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CRPS - anyone suffering with complex regional pain syndrome
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Oct 25 3:58am | Replies (366)Comment receiving replies
I come to you again for advice. First of all I'm glad to tell that I found a neurologist locally that is very familiar with CRPS and even though booked until December was alble to get me in 7/28 do to my condition. I have appointment with pain dr. this coming monday, He is not very good. Looking for new one but for now will have to do. I am currently on gabapentin 800mg 3 per day helps very little, and just started oxecodone 12.5 ER that is causes severe anxiety, have to get off. Upon reading others blogs many have had sucess with switching gabapitin to lyrica. My insurence will cover 82.5, 165 and 330 all ER. When others have made the switch to Lyrica what are overall comments, withdrall from gagapentin and do they need opiod with it? Thanks Darryl
Replies to "I come to you again for advice. First of all I'm glad to tell that I..."
Darryl,
I did the opposite, went from Lyrica to Gabapentin. I wasn't happy about it, but it turned out to be one of the best things I've ever done for my pain. There's an adjustment during the transition, yes. I got extremely critical of my favorite pet peeve. It's was a bit over the top. I expect whatever your main personality flaw is might express itself too. I really think it depends on how you change over. Can you take both at small doses, together? I think that's a legitamate question for your doctor. But it's very likely you should give it a try. They each (Lyrica and Gabapentin) address major pain problems, differently.
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@drg24242 Hello Darryl. Reading some of your posts brings me back to a time when I was trying many different treatments and medications for my chronic pain syndrome. I'm so sorry you are struggling with CRPS, but glad you came to Connect looking for support help.
I want to offer a little advice based on my experience and science. Thankfully, you are discontinuing oxycodone. Opiates are mostly reserved for post surgical patients for acute purposes, and cancer patients. They actually can cause hyperalgesia which induces pain, which is why I'm glad you are getting off yours. So many side effects and the body's addiction to a substance is never favorable. Kudos to you for seeing that.
Here's more on hyperalgesia in case you're interested:
- https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/what-is-hyperalgesia
It took me 3 years of being on opiates, failed procedures and getting nowhere in my chronic pain syndrome journey before realizing that less is more when it comes to meds, lifestyle change is imperative, and stress management along with coping mechanisms are key. I have Central Sensitization Syndrome, an umbrella to many diagnoses like CRPS, migraine, nerve dysfunction, POTS, post-COVID, etc. I eventually found hope and a self- management by attending Mayo's Pain Rehab Center.
It's great that you've found a local neurologist and have an appointment Monday with a pain doctor, these are all steps to take, but before you go, here's a link to Mayo Clinic's diagnosis and treatments for CRPS. It may be helpful to have a solid understanding of the comprehensive approach it takes to manage CRPS as a chronic pain syndrome so that you are prepared for your appointments.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crps-complex-regional-pain-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371156
I hope this info helps you out with treatment ideas and knowledge. Knowledge is power, my friend. Best of luck at your appointments. Do you have questions prepared for your upcoming visits?