so basically he told me that I'm on the most effective meds there are, yes they are making life bareable but the the meds are making me dizzy and side effects make me barely a person. There are days I'm so dizzy i have to sit while the room spins, other days it's not so bad. He basic ally told me that this is my life for the duration the meds may take years to get use to but do I want to live with the alternative? He says he doesn't want to do surgery as it's very risky and alot of times its worse that the tn. Worse case he will but wants me to keep on the way i am I am so depressed my life has taken such a turn especially in my 50s my kids are gone it's suppose to be the me time with my husband yeah right!
Do you mind telling us which meds (and how much) you are taking? While your doctor feels that you are on the most effective meds there are, that may not be true for you. Everyone is different, and we all respond differently to the meds. What works for John Doe may not work for you, even if your symptoms are the same.
My point is that it's possible you might respond better to a different med in the same class, or even adding another med in a different class. Many people find it takes the right "cocktail" of meds to find success in lowering your pain levels, sometimes even achieving pretty good control over the pain.
What type of pain do you have - is it constant aching burning pain, or is it an electrical shock type pain, or both? Depending on what type of pain you have, some people aren't good candidates for surgery. Also, the type of pain you have determines which meds might work best for you.
I know how hard it is to deal with this condition, and the depression that comes with it. I just try to think about one day at a time. I find that if I start thinking/worrying about the future too much, I get really depressed and stressed, and then my pain levels go up. And then I become more depressed and it's a vicious cycle.
Please don't lose hope -- if you're only five months in, chances are there are meds that you haven't tried, that may work better, or adding a med could make a big difference. So keep hope, and try and enjoy the low/no pain times you have to the fullest!
I'm sorry you're having a hard time. Have you gotten a second opinion? Are you seeing a neurologist or neurosurgeon?? The neurologist I was seeing did not want to explore surgical options either. I got very frustrated with him b/c his constant response was drugs, drugs and more drugs. Offered no other options. Not that I'm in a hurry to rush into surgery. But I did get an opinion from a neurosurgeon who thinks he can help me when I am ready to undergo surgery. For now, thankfully my pain is being controlled by Trileptal. Therefore, I am putting off surgery for the time being. But you should not be made to feel there are no options. Find a doctor who is willing to work with you and explore every option possible to get your pain under control. Best of luck to you.
Please get a second opinion -- you are the consumer -- giving you no hope is ridiculous -- get 3 opinions and come back here and bounce them off us.
The BEST thing you can do is to learn ALL you can about this and become your own best advocate!
I know how you feel. I feel like my life is over too and sometimes wish for that. I am going to doc again tomorrow. Praying for something new to try. Most haven't worked for me. BUT, we have to keep trying. I do know that what works for one may not work for another. It is very frustrating to spend some much time and money and only feel worse. I know that if I can keep trying, so can you. Please tell us what you are taking and have tried previously. I had to go the opiate route, even though I balked at that for years. Still not totally controlled. Hoping to add something to the mix. I also take baclofen and klonapin. Good Luck and hang in there.