Little update on dad - gabapentin (got it mixed up, thought it was Pregabalin

[Liz_L]

Well, this is a nice update, for a change. I finally pushed harder about my suspicions that his shoulder pain was related to nerve damage, and the doctor decided to put him on Gabapentin (edited b/c I thought it was Lyrica) to see if that would help. He started the new meds Tuesday evening, and when I saw him Thursday I was so surprised at the improvement. His pain had decreased substantially, the movement in the left arm was better, his speech was much clearer, and he just looked better overall. I guess some of the worsening symptoms were related to the morphine, etc.

We're not fooling ourselves, of course, we know that this disease will continue to progress, but to have him with much less pain and able to communicate better (and feed himself again - I forgot to mention that!) is such a relief. The staff were all so happy too, to see him looking and feeling better.

Liz

[Javan]

We found morphine crosses the brain barrier and hides the true problem. It also gives medical staff an easier life because it also causes drowsiness. WE will never use it again.

[Liz_L in reply to Javan]

The staff are having, on the whole, an easier time with him now that he’s not on morphine because he can do a lot more for himself. They’re also pretty caring people who were genuinely upset to see him in so much pain.

[LuisRodicioRodicio]

Thanks.

Luis