Originally Posted by
huntinlever
I'm really sorry Ghosthawk. I have central nervous system damage (don't live in a martial arts and zen temple and get the crap beat out of you in your 30's. Chronic brainstem abuse does a number years later), but also substantial peripheral neuropathy. I've been on Lyrica since 2008. I rejected Gabapentin early, hated it for its making me stupid. There's a reason Neurontin (Gaba) is called "morontin." Lyrica never gave me that.
I became hooked on Norco without even realizing it - thought "if a doctor advises and prescribes, I trust..." I went cold turkey when Dr. Feelgood moved me to morphine, letting my family know this wasn't going to be pretty. It wasn't, but I broke it. I've become an educated patient ever since.
I want to just throw it out: Years ago I was put on a trial of lidocaine infusion. It was like a miracle and I was down to virtually pain-free in less than 15 minutes. The problem for me was that everything came roaring back within a few hours, so I am not a good candidate - many people get months of serious relief. Instead, my doctor suggested I try Mexiletene, basically something like an oral lidocaine for chronic neuropathic pain patients. It does have risks so should be carefully considered with one's physician. It has worked over the long haul to take just enough of the edge off I'm not losing it. I have Tramadol for bad breakout pain but do everything I can to never use it. I almost never do.
I will say - it hurts like hell for me to even move, it induces a central pain flareup. Whole body burns moderately severe constantly, but it causes a big uptick in severity. But moving is absolutely necessary. Some have touched on it here. I try to workout 5 days a week between cardio and strength and deal with the pain. I basically train for elk or mountain hunting. Whether I ever will, the definite goal keeps me honest and at the training.
Mindfulness can help. Our species seems to be the only one that layers on "suffering" on top of pain. We have the brains. It's not hypnosis or anything at all like that - it's "radical acceptance" of serious pain, and letting go of clutching in every way possible, to what that pain wants to consume in our daily lives and our constant thoughts.
Sleep is paramount. I'm an insomniac and used to get only 2-3 hours a night because of pain. I've been good for about 5 hours for 10 years or so now. Not ideal, but livable. Bad sleep exacerbates neuropathic pain, and neuropathic pain exacerbates insomnia. I take meds, much as I hate them all, but also natural stuff - melatonin, but also "Sleepytime" herbal tea, which comes either without valerian (the regular) or with valerian (the "Extra"). Valerian can definitely leave you groggy, but it's sometimes better than being a zombie after little sleep.
That's a lot, I know. My heart truly goes out to you and your wife. Thank god I have a good family, and that includes a good labrador. I know of so many who have nothing but their pain and it's hell. My best hopes your wife can find some ease.