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I have had x-rays and MRIs that confirm that I have severe stenosis in 2 areas. I am 79. I have had restless leg syndrome since I was 18 years old. I had tarsal tunnel surgery in July 2023 and then I had a stroke in December 2023. It my right hand and leg and seemed to keep my leg from recovering. I have numbness in my right leg. My neurologist said that I have lumbar radiculopathy. My physical therapist son and my personal physical therapist and my pain management and also neurologist all think that my back is causing my numbness. I started taking Lyrica in March 2024 -50 mg in am and 50 mg in pm. I gradually have gone off the 50 mg of lyrica in AM and able to cope, but still have trouble at night even though still take 50 mg at night. I am not sure that the lyrica is even helping. I did not like the side effects during the daytime. I feel so much better in the daytime without the lyrica in the morning. I am wondering if the Lyrica is actually causing some numbness along with the numbness from my stenosis. Does it make sense for me to reduce 50 mg to 25mg at night????? I still do my physical therapy exercises. The neurologist does not want me to have steroid injections for my stenosis until after the one year anniversary of my 2024 stroke.
I can no longer take ibuprofen because of my plavix blood thinner. I am afraid to take a muscle relaxer. Soaking in the bathtub helps my leg often to help me sleep. I have on iron and Vitamin C to help my restless leg because my iron was low. I have been using a CPAP machine for 20 years. My sleep apnea number is 6. Both tests have showed that the restless legs was more of a problem.
Any suggestions?
Replies to "I have had x-rays and MRIs that confirm that I have severe stenosis in 2 areas...."
Hello @loyal Other than restless leg ... and the fact that I'm 73.... our stories are pretty much alike. I recently saw a new NP in a neurosurgeon's office. I will be having more MRIs and X-Rays.... but he did prescribe Robaxin, a muscle relaxer I had never heard of, to be taken three times a day. After just a few days, I've been surprised at the difference. Not a miracle.... but less muscle and nerve pain than before. I really didn't want to take a muscle relaxant, as I have used Flexaril and it makes me groggy all day. But they told me this one would cause less grogginess... and so far that seems to be true. Just sharing for what it's worth. Different people react differently to different things... and I can't say this would have the same effect for you. But perhaps something to ask your doctor about. I, too, take Eliquis for AFib. Lyrica helped me gain 35 pounds before I stopped it. Gabapentin made me loopy. So I no longer take those. You've found a great spot for information here at Connect. I hope you find something that helps! Best wishes! Mike
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@loyal
Have you tried Salonpas lidocaine pain patches for your lumbar spine? It may help relieve some pain temporarily. Stretching is helpful for me, especially if you sit a lot and hips/thighs get tight. It is also helpful to drink lots of water so you are not dehydrated and taking magnesium (like Calm) can help relax your muscles/nerves some to help you sleep. Try sleeping with a pillow between/under your knees, too.