Gabapentin use for neuropathy

@jimhd

Yes, I hope that you find a good script. How is your spinal stimulator working for you? Has the pain lessened quite a bit? Teresa

@stuartg, thank you for bringing up the alternatives that you sought out and discussed with your provider. It is important to note that realhealthproducts has a disclaimer on its site stating, "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

I think it was great on your part to include your provider in the process of obtaining these supplements and it is great that ultimately it led you and your provider to try a new medication that now works for you. I've learned on this site that always seeking answers, education, and alternatives on your own behalf is a powerful tool, but am pleased to read that you kept your provider part of the process throughout your search.

About 5 or 6 years ago my gp put me on Lyrica. I managed to enjoy every side-effect on their liturature and then some. It got so bad my gp listed me as allergic to the drug. Also, since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I have been on gabapentin with the dosages maxing out at 3200mg/day. I experimented with the dosages (always going down never up) and found my pain increased as dosaged numbers decreased.

Currently my PN is in both hands and is at a #7 24/7. I live in AZ and my meds are going from 150mg of morphine a day to 90mg. I just love the decisions made by the feds. I haven't figured out my plan "B" but rest assured I will have one.

@okay

Yes, the pain was reduced significantly from the stimulator implant, but it didn't eliminate it, Teresa. @hopeful33250 I still take a low dose of morphine and have to limit how much I walk.

@stuartg I took Lyrica for a couple of weeks, long enough to know that it was helping the pain. It was the first medication that had done anything at all. If I hadn't been incoherent, blurry vision, memory loss, signs of stroke, I would probably still be taking it. Years ago I took Amitriptyline for a different ailment, and it really helped me, but it didn't help with neuropathy. But I might try it again.

Jim

I just wanted you to know you're not alone. I have MS with PN in both lower legs and fingers. Frightening. I live in Florida which is in an "opioid emergency." My neurologist is aware that tramadol is the only med I have found that alleviates some pain AND allows me to lift my legs so I can walk. She cannot give it to me, even a minimal dose. So I found a site online to obtain it - to be able to take care of my house and family, or function. I have never broken the law and everyday I fear the " feds" will come charging thru my door. My choices are this, or being bedridden. Never thought I'd be in this position. And thank you so much for having the courage to share your story...You're not alone.

@keeptrying I can understand your fears. You are not a small/big time dealer so the fear of the Feds charging through your door may be extreme. Paranoia generally strikes those of us who do our best to abide by rules. Just keep the info to yourself lest some so called "do-gooder" has an unrealistic fear of opioids. I at times think people watch too much TV and want to be on TV by sticking their noses in where they do not belong. My input.
Do hope you can continue to get what you need.

Is medical marijuana available in AZ? I was given a synthetic version to enhance appetite after a surgery and it was very good at that, but even better for pain relief. Far better than opiates and much less damaging to my brain long term. It is now only available to cancer patients in SC; God forbid anyone becoming dependent on cannabis instead of alcohol. You are right about the Feds getting involved, but government in general should not be between me and my physician. I am 57 and I can't think of anything the government has ever decided to stick their regulatory noses in that has been better. Always produce unintended consequences.

Hello @gman007, it does look like medical marijuana is available in AZ. As expected, there are some rules and certain qualifications and only certain illnesses qualify. Like MN, the list of qualifying conditions tends to grow each year. Here is the AZ government website that should outline everything you need to know. http://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/medical-marijuana/index.php.

In SC, the opposite is happening. The geniuses in our statehouse may outlaw aspirin as a gateway drug at some point.

Well they did remove the caffeine from aspirin. There is an over-abundance of geniuses the world over.