Nerve damage in leg and oesteoarthritus in spine

[Anitatracy]

Hi all .Just wondered if anyone could advise.I have nerve damage in left leg had microdisectomy decompression in 2011.Have always had pain ever since but what I am experiencing now is something else.The pain in my leg is unbearable can't even begin to describe it as well as pain from my arthritus.I am getting very depressed about this and have to go to work too.I have even thought do I have bone cancer as this paints beyond words.Anyone else like this?Thank you

[misty14]

Hi anitatracy

I have nerve pain from damage in my right leg!. It's hard isn't it as pain can be severe and you have pain from osteoarthritis too!. Is yours in your groin and down your leg?. It has really changed my life as had it seven years now. Are you taking pain killers?. It's hard getting relief isn't it?. I take Gabapentin, Amitriptyline Cocodamol and when really bad a morphine patch!. I get a lot of help from a pain clinic . Injections about every three months that give respite. This could help your leg and back if you don't already go. They also offer gentler physio and a pain management program where I've learnt coping skills and made new friends!. Hope this is helpful and you get some respite from it soon!. X

[Anitatracy in reply to misty14]

Hi Misty .Thanks for your reply sorry to hear you are suffering too.Yes have pain in my groin and also knees.My big worry is work as I cannot afford not to work but I wonder how long I can go on like this.Always kept going with pain butility this has gone up a big level.I eat well not overweight by far which I'm told can make a difference but at such a loss.I will have to wait to see what icat team say.My surgeon did say at the time of my surgery that in future I may need a small cage at the bottom of my spine but cannot go through surgery again and I'm sure it made things worse.Thank you again x

[misty14 in reply to Anitatracy]

Hi anitatracy

So sorry your suffering so much and worried about working. I do hope your medical team can sort out better pain relief for you as that's important specially as surgery isn't always the answer. You could also go to Citizens Advice who would run a benefits check to see what else you could claim if you have to reduce your hours!. It might make up the shortfall and they would help you claim . Best of luckX

[OliveOyl]

Hi, I have nerve damage, diagnosed as neuropathy and arthritis is spine and hip, my spine is also crumbling so I understand your pain. Not had microdisectomy decompression but is the pain you are experiencing like a burn?

Please don't think you have cancer or any other bad thing, do you have a good GP or someone else you can talk to. I am under the pain clinic at my local hospital and have been told I can speak to a psychologist if I wish, this due to crying with pain during one of my appts. I not only see my GP but the consultant, physio and OT and have cried in front of them all

I do feel for you and although I can't help with your pain if you wish to meddage me at anytime then please do so

[Anitatracy in reply to OliveOyl]

Hi Oliver thank you for your reply.The pain is so hard to describe.Yes it's a burning but throbbing feel likes it's so deep in my bones.My hip hurts so much too and both my legs ache so deeplyou. I considered bone cancer as I can't believe pain could be so bad.I was at the docs yesterday she has prescribed codeine paracetamol and ibru fen. She did say morphine but I have to work so can't be spaced out.I am seeing someone from ICAT team end of month.Off the work now but struggles so much.Gone fromy the happy bubbly person I was to an anxious and low person all the time.Thank you again.

[OliveOyl in reply to Anitatracy]

Anitatracy, I have been on different meds to try and ease the pain. At the moment I am on pregabalin and morphine patch, I started low on the patch and have gradually increased up to 52.5mg. I saw the consultant a week before Christmas and he wants me off these meds and on something else that apparently is better so have an appt with GP on the 15th

I've only been on this dose around a month and at the moment am reasonably happy, its far better than before so I have an idea I will discuss with my GP

I didn't want to go on these either but when I did, I just felt tired during the day, nothing else. Am I strange that it doesn't space me out? I've often wondered

If you are working you need something to help you through the day with the pain but also something that won't affect your thinking, could you try a low dose patch. I do hope you find something to help you

[Hidden in reply to Anitatracy]

All credit to you that you continue to work. Although you feel low your motivation is still there. I have similar issues along with stenosis which makes it difficult sitting upright for any amount of time. Have any reasonable adjustments been made in your workplace? I have reduced my hours, although it is not good financially It does allow me to rest, take stock and work on “pacing” which has always been difficult. Hope you find some answers on your painful journey

[misty14 in reply to OliveOyl]

Hi oliveoyl

I saw your earlier post and just want to say I too have peripheral neuropathy in feet and legs. I take Gabapentin and steroids for it which are helpful. It's not easy to live with and treatment is difficult isn't it?. X

[OliveOyl in reply to misty14]

Hi misty14, I have had Gabapentin, along with Amitriptylin, I was then taken off those as they weren't that good. I then went onto Pregabalin & patches starting at 10mg to 52.5mg per hour. Saw the Consultant again and he wants me to go back onto Amitriptylin alongside Oxycontin, apparently that is a better combination

It must be worse for you having it in lower limbs, how do you cope during the day, do you get symptoms? I get mild burning, pins & needles, fingers/hand twitches plus of course loss of balance & co-ordination.

It's at night the pain really starts but every professional I've asked doesn't know the answer.

I just want the pain to lessen a bit more but don't we all

[misty14 in reply to OliveOyl]

Hi oliveoyl

I take Amitriotyline too to help sleep and it does. I do get similar symptoms to you and it isn't easy but I find steroids I take for other illnesses have helped. I do also walk with a stick which helps the balance problems!. I do also use a morphine patch when needed for right leg nerve damage!. I do hope the new combination of OxyContin and Amitriptyline helps you better. Keep us posted. X

[kenster1]

ive got nerve damage in my lower back from an incident 14 years ago.ive suffered ever since but about 6 months ago its just gone mental and seems I'm suffering in more body parts now.medication never works either.

[Jake69]

Hi Anita,I know exactly what and how your feeling as I had a flair up only last week,the pain feels like it's in your bones and is excruciating,I'm a 48 year old man and I don't mind saying that it brought me to tears.I have had this a few times since my disc ops and the only way it clears is a stint in hospital hooked up to a 3mg per hr ketamine infusion for a few days.(morphine doesn't touch it anymore)so I strongly advise a trip to A and E for you.I hope this helps,good luck and keep us informed on how you got on.x

[Alanjones]

Try Hemp seed oil capsules 1000mg, I had similar nerve damage to what you are experiencing, it is certainly helping me, so perhaps its worth trying. Good luck.

[Anitatracy]

Hi Steve thanks for advise but amI constant agony now.Pain is excruitiating. It feels worse than when I had my first surgery.Thought about going to A and E but it is chaos there people are waiting on trolleys for hours on end .Thanks anyway