Just an update and a medication question

General General TN & GPN (Old Site)
1

I wanted to Thank all of you who extended such kind words of condolences to me after the loss of my father. It is indeed, appreciated.

I have been in a flareup for the past week that has kept me indoors and unable to do much of anything. The pain management doctor I went to took me off of hydrocodone and put me on oxycodone 10/325.

I saw my neuro doctor who doubled my tegretol to 400 mgs every 8 hours.So, I have been in a stupor ever since starting the new meds. I am hoping that my body adapts to these meds asap so that I can at least try to do some normal things... like drive my car to the grocery store. It just seems that when I think I am going to have a good day...WHAM!!!!! It rears its ugly head.

I have been at minimal pain for the last hour, but because of the impairment from the drugs... no driving. Now the pain is increasing and I know that it's going to be another rough night. Last night it hit me at 11pm and it was bad. My wife got mad at me for not waking her up. There was nothing she could do except lose sleep too. She had to work today anyway.

I do have a question about the side effects.... does anyone else experience tingling/numbing feelings in their hands and feet? It doesn't seem to be drastic but I am aware of it. I will discuss this with the pain doctor at my upcoming appointment.

Till next time,

Ron

2

LOL, I take 1200mgs a day split into 3 doses. Yes, you will be "slow" from the meds, but it will be better than the stupor you are in now.

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Hi Ron,
I never got used to the tegretol but lots of people do so I guess it will be the old “wait and see”.
Not being able to drive was a big problem for me and I was so spacey I just slept for weeks. Kind of like sleeping beauty…but not!!! I certainly didn’t want a prince waking me with a kiss to the cheek.
Sorry, I digress.

With regards to the tingling, I just dragged out the paperwork my pharmacist printed out for me when I started on tegretol and it lists tingling in hands and feet as possible side effect. Worth mentioning it the doctor to see what he thinks but I hope the side effects will soon reduce to a manageable level.

Hugs
Trish

4

Hi Ron, good to hear from you,
Sorry to hear your pain has flared up. I always responded well to Tegretol and found for me that 800mg/day worked well. I was on the slow release version.
I also noticed that the side effects would lessen within a few weeks until my body adjusted to the dose.
I would mention the tingling etc to your doctor as it can be a side effect of Tegretol.
Hope you find relief soon.
(( hugs )) Mimi