neurontin question

This board is for adults and teens to discuss issues relating to BPI since birth (OBPI).
Beckyerin
Posts: 104
Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 8:06 pm

neurontin question

Post by Beckyerin »

Dear all,
I know this drug has probably been discussed before but I can't find the thread. Just wanted to hear some experiences of anyone who has taken nerontin for pain. I am ROBPI. I was given a script today but for some reason I thought this drug was for more severe pain(mine is more of a nuscience). I have been going to PT, doesn't help. This doc is an upper extremity ortho doc and I was supposed to see him in conjunction with my BPI specialist but BPI guy could not make it. I was in a rush so I did not get to talk to doc about this drug at appointment today. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Becky
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hope16_05
Posts: 1670
Joined: Tue Jul 01, 2003 11:33 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: 28 years old with a right obstetrical brachial plexus injury. 5 surgeries to date with pretty decent results. Last surgery resolved years of pain in my right arm however, I am beginning my journey with overuse in my left arm
Location: Minnesota
Contact:

Re: neurontin question

Post by hope16_05 »

Becky,
I dont have any info about nerontin other than I believe it is nerve pain realted.

But if you dont mind, where is your pain? I had bad pain in my shoulder and my OT made a figure 8 strap for me to wear and that helped a lot. It pulled my shoulders back improving my posture, but also letting my muscles relax. I can send you pictures if you think this might help. The strap is similar to that of one you might wear if you broke your collar bone.

Amy 18 ROBPI from MN
Amy 28 years old ROBPI from MN
Joanie
Posts: 499
Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2005 9:03 am

Re: neurontin question

Post by Joanie »

Amy,

My doctor gave me a script for therapy (now I have to make an appointment with a therapist) for pain in my unaffected shoulder - overuse issues. I'm interested in pictures of your strap, if you don't mind.

Thanks,

Joanie, 56, LOBPI from Ohio
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: neurontin question

Post by marieke »

Hi, I take Neurontin (Gabapentin) for moderate-severe nerve pain cause by my Transverse Myelitis (not related to my LOBPI.. just really dumb luck that I end up with this too).
It was actually made for epilepsy, to stop the seizures, but they found that it also works on nerve pain (neurogenic pain).
Now if all you have is muscle pain, than fractly this is useless to you... if it is nerve pain, well, try it.
How many mg is the script for, how many times a day...? I take quite a bit of it 2400mg a day (600 mg QID).
Any questions, feel free to ask... (I am also a nursing student, know more about meds now that way too)
Marieke
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
Kath
Posts: 3242
Joined: Mon Nov 18, 2002 4:11 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: I am ROBPI, global injury, Horner's Syndrome. No surgery but PT started at 2 weeks old under the direction of New York Hospital. I wore a brace 24/7 for the first 11 months of my life. I've never let my injury be used as an excuse not to do something. I've approach all things, in life, as a challenge. I approach anything new wondering if I can do it. I tried so many things I might never have tried, if I were not obpi. Being OBPI has made me strong, creative, more determined and persistent. I believe that being obpi has given me a very strong sense of humor and compassion for others.
Location: New York

Re: neurontin question

Post by Kath »


I have been offered neurotin many times but just can't bring myself to take it...
I read so many negatives on it over the years.
Many of the TBPI are but on this and the have central core nerve pain and more recently injured.
My doctor always assure me that it's a good drug.
I still am not willing to have some of the side effects.

I know how to deal with the chronic pain but I don't think I could stand it if I could not think clearly.

I found Hot Tub helped me along with daily ROM exercises.
When I don't do them I am miserable.
I take an anti inflammatory drug now for the stenosis.
It helps a little.

On the TBPI/Message board they have this thread.
http://ubpn.org/messageboard/thread ... read=13048

I know they had a long thread on neurotin but could not find it.
Kath (adult/robpi)
Kath robpi/adult

Kathleen Mallozzi
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: neurontin question

Post by marieke »

There are side effects true, but, I and many others I know do not suffer from them. Now, that being said i would like to reduce the amount I am on but take into account how high my dose is and that I take other meds for my TM. IF you do have nerve pain and it is not too bad, the dose you may be on might not be too high and you most likely would not have side effects...
Marieke :)
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
kissygoose

Re: neurontin question

Post by kissygoose »

What kind of side affects are there. I was just given a prescription for this yesterday.
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: neurontin question

Post by marieke »

Most common ones are fatigue, dizziness, headache, some people say it affects their memory when taking large doses, but this has not been proven.
What dose are you on?
Marieke
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
Sharon
Posts: 77
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2001 9:29 am

Re: neurontin question

Post by Sharon »

I was told by a couple dr that this drug is the only one out there that can ease the pain caused by nerve damage. I did try it. I got violently sick and hung over the toilet and the dizzyness was unreal. Not to mention that I was a basket case for three days. That was with just one low dose pill. And then the dr tells me to take until my body gets used to it. NOT...

I'm know many people have been helped from this drug and you just have to give it a chance for yourself. I also know a couple people who have taken it and kind of lose themselves mentally while taking it.

It's really up to you and how bad your pain is. If you feel your pain is more muscular, then by all means, suggest to your dr that you would rather take and anti-inflamatory instead to see it that would help you.

Personally, I got tired of all the pain meds and the anti depressents that is supposed to also help the pain and just quit taking them all together. Now, in my 50's I am on vicodin, which took me a very long time to adjust to them. I started with just a half a pill at a time.

And for muscle pain, Kath once told me to try Mineral Ice as nothng else was working. This helps the back and shoulder muscles better than anything I have tried.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do and keep us posted on any side effects if you decide to take it.
Sharon
Judy-T
Posts: 557
Joined: Fri Nov 02, 2001 11:59 am
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Right arm OBPI One surgery at age 40 Ulnar nerve retransposition
Location: Florida

Re: neurontin question

Post by Judy-T »

I tried Neurotin and it did not work for me. It helped a little with the pain but it really messed up my cognitive skills. It was not worth the trade off a little pain for a foggy brain. I am on a low dose of methadone. I have no pain. I have been on it for about a year. The only side effect that I have noticed is short term meomry loss.
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