Pain management with neuropathies: I have a neuropath that paralyzes you in the feet, ankles, and calves?

in addition, it causes me great pain to practice walking in my leg braces and can just be excruciating. Neurontin does not help and I just got out of the hospital where I was on IV dilaudid and morphine. The doctor prescribed me enough oral dilaudid for 2 weeks when he released me. Thing is I am out now and go back to the doctor on Tuesday. l still need pain management but feel funny talking about narcotic meds w/ the doctor. What is the right way to approach this subject? I understand that patients have rights w/ regard to pain managment. Please give input. Thankx!

Loz, wow what a thoughtful reply. Thanks for taking the time.

I have sooo many questions for you.
What happened to you that you have neuropathy? Was it an injury or were you taking medication - Are you diabetic?
there are many reasons other then pinched nerves.

I get it that you have braces- are they Full AFO's that go from Calf to bottom of foot? Made of Plastic - or Metal braces?
They can put moleskin inside for comfort although that does make them hot- I know all kinds of tricks for braces - i have for both legs

Neurontin doesnt help - your are right, You may want to ask for Lyrica orTrileptal - the Trileptal is expensive but it works great!

It's obvious that you really need Pain management more then Naturopath and Pan Management physicians understand and you should not feel funny about asking for narcotics- neuropathy HURTS!
PLEASE end needless suffering and ask your Dr for some medication

I do have so many things I can talk to you about-- and need to ask
Without knowing what happened to you- or how long you have been in pain (or was this sudden)

There are devices that can be implanted - if it's been a while --of course they have you go thru a trial first

When you go to the Dr, tell him that when you were in the hospital that you felt alot better with the diluadid (You dont have to feel embarrassed) They may recommend someting different becase of what what going on at the time, painwise. Is your pain the same intensity as when you had it in the hospital?
Tell them that you would like to try Lyrica, and get off Neurontin if Ok. You have heard that it works better.
OK I will admit- when I saw the commercial for Lyrica- I was like- NO WAY-If Neurontin didnt work, why would this.
Another med that may work is called Topamax. Often you hear it being prescribed for Migraines, but it works on neuropathies too - although- I had a side effect as to where it INCREASED the neuropathy numbness in all extremities and face. ( i also has symptoms that masked a heart attack)
It is amazing what different meds can be used and so dot be afraid to speak up OK

MSG ME if you want to talk- I would like to understand your problem!
It's your healthcare--SPEAK UP!

ask your doctor if he will refer you to a physical therapist who uses anodyne therapy

Hi - you have my sympathies. I suffer from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, which is an incredibly painful neuropathic pain condtion.

I don't think that you should feel funny talking to your doctor about narcotic pain medications. If the oral dilaudid helped you, let him know that, and ask what he thinks about you starting on a controlled release opioid - whether it be hydromorphone or something else.

Some doctors are uncomfortable about prescribing opioids long-term... is this your GP, or a pain management doctor? If it's the former, I would highly recommend asking for referral to a PM specialist, or even a specialist pain clinic - somewhere that takes a multidisciplinary approach to pain management (medications, physiotherapy, psychological approaches, etc.)

Another drug that it would be worth asking about is Lyrica. This is very similar to Neurontin but generally much more effective and requires a much, much lower dose.

I hope that helps, and wish you all the best in finding something to help reduce your pain.