Chronic Pain: Depression as a result

@rick1945, Hello and welcome to connect. The members of our mentoring group do not have medical backgrounds and so do not make diagnoses or provide treatment. What we do, is listen through this mail forum. The more that you can help us learn about you, the better that we can share some experiences, introduce you to others who perhaps have walked in her shoes over the years. I was very much reeled in to your post because it said.....fell off a horse 50 years ago. In 1972 I had a pretty scrunchy fall from my Arabian.

I spent 3 days face down in a sling over the bed. The apple swelling on my head took weeks to grow smaller and the pain was there with every movement. The one thing the neurologist said in the ER was that I would have difficulty later if I didn't wear the neck brace and didn't stay off Arabian Geldings. So ....you guessed it, I did neither of those things. And today, I am paying the price dearly.

Are you the caregiver for the 70-year-old lady? Is she your wife or another relative? I am so sorry that her provider does not feel he can help. I am 77 and just 6 years ago, I had that surgery that puts titanium blocks in your cervical spine. That took care of a lot of the discomfort and left the small fiber neuropathy for me to deal with on a daily basis.

Would it be possible for you to share a little more about the source of her pain, the area on her body that is affected and the medication and treatments that she is receiving? We are here for both of you. Thanks for being her champion. Chris

@rick1945 Welcome to Mayo Connect. You will find we are a caring group, but not medical professionals. We share our experiences and solutions. Many times you will find information you can use. Having chronic pain can cause depression, as you feel like there is no pain-free day. Has your relative been able to see a pain specialist? This might help. If she can keep a journal to document when the pain is worst [time of day, where pain is located, does it get better with movement/exercise, etc] it could help pin down the situation for a doctor. Please let us know if you care to share some more information. We care here.
Ginger

Chris, My computer has been down. I am a friend of this person. I will see her tomorrow and get back with you, Thanks,Rick

I saw her today and have added imformation. She has been on an anti depressant for two years. I does not help. I let her know she should ask for another med with a differant chemical base. I also asked her to be more assertave with the doctors.
Said her pain med takes the edge off the pain. She has taken this for several years. Neuronton 400 my 3 times per day.

@rick1945, Thanks for getting back to us. You are a great friend to have. I appreciate the medication information. The Neuronton, aka, Gabapentin is really not a pain medication per se. It was developed to address seizures and has off label use for restless leg and anxiety. The maximum daily dose is 3600 mg. Some patients have side effects, like me, and so only use it at night. I currently take 1200 mg about 9:00 pm. It can relieve the needle-like pain of neuropathy and has been important in ensuring that I sleep past 5-5:30 am when there can be a high level of neuropathic pain that wakes you up.
Is there anyone who has legal permission to be her advocate with the medical community? How can we best help and support your efforts? Chris

I'm taking gabapentin too - 1200 mg 3 times a day and it's helping. I also have restless leg syndrome - my neurologist has it and she recognized it in me. She takes 365 units of ferrous sulfate every day and she told me to do it too. (we both tested 0 iron in our blood tests). I've been doing that for several months and it is finally taking effect -- I'm not waking up in the night and in the morning with leg cramps. Whew - I'm grateful for that improvement. Peggy

I tried Gabapentin years ago either it had no effect or it had unacceptable side effects. I might talk with my pain specialist today about it and make an appointment with the neurologist.

Jim