United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi,

I have a TBPI and I've got the pain management blues...here's the quick story.

I was out of work - doing my surgeries, etc. and therapy with a doc near my house and thing were OK...not great and still a lot of pain, but since I was on the couch, around the house, it was tolerable. NOW -- I found and job and just started back to full time work. After a week I saw the pain mgmt doc and not only is his schedule UNFLEXIBLE and his office far from work, but he didn't account for any of my increase in activity. I've tried to explain to him that I am in an extreme amount of pain and even just fighting that pain I am utterly exhausted by 9pm. I'm back to the waking up in the night from pain and generally my quality of life is deterioating!!!!

Right now I take 10mg oxycotin extended release 2x a day and then I have 5mg breakthru meds. and 2100mg of Gabapentine...Is this low dose of oxy and high gaba?? I don't know what to do the gaba makes me TIRED!!

Please advise, does anyone know of a good pain mgmt doc is philly or surrounding area??????????????? Any subsitiutes or addditions to my current medications you reccomend exploring. I'm new to the site and appreciate any information you might have for me!

Many Thanks.

G'Day,

How long have you had your BPI?, What are you doing for work? I'm just interested in a little more info on your background as I may be able to offer some advice?

Cheers

Jamie & Jack(LTBPI)

My TBPI is a year old. I am about 5 months out of my last nerve transfer. I am a chemical engineer and right now am doing Applications Engineering but am looking for something a little more active actually. I am worried that my current stamina levels would not allow me to pursue my career paths. Any advice would be appreciated.

Just a thought, but yes the gabapentin is a high-ish dose, but I've been on 3600mg a day and was utterly tired too by 9PM.

I recently switched to Lyrica (pregabalin) and am on a MUCH LOWER dose. 150mg a day, down from 1600mg a day of Neurontin.

Good luck, I hope you can get your MD to help you...
Marieke (31, LOBPI)

I have also had success with the Lyrica. The only side effect I had with it was it made me light headed. However, that went away within a week or two.

I take Ultram on a daily basis and have Lorcet for back up. I normally need the Lorcet when I have been more active.

How frustrating trying to explain to your doctor that increased activity really does cause increased pain. Fighting the pain can be exhausting. I must congratulate you on being able to return to work! Good job!

My first doctors were in Philly. I went to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia Hand Center. http://www.handcenters.com/Home.htm You may also want to try this place for the abduction pillow. It may help ease some of the pain. http://www.nervepain.com/

I also am on lyrica 150mg 3 times a day and i were a fentanyl patch 75mcg so i dont have to take other pain meds to ofte i am a very active person trying to take my full life back I still pain but it is tolerable i think

I just read this article this morning. Thought it might be useful.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditio ... topstories

G'Day,

how often do you, take your meds?

Obviously I'm the oddball here. I take 3900mg Gabapentin daily and on top of that I must take sleep aids. Trust me when the sun is up so too am I. That med does not tire me. I'm not about to suggest that my pain must be more or less than anyone else's but I know when I'm beat. I've suffered some pretty traumatic injuries and I assure you none compare to this. I wish I could help you. I wish I could help all of us for cryin out loud.
Peace out,
Scott