Hi, Nevada here suffering with ATN. New to this group and feeling my way around. The past few days have been hard. In spite of the gabapentin, I have been getting more and more of what I call "break through" pain. I have had to take more ibuprophen between taking the gabapentin. I have been on it for about a year, and while it does help a lot compared to what the pain used to be, I'm wondering if the dosage needs to be increased. I try to limit my doctor visits, I don't have insurance and am retired on a fixed income. The additional almost $100 for a doctor visit is hard. I used up a lot of my small savings the past 5 years going to all the various doctors looking for help. Does anyone else have suggestions? Thanks for any advice.
Hi Navada,
It sounds like you have been through a lot with this. I have bilateral ATN and have had ups and downs. It's been almost two years and I have had to increase my medication a few times. I am not pain free. I have breakthrough pain or full blown attacks every two or three weeks. Sometimes more and sometimes less. Anyways, if you have room for increase that prob is a good option.
I am also a bit more capable of handling some breakthrough pain after dealing with this for so long. I have gotten used to what it feels like I guess. I don't freak out about it as much after the MRIs and the doctors. It does follow patterns and have triggers. But, in my experience, it is always morphing and affecting different areas. I hope that you are able to get relief from your pain. It is very draining. TN drugs are not ideal but neither is taking lots of ibuprophen. And I never found it to be helpful for very long if at all.
Sometimes ,I can call my neurologist and he will make adjustments for me in between appointments., He will call in break thru pain meds for me as well.. But then again, I usually see mine every three months.....
For some break thru meds. I have to call anyway.
Hi!
2 things that might help
For the shocks…call your doctor to call you in a tube of lidocaine cream! For pain on face as needed.
No dr. Visit needed i would hope! Pretty sure it is generic.
For more tips and tricks of how to navigate this journey
Purchase or get at library
Striking Back by
Dr ken casey