Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Sorry for the delayed response, @ken82

I'm learning how to get around in the new format.

I've been taking Prednisone for around 6 months, at 10mg. The neurologist hopes that it will slow down the progression of the neuropathy. He was alarmed by how much worse my numbers were when he did a nerve conduction test and punch biopsy and compared them with tests a year prior. I'm having a nerve conduction test in July, to track the progress. In the past month, I've begun feeling the pain of constriction in my calves. Until then it was only my feet and ankles.

I don't know how my bones are. I've fractured a few in fairly significant falls ribs in '96, lower back in '08, but those were because of how or where I landed. Most were on house painting jobs - retired now from that.

I eat and drink quite a bit of dairy products, and take a variety of vitamins, and eat a very well balanced diet - my wife enjoys cooking.

So, perhaps I should add the questions you raise to my list of things to discuss with the doctor. Thanks for mentioning them.

Jim

@jimhd Prednisone can have very bad side effects on bones and teeth.. particularly the jaw bone.. How does your primary care doctor see this usage in what is to be now long term usage. You might even check with your dentist.. The following quotes are from Mayo online when google Prednisone side effects......"even low doses interfere with healthy bone growth. Prednisone is a corticosteroid, a type of medication that's very effective in managing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and many other conditions. Unfortunately, corticosteroids also can dramatically weaken bones and lead to osteoporosis." and "prednisone, and antiepileptic drugs, can lead to the loss of bone that supports your teeth. Bisphosphonates, drugs used to treat osteoporosis, can sometimes cause a rare condition called osteonecrosis of the jawbone, which results in destruction of the jawbone.." Be very watchful.. Check with a second opinion..

Would like to connect to Arachnoiditis support group if possible

@froggy1 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Below I have linked a recent discussion related to arachnoiditis. Members like @pjf @carolinapearl53 @jelizabeth @larauen have recently discussed the topic and may be able to offer support. You may wish to scroll through the past comments and connect with other members as well.

-Arachnoiditis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/arachnoiditis-2/

Thank you, @ken8

@jenatsky I don't know why I would stop taking one opioid and start another. I'm not addicted to mscontin, so I don't need a medication to stop taking it, which is the most common reason for taking buprenorphine. I see that it's also prescribed for acute and chronic pain.

I'm going to be seeing a surgeon about a DRG trial, which could be more effective than the spinal cord stimulator I have now.

@lorirenee1 How great that you found something to treat your neuropathy symptoms. I've added it to my list of things to discuss with the doctor, along with buprenorphine. These days, the arthritis pain in my hands is almost as bad as the neuropathy pain, mainly because I'm doing a lot of sanding and working on my tractor. Today I painted the engine Ford Red, with a special high heat paint. It was a real chore to work with the paint. Tomorrow I'm going to finish wiping down the back of it and start priming the tractor and front loader. I just keep going a day at a time.

Kevin adjusted the SCS Thursday, and it made a big difference. My pain level went down from 7-9 to 3-5, but it goes up in the evening when I put my feet up in the recliner or go to bed. I'm grateful for the team of doctors and other medical professionals who care for me.

Jim

@jenatsky I've been seeing a pain specialist for more than 5 years, and he's had me try a really long list of medications. Some did nothing, some worked for a while but couldn't keep up with my increasing pain level, and others had unacceptable side effects. He won't have anything to do with opioids and gives me the same spiel about "opioids are not painkillers". I've discussed with him going to the pain clinic at OHSU this spring, somewhat depending on the Covid19 numbers in the Portland area. I'm also considering finding a new pain specialist. So, for now, I'm just going to continue with current meds until a few other things happen.

Thank you for telling me about buprenorphine.

Jim

You're viewing buprenorphine from its original purpose. It is now being used instead of narcotic antagonists. Buprenorphine does not effect our bodies in the same way, different receptors. I feel a whole lot better using it instead of MS. Good luck with your DRG trial, hope it has the desired effect.

We as a group of long haul pain sufferers go thru this process periodically as our bodies break down further. Our pain increases and we require additional somethings to help us cope. Keep us informed as you journey and good luck.
https://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(04)00566-4/fulltext

Hello. Olaf49 here. New to this site. Chronic Pain Sufferer of 46 years. I have benefited from having been able to receive help from a Chronic Pain Clinic in Calgary Alberta Canada. I'm 61 years old and I would like to be of help to other Chronic Pain Sufferers who may be able to benefit from someone who has coped with this for most of my life.