Need input on cortisone epidural for pain and medication for pain

Hello @carolep80, Welcome to Connect. I also can't stand or walk for too long but fortunately I don't have the pain with my neuropathy, just some numbness. There is another discussion where members have discussed epidurals that might be helpful:
-- Epidural for Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/epidural-for-neuropathy/

While you are waiting for members with experience to respond, here's a search of Connect showing discussions and comments from members on your Lyrica or Cymbalta question - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/comments/?search=lyrica%20or%20cymbalta

You mentioned a pinched nerve is the source of your symptoms. There is discussion started by @jenniferhunter for Myofascial Release Therapy that you might find helpful - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

Has your doctor mentioned surgery as an option?

Hello Carole,
Sorry about your new diagnoses and what you're going through. As for pain medication, I can tell you from my own experience I have tried the two you mentioned plus others.Nothing worked for me. I also was diagnosed recently and the neurologist confirmed it. She started me on a taper dose of corticosteroids for 12 days, then I start a new medication Trileptal the following day after my last dose of steroids the previous day.
As with any condition and medications, some medications work for some people while they don't work for others. It really all depends on our body's response to the medication we take and it's different from one person to another.
About another surgery, I really can't say anything about that.
I wish you the best and hopefully you'll end up with the medication that works in your system.
Take care and have a serene afternoon and evening,
gus

I was only diagnosed 2 days ago so the learning has just begun.

Could I ask what the others were and how long did you have to take them before they were considered not effective. Of course I want it yesterday and I'm willing to try the medication but boy, the side effects are alarming

In recent years, I've had a few occasions where a doctor would call in a prescription to my pharmacy and the pharmacist would first call me and let me know of a possible issue taking this new med because of another med I already take. The system would "flag" the new prescription as to a possible conflict. The pharmacist informed me that she is next calling the doctor and suggest an alternative medication. One occasion, it was an antibiotic and on another, it was for relief of pain.

That would be promising but can't see it happening here. I do read the literature with each rx.

Hello again Carole,
I tried Gabapentin, Pregabalin, Lyrica, Clonazepam, among others. I tried medications for months even prior to actually being diagnosed and confirmed with the condition. Various doctors unfortunately kept using me as what looked like a lab animal. After everything, my PCP got me to stop absolutely all medications including one for cholesterol about 4 months ago. And by the way, it looks like the medical field might be going back and relooking at their previously made conclusion that statins do not cause neuropathy. I guess we shall see.
After many tests, the ER, and many doctors such as a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist at the second biggest hospital in my area where I work, I was finally referred to a specialist at a different hospital who diagnosed me and confirmed the diagnosis from the tests I had and after looking at my record history from the other hospital. Additionally, for still some unknown reason my blood pressure started going haywire for the first time ever around February of last year and I was put on a regulating medication 7 months into that. My doctor was slow. I'm still taking the blood pressure medicationat half the dose along with the steroids and the new medication I start after steroids.
I can only advise you to really look for a knowledgeable and caring neurologist and surround yourself with a good support group around you for the psychological effects so they can all help you navigate safely through your condition.
Take care and have a serene evening,
gus