Unbearable back pain

[Devils_Advocate]

Hi - I am just wondering what pain relief people take for severe nerve pain?

I have DDD. I had a badly herniated disc with was operated on. It caused nerve damage so I have sensation issues in my lower right leg. I get pain periodically in my back.

I ended up in hospital on Saturday due to severe pain in my back. My MRI showed several budging discs including the one I had surgery on.

The pain is unbearable (I have other conditions so I am used to pain). I can barely walk, can't stand or sleep. I just keep crying due to pain and sleep deprivation - I never cry.

I have prescription codeine for my other condition and have been prescribed gabapentin. It is making 0 difference to the pain.

There must be something else they can prescribe as I can't live like this....

[Moon_maiden]

Hi

Sorry you’re having more issues, not good.

I switched to Duloxitine a couple of months back from Amitriptyline and started prescribed Cannabis, this includes the active THC although it’s paid for. I think the cannabis has helped my pain, not perfect but not feeling as desperate.

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thanks for your reply. Are you in the US? I have tried amitriptyline previously. The doctor just upped my dose of Gabapentin, so fingers crossed that might make a difference.

[Moon_maiden in reply to Devils_Advocate]

I’m in the UK, abdominal pain from Endo damage.

I hope it does help you 🤞🙂 I’ve tried Pregabalin as well. I am going to try to stop taking the Duloxitine and see what the THC does without it, just need to be brave enough 😂

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Moon_maiden]

I didn't know you could get that prescribed in the UK! I've tried pregabalin, it made me ill. Well I hope you can and it goes OK for you. I'm waiting for another op for my endo, terrible condition x

[Moon_maiden in reply to Devils_Advocate]

The pain consultant who did the prescription for the cannabis was amazing, she understood Endo better than any Gynae I spoke to.

Has anyone suggested to you it’s the Endo causing the nerve damage? Have you a date for Endo op?

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Moon_maiden]

That's really good, they are terrible at controlling mine. I've just had the coil (which has gone missing) and get given codeine.

No date yet, he said I can try delay it with the injections etc and to think about it. I've had a few surgeries and a resection, with complications from surgery so I am not thrilled at the idea of more surgery.

No they think its my discs as they are ruined.

[Hidden]

I also have DDD among many other back issues. I started seeing a pain management doctor two years ago and she prescribed low dose Hydrocodone which is an Opiod medication. I take one every morning when I get out of bed and in about an hour, I'm mostly pain free and able to move around. I had severe sciatica pain on my right side so she did a radio frequency ablation on my nerves and that subsided most of the pain from that. I don't think Amitriptyline or Gabapentin are going to fix that kind of pain. They are meant more for nerve damage. My wife had Amitriptyline after hip replacement because they damaged some nerves and I had Gabapentin for neuropothy in my feet from an autoimmune disease.

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for you reply. It is really useful to know what others use. I suffer with sciatica and at times my hips feel like they are in a vice. Honestly I just need something that works, I have never been in this much pain and I've been ill for years.

[greekqueen]

Hi, just wondering if you are on the maximum doses of gabapentin and co-codamol allowed yet? I have only found nearly full relief when on full dose gabapentin but also found a full back heating pad to be of immense relief, heated car seats and now and electric blanket before sleep, all not for heat purposes but purely pain relief. I would never have believed in a back heating pad but when my back gave way and saw worsening disc damage in neck and lower back, shoulder, hip and sacro-iliac area I tried one two years ago and it is actually just amazing.

Lila

[Devils_Advocate in reply to greekqueen]

Hi, thanks for your response. I am for co codomol, and upping my dosage of gabapentin. I honestly find the side effects really problematic for my job, as it makes me tired, less alert, and less effective at communicating etc. I am giving the heat pad a go, and I am also finding relief. I've just bought a tens machine too. I just can not bear it.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to Devils_Advocate]

I use a large stick-on hot pad in the day time. They're not good overnight, I tried it once and it left my skin torn.

[KneesRsore]

so sorry to hear this. I have a morphine patch, it dispenses over 7 days through my skin (either arm or upper back shoulder blades) - they come in varying amounts of micro grams depending on your needs. Might be worth discussing with your GP what to do regarding pain management but also what to do about making it better too xx 😘

[Devils_Advocate in reply to KneesRsore]

Thanks for your response. That is helpful to know. My doctors are hopeless if I'm honest. I have suffered with pain for years due to my endometriosis and back flares. They never really do anything other than give my codeine.My husband has also flown to the US, and we have 2 kids...my MIL is great but I could really do with being able to move. I have no quality of life at the moment.

I have been referred back to the spinal triage place, but I imagine that will be ages. I might pay for a private consultation xx

[Konagirl60]

Could you see a neurologist privately? Your pain isn’t under control and your doctors are gas lighting you.

I used a fentanyl duragesic ( 12mg ) for my severe nerve damage. A patch med might help. Good luck. You need to sleep!

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Konagirl60]

Thanks, that is helpful . It feels slightly better after the nerve blockers and codeine but then it wears off quickly. Plus the relief is nowhere near enough to function. God yes I am exhausted. Yes I think I am going to, I had such a difficult time getting treated last time which I think why I ended up with nerve damage.

[Konagirl60 in reply to Devils_Advocate]

Doctors in Vancouver, Canada brushed me off and I am left with a painful neuropathy because of it. Don’t delay your care. Good luck.

[Manchester7]

I would suggest you see your GP to try another nerve blocker instead of Gabapentin - I found Pregablin effect for my chronic back pain after a back operation ( but there are others Duloxetine or Amitriptyline). All the best, Nigel

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Manchester7]

Thanks for your reply. I can't tolerate pregabalin having been prescribed it previously. Amitriptyline didn't work. I will ask them about Duloxetine though!

[Enantiodromia77]

Here is hoping today's pain is less than yesterday's. I suffer with back pain from pulled muscles and have sciatica. That being said I don't think my pain etc is as anywhere near as original poster or others. Maybe be a stupid question but has anyone tried acupuncture? Would you consider it? If not why not? If you have what are your thoughts. I have codeine in the cupboard and only take when I'm at the about to cry point and screaming into the pillow.

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Enantiodromia77]

Thanks for your reply. I get regular massages but haven't had acupuncture. I've heard mixed reviews but at this point would try anything

[Enantiodromia77 in reply to Devils_Advocate]

I'd say leave no stone un turned and a friend said to me try anything new 3 times. 1st to see what it's about, 2 to like it or not, 3 to make your decision. All the best .

[rabbits65 in reply to Devils_Advocate]

having read your post and your distress , I just want to warn you that massages can make things worse. I used to enjoy the massage my therapist gave me, however when I stopped it I found my back settled better on its own, massages disturb the tender nerves , my opinion.

[Devils_Advocate in reply to rabbits65]

Thanks for your response. It is difficult to know what to do for the best. I just want relief from the pain. I have just bought a tens machine so hoping that may help

[rabbits65 in reply to Devils_Advocate]

yes my sister uses a tens machine on her pain , be patient though as it might take a few goes before you get relief. Have you tried consulting a proper physiotherapist for pain control .

[Devils_Advocate in reply to rabbits65]

Yes just waiting to see one. I've had it before and didn't find them overly helpful. But willing to try again.

[rabbits65 in reply to Devils_Advocate]

I know there are some excellent physios out there and some virtually useless ones. I don’t know how you can find a good one.

[Devils_Advocate in reply to rabbits65]

Well finger crossed for me!

[Flutterbyca]

i take Horizant and Tramadol for back pain and neuropathy. also have four crushed disks in back, crushed tailbone. it helps. good luck.

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Flutterbyca]

Thanks for your response, do you find the side effects manageable? I've never even heard of the first one!

[Flutterbyca]

i use tramadol and Horizant. it helps

[ickihun]

Hi I'm on Pregabalin rather than gabapentin.Pregabalin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing the number of pain signals that are sent out by damaged nerves in the body.

I'm on dihydrocodeine with paracetamol and on bad moments I'm on liquid morphine (where I'm out and need to get home). I'm still walking on 2 crutches due to unreliable legs still after 5mths after one bulging disc got work done on it. I so miss my walking I took my walking for granted.

I agree the pain is so bad it makes us cry. I feel like. I've been hit by a bus on waking first thing. Until I strain to reach for any pain relief to get moving. Then try and take my son to school as he's autistic so he needs watching for years yet. Oh it's a challenge for sure.

[Devils_Advocate in reply to ickihun]

Sorry you are also struggling. I have codeine but it makes no difference to my pain - so maybe I need something stronger. I can't take pregabalin as I've had it previously and I didn't get on with it. I am debating paying for a private consultancy but I'm not really sure what they can do. The joys of dodgy backs!

[ickihun]

Oh I'm back on Amitriptyline because I was waking in Pain through the night, once more.

[Devils_Advocate in reply to ickihun]

Me too I miss sleep 😴

[mauschen]

I take Duloxetine and Naproxen. I joined an aqua aerobics class which has been great. It took a while but I couldn’t move and now have a full range of movement in my arms and legs.

I still get spasms which are very painful so I use heat and physio every 2 weeks as I need to pay for this as the NHS refuses to do manual physio.

Regular physio makes a Duffey but I can’t afford to pay £50 per week

[Devils_Advocate]

Thanks for your response. I'm allergic to naproxen but do have another anti inflamatory prescribed for my other condition. I am just waiting for physio, but honestly found it quite pointless last time. I am hoping this time is better. I will try to get in the water, thag usually does help me.

[Hidden]

Gabapentin has a dubious reputation here in Australia. ..along with Lyrica. A low-dose Targin taken intermittently with your codeine could be an option your doctor may suggest, & I'd concur. Targin contains a synthetic opiate supplemented with a diuretic so as to avoid constipation . If your doctor won't prescribe it, find one who will.

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your response. That is helpful to know. I will have a look at those medications. Why does it have a bad reputation, just because it is ineffective?

[makemepainfree]

Iam on morphine tablet form Pregabalin diazapan citopram amitryptyline I. Also have diabetes undertive thyroid and many more tings I am in great pain today due to weather and stress

[Devils_Advocate in reply to makemepainfree]

Thanks for your reply. Sorry to hear you are in pain. It is so frustrating. I found diazapam helpful but they won't prescribe me it. I just hate the side effects of all the medication.

[Blackwitch]

Having read all the above and having taken everything over the years (and become intolerant of nearly everything), I really do feel your pain. I can still take liquid morphine sulphate and take an occasional Diazepam at night but nothing eases my pain like my heat pad. My last surgery in September 2020 failed and I have no discs now in my lumbar spine. I have since been diagnosed with rotational scoliosis and since my operation have been left with a lump in the middle of my back. The surgeon who did the micro-decompression surgery said it was inflammation yet a 2nd opinion said he didn’t know what had been operated on because I have no lumbar discs left. I’m beyond fuming. I have been attending Pain Management (fourth different place now due to moving house) since 2012 and been offered nothing but breathing exercises and Mindfulness (😂😂). I’ve since been diagnosed with ME/CFS an just recently saw a Consultant Neurologist who diagnosed Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which just about has all areas covered now (I also have RA with Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome and Fibromyalgia). No cures for anything, even my 3 monthly intramuscular steroid injections stopped giving any relief. I’m on the waiting list to see a Psychologist in the New Year, will give it a go but surely there’s something out there that should work on this intolerable pain. I believe it’s easier and cheaper to convince us that the pain is all in our head and it’s our fault. I really feel for you and others like us who are mostly dumped by the NHS. If cannabis is legal for medical use, why can’t we try it? I hope you find something soon. xx

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Blackwitch]

Thanks for your reply, and I am really sorry to hear about your health issues. That is terrible, and is one of the reasons I want to avoid repeated surgery. I've had a lot on my stomach for my endo, but only one on my back. I did wonder what they did at pain clinics...I think I'm a bit beyond mindfulness 🤣🤣. I could not agree more there has got to be a better way treating those in pain, it has such an impact on our lives. I was told I had period pain by the NHS, my insides were stuck together and my bowel irreparably damaged 🙄 hoping you find some relief x

[Blackwitch]

I had a total hysterectomy in 2001 due to constant pain but only a small amount of endo found on bowel. Mind you I had to have emergency surgery over Christmas/New Year 2015/16 for a mass close to rupturing. I had a benign mass removed and 8cm of colon. The blockage may have been due to Co-codomol so I haven’t touched that since. I really expected to have a stoma but they managed to join my colon together. I really wish some of these Pain Consultants could try to deal with pain themselves. I was left unable to walk after my second operation and surgeons arguing over my treatment with Clinical Commissioning Groups because I had the surgery in a different county to where I live. Never mind, it early Christmas. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. 🥳🎄

[Devils_Advocate]

Sounds like you have been through it. Life can be really unfair. Yes some seem so dismissive. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, I hope you get some relief!

[Kinga2500]

sorry to hear that. I have the same. From one year. I’m so young so doc think I can recover by doing exercises which not helps at all. I used to take amitriptyline. Dihydrocodeine. Tramadol and diazepam. Celecoxib. Diclofenac. Nothing changed just the worst. Struggling with walking sitting etc. currently, I'm on Gabapentin for a few weeks. I thought finally something that helps me. Not really after the week I had the worst pain now I take it with dihydrocodeine. But the pain getting worst. But they do not see any point in doing surgery yet same I can hear how addictive medication they are which makes me more worried. Now I can’t imagine what is next. I wish to back to normal but all days I’m stock in bed and fight with pain. I’ll do exercises little movements around home then I’m dying from pain. I’m totally tired from that

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Kinga2500]

Sorry to hear you are suffering. Will they not consider injections? They put off my first surgery which I think is what lead to my initial nerve damage. Although, they said it was because it was such a big herniation.

I am getting some relief from a higher dose of gabapentin, but still in a lot of pain which is making me fairly miserable.

I bought a tens machine which offers some relie with hot water bottles.

Hope you can get sorted, back pain is terrible.

[Kinga2500 in reply to Devils_Advocate]

because my MRI doesn’t show as much damage as the previous one and at my young age they still hoping to help me by exercise. They said no to injections:/ recently I’m in the hospital because of pain and every second week I’m at my GP to increase medication…I’m feeling worst like nothing helps. Today I’m stuck in bed struggling to walk I'm waiting for the referral to the pain management clinic but they rejected that just because I have physio in a different area than my referral that’s mean I have waited another month for that

[Devils_Advocate in reply to Kinga2500]

It is awful how much pain they leave people in. Sometimes you have to fight them to get the right treatment. Hope you find something that works

[Kinga2500 in reply to Devils_Advocate]

is just a year but I forgot how is to not felling a pain. Hope so too thanks

[Devils_Advocate]

Thanks, yes I'm going to give it a go.