Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

I had a toenail removel about 2 mths ago now that is still very painful. I was told that the procedure done to stop the toenail from growing back has caused a chemical burn. I have serious burning sensations of pain shooting from my cuticle and nothing so far seems to help ease the pain. What can I do?

@annec2525
Hi Anne, my wife has (like many here) a number of pain issues, one of which is peripheral neuropathy. She is reticent to see any doctors or be prescribed any medications if she can possibly help it. She has always been very sensitive to everything, medicines included. She too has tried many things which are non drug related for her pain. After all else has failed to give her much relief, she always gets the best relief from marijuana. Medical marijuana is still illegal is this antiquated state of ours, but we lived in California for a time a few years ago and she got a legal stockpile there which she still parcels out to this day. She says that she would not know what to do without it. And the side effects are mild compared to most other medications. In fact, she doesn't really experience any side effects. So if this is an option for you, you may want to consider it before getting yourself entangled with other more heavy duty drugs that may or may not help but that can certainly harm. Just a suggestion. Best, Hank

My GP will not give me anything for pain or sleep. I go to the pain clinic because I have spinal stenosis so bad my pain is a ten+ all the time. He gave me methadone -- three a day. Now, he has taken away two of them. My pain is so bad, yesterday I was up at three am and today I was up at three am. I am going crazy with pain going down my legs. I have no nerve pills. I need some very badly. My neighbor told me she takes Tylenol PM. I tried them. I stand up and go to sleep. I found myself standing up sleeping--with my head against the shower curtain. I woke up as I was falling into the the tub, head first. I didn't take any more of them. I am so tired--I need sleep more than anything--I either need pain medication or sleeping pills or both--from the doctor. All the pain doctor wants to do is give me epidurals. I hate them with a passion. He gives them to me--I tell them I don't want them but he won't give me pain pills if I don't get the shots. My husband is my driver and won't drive me to another town to get another doctor.

I am glad I found this group. I had a spinal fusion at Mayo 20 months ago and did pretty well the first few months and then new pain set in and am being managed by Pain Management. Some of the treatment helps but isn't taking the pain completely away. I would love to hear from others in this same situation of what helps them. Currently, alternating OTC pain meds, nortriptyline at bedtime, ice and some PT exercises and stretches. I have had an SI joint steroid injection and 2 trigger point injections and not sure they really helped much. Lidocaine patches are not getting to the depth of the pain. Trying out a TENS unit now and muscle relaxer. I am worried about adjacent issues but trying to hold out as long as I can to not have surgery! I know many others have it worse than me and I my heart goes out to all of you. I worked as a RN for 30+ years and did pretty well until about 3 years ago. Stinks to get old!

@annec2525 The one fracture was a workers comp case and it was a year before I was back to as normal as could be had to retire from my work . I have osteoporosis now and had the other fracture a couple of years ago . I go tonight for the MRI . Probably wont hear till next week the results. I,ll let you know . I get relieve from seeing the pain Dr . Find a good one talk around to see what others say that have gone and who they go to . Even this is a ongoing procedure but only 1 or 2 times a year so well worth it . Let me know also about one if you go . Will keep each other posted .

@annec2525 I saw where you asked about sleep I have that problem as well I have to take my pain med at bedtime but also use OTC Vicks sleep liquid which puts me to sleep and no side effects from it . Befoe this I had Ambien horrible drug had a hard time getting of it ,addictive . But before I do the sleep aid I drink warm milk ,peanut butter on grahm crackers or turkey these all have tryptophan in theme that help with sleep .

@annec2525 There have been several people comment on what is working for them, and it is good to see. I often read through, and figure what direction to go in for myself and my health issues, based on what people relate. It is a challenge, to be sure, and sometimes we have medical teams who lean towards certain protocols. Your GP is a blessing to you, it sounds like, and he knows you well enough you won't abuse the valium.
Ginger

@veda Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! We are all patients, family members, or caregivers here, so we do not offer medical advice. We share our personal experiences and support each other.

Toenail removal sounds painful even to read about it! Did your doctor advise against walking on that, and if so, how did you accomplish that? I am curious why the toenail has to stop growing? Perhaps your doctor might suggest a numbing ointment to be used on your cuticle, or aloe vera cream? What has your medical team suggested so far?

I will be interested to hear what happens next. Please come back and let me know.
Ginger

Hello, I’m Trish and I live with Chronic pain from the moment I wake up til I go to sleep.
I’m on a variety of different medications that were finally achieved by trial and error. I use Amitriptyline to sleep and it has been a lifesaver. Nonething is perfect but once it sets in I’m usually good til 6 or 7am. Still have to do everything else perfect in my routine, rest diet etc... and sometimes it just doesn’t matter.,
But better results since Amitriptyline I since could not sleep and would just watched marathons all night.
I have nerve damage, (elb’s palsy) neuropathy and migraines.

@jpalmer16 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

Surgery is obviously only a last resort. You had a spinal fusion surgery and a few months after you started to experience chronic pain.

Members like @faithwalker007 @sharonrose1200 @jobby99 @sundance6 @bustrbrwn22 @jesfactsmon have recently discussed this topic and may be able to offer you support and/or information.

May I ask if you have had a chance to browse the posts in this discussion and other discussions?