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← Return to Gabapentin side effects?
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I'm 86 and think will pursue getting off gabapentin get rid of balance problem, fell twice, leading to knee replacement and shoulder, no fun. HJave found some relief with 8hr Tylenol. Pain clinic prescribed Tramadol when back became big problem and I try to keep both to twice a day. You can really tell when rain is coming, pain increases. I need a vein ablation too and Medicare has turned it down, they think I want Betty Grable legs, mentioned that at Dr visit and he laughed (was old enough to remember her) and nurse just had puzzled look, so we explained who she was. Medicare thinks you want ablation for cosmetic reasons but veins leak and cause lots of swelling and pain so we've all got our cross to bear. Golden years, rusty, tarnished and corroded!
Replies to "I'm 86 and think will pursue getting off gabapentin get rid of balance problem, fell twice,..."
I'm still recovering from falling last month. I was lucky not to break a bone or worse.
I am sorry for your troubles. Old age blows. But it's all we've got now! All the best to you.
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Good evening @suzzy. Great name. My family nickname was Susie. My mother was Pinkie and my brother was Buddy. Used to wonder why they bothered naming me Evelyn Christie.......only had it on my driver's license.
Well.....welcome to Connect where you can choose any name you want. I have just read your posts about Gabapentin. I completely understand the brain issues and balance problems. And...... I am 81 years old with a history of multiple knee replacements and shoulder surgeries.
My response to your desire to eliminate the Gapapentin has to begin with a question. Have you discussed this process with your doctor or other medical practitioner? I would not attempt any changes without sharing knowledge and decision-making with your doctor.
I have been on Gabapentin for 10 years. My neurologist recommended it as soon as my skin biopsy came back positive for SFN (small fiber neuropathy). I had dizziness and other side effect issues from day 1. Immediately, he told me to take it all at night and that is what I have done.
About three years ago, my mental ability began to decline, causing memory issues and thinking obstructions. During that same time, the SFN pain and numbness increased. In a shared decision with my PCP, I began to replace the Gabapentin medication with slightly larger and more frequent doses of Medical cannabis.
Over that time, I have gone from 2400 down to 200 mg at bedtime rather slowly. At the same time, I have increased both the frequency and dosage of Medical cannabis tinctures.
It is great to see my cognitive challenges reduce substantially and the problems with planning be somewhat eradicated. I realize that at 81, memory issues are a part of the aging process.
It is also encouraging to know that there are other ways to control the pain of neuropathy. In fact....I feel very sure that the pain reduction from cannabis is much better for me. Then...there will just be the insurance issues. Regardless of your decision, I am here for you.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris