does my sister who has neuropathy in her foot, a result of chemo drugs.
I do not see any opiates on your drug list. Is there a reason? I understand 1) many do not like to take these drugs do to dependence upon them and 2) some doctors do not like to prescribe them. In my case, I have been on Norco for years, simply because there is nothing else that touches my 24/7 chronic pain that is now impacting my quality of life. A discussion will be held soon with my PCP about an alternative. I am no concerned about being dependent upon this drug or others like it, simple because I need them to function. I am very active and without the opiates, I am not sure I would be here supporting you this morning. I see you are taking Tramadol. I cannot take that drug, and even when I tried, it was of no use. For many years I was on a pain patch and overall, that was the best solution until I was forced to stop due to financial reasons. I was given Methadone instead, still with a script for Norco for breakthrough pain. However, the Methadone ruined my teeth because not only do I have dry mouth, by the drug is made with a sugary substance and many who use this drug wind up like me, losing teeth.
While it was helpful, and I was recently given it again, I am now allergic to it.
Have you ever tried Yoga? This is something I am just getting interested in, after seeing a program on public television. Yoga can be very helpful for the body and mind, and perhaps you would consider a try. Many insurance companies now cover this along with other forms of integrative medicine.
Surely an honest talk with your doctor, assuming he/she will listen, is in order. I give out such great advice, but do not always apply the same to myself. I finally told my PCP yesterday that I am having over the top low back pain that has now progressed to weakness in both of my legs. An MRI has been ordered, and I am not dealing well with the fact that this once very active, healthy body has now fallen apart. I understand the intensity of chronic pain on both a mental and physical level, and as I once posted, I sometimes walk around my living room with horrible pain, saying, "this must be what death feels like."
Again, talk to your doctor and explain that your pain has reached a new plateau that is having a direct impact on your quality of life. I have plans to do the same next month, and I can already hear my doctor giving me a lecture on "black box" warnings. The way I see it, there is little they can do for my pain, I have a rare, incurable disease, so drug dependence and "black box" warnings mean little to me in terms of the overall picture.
I do hope you get some relief soon. Again, my heart goes out to you.