I have been on the methadone for a little over 3 weeks and this has been the only thing that has given some pain relief in 6 years. A few days ago I bumped the back of my head and now the pain is coming back and I have the pin pricks on my face. I can't even have my hair touch my face without it feeling like tiny razors are scraping my face. I want to cry. I don't know what to do now. All my hope was put into this last treatment. I go to the PC on Tues. This time I have to go alone and I don't do well going alone because I get confused and I try and take notes. My 16 yr old son doesn't understand that I am tired and do not have the enegry to do the things I used to. He is terrible worried about me which further adds to my stress. I can't take any of the traditional nerve medications because they zone me out and the last one made my bones ache terrible bad. I wonder if I will get to the point where I am to tollerant of pain medications. This worries me since I am only 37.
I feel like I say this every post - but have you ever tried anything topical on your skin to lessen the pain - like a prescription lidocaine patch? -- also comes in cream.
Try and come up with a list of things you want to ask and make them wait till you write the answers or tell them to email what the conversation was
Let us know what they say.
Here is a previous post of mine on meds that work for some here
I hope you get resolution soon---
some meds that help people that have been posted here are
Baclofen
Nortriptyline,
amitriptyline
Methadone
Lamictal
Oxycodon
Tramadol
Klonopin
topirimate,
alprazolam
flexeril
In ER: IV dilaudid + toradol + benadryl (synergistic to enhance effect of other two)
I copied and pasted these from an old post here and saved them on a document.
Some were on one, two, three or more meds - different combos of benzos, muscle relaxants, anti-seizure, sometimes its in the combo
- sometimes you have to research and give your doctor YOUR list of prefered meds/combos to try because you read about them here --- THAT is the sad part-- then they can choose A, B, or C of the ones YOU have whittled it down to - side effects are of course secondary to pain relief most of the time --- but you can google side effects of meds and patients are all over the web saying what it did for them, what it did TO them, or what did not work
I find that askapatient.com is a very good one - as is drugs.com but not many reviewers on there list TN but their are some -- but they DO list side effects regardless of disorder
I take methadone - it never has taken all the pain away but 3 to 5 pain level is the best I can get and I have tried just about every medicine they offer for ATN.
Hang in there -
Everyday I work on puzzles, knit or keep the head focused on other things. The minute I stop the pain is with me. Now my pain is my best friend. It is always with me day and night. My other half looked at me like I was nuts when I first said the pain was a "best friend". In the past it was him.
Thanks I have tried everything and I mean every medication therapy. I am out of options. Methadone is the only medication that has had any help with the pain. Any of the typical medications such as Tegretal I can't even touch. My doctors have my thick novel of treatments.
Thanks.
Tammy
Kc Dancer Kc said:
Can you list for us what meds you have tried?
I feel like I say this every post - but have you ever tried anything topical on your skin to lessen the pain - like a prescription lidocaine patch? -- also comes in cream.
Try and come up with a list of things you want to ask and make them wait till you write the answers or tell them to email what the conversation was
Let us know what they say.
Here is a previous post of mine on meds that work for some here
I hope you get resolution soon---
some meds that help people that have been posted here are
Baclofen
Nortriptyline,
amitriptyline
Methadone
Lamictal
Oxycodon
Tramadol
Klonopin
topirimate,
alprazolam
flexeril
In ER: IV dilaudid + toradol + benadryl (synergistic to enhance effect of other two)
I copied and pasted these from an old post here and saved them on a document.
Some were on one, two, three or more meds - different combos of benzos, muscle relaxants, anti-seizure, sometimes its in the combo
- sometimes you have to research and give your doctor YOUR list of prefered meds/combos to try because you read about them here --- THAT is the sad part-- then they can choose A, B, or C of the ones YOU have whittled it down to - side effects are of course secondary to pain relief most of the time --- but you can google side effects of meds and patients are all over the web saying what it did for them, what it did TO them, or what did not work
I find that askapatient.com is a very good one - as is drugs.com but not many reviewers on there list TN but their are some -- but they DO list side effects regardless of disorder
That is what my doctor said I will probably reach a pain relief level of of 50% at best. I will never have a day where I am 90% pain free and to stop expecting that. As hard as that was to hear, it did help me to come to a realization of exceptance.
The doc gave me Tramadol for break through pain since nothing else really works and methadone is my pain management medication.
Interesting thought about your new best friend. Although if pain were my best friend I would think it would give me a holiday once in a while.
Thanks
Tammy
Jean said:
Hello Tammy,
I take methadone - it never has taken all the pain away but 3 to 5 pain level is the best I can get and I have tried just about every medicine they offer for ATN.
Hang in there -
Everyday I work on puzzles, knit or keep the head focused on other things. The minute I stop the pain is with me. Now my pain is my best friend. It is always with me day and night. My other half looked at me like I was nuts when I first said the pain was a "best friend". In the past it was him.
I do not have any advice to offer unfortunately , but can I offer my sympathy and upset that your pain has become so awful and you are unable to find lasting relief.
I just starting reading posts today and it helps so much. I am curious what dose of methadone you take. I have been taking it for the past three or four months. I was afraid at first, because it sounds so strong but found that it worked really well and didn't make me feel out of it. I take 10 mg, 3 times a day plus other medicine for breakthrough pain.
i just want you to know that i am also here for you....i myself is on my 3rd year f having TN mine started when i was 27....i have 3 boys who i try to hide beging in pain for fear of upsetting them however they are very smart kids and know when somethings wrong....my oldest is 13 and my youngest is 11...the only meds i am on are 3 pills of 300mg of gabapentin 3 times a day and percocet....usually my TN really acts up from nov-feb...bascially the winter months however the gabapentin seems to be doing the job right now with just a few shocks to let me know its still there lerking in the background.....anyhow have you tried to see a chiropractor or accupuncture?and as far as the doctors take your time and tell him if you feel rushed to slow down....and im so sorry that you have to attend the appointment alone.....i hope and wish your TN would give you a break