United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi,

Im having my first appointment on Thurs 27/02/03
at Walton Pain Clinic with Doc Nash,
If any one has any advice i would apreciate it V much.
Is this guy any good??
Im just over 18 months TBPI, Had nerve grafts, getting recovery, but still in severe pain!!
Will keep you posted!
Cheers. Chris..

I think you're on The Island aren't you mitch, so the pain clinic's in Liverpool???

Haven't heard of Dr Nash but that doesn't mean he won't be any good. It all depends on whether he has much experience with tbpi. Many tbpi have a kind of central pain which is a chronic pain syndrome, most painkillers are designed to help with acute pain which is a whole different thing, that explains why most don't work. The pain tends not to respond to opiates but anti convulsants and tricyclic antidepressants have had good results. The cannabis under tongue pain trials at Stanmore showed some good results too. Most tbpi do get some relief after the nerve repairs 'take', most of us are able to cope ok after around 2 yrs because of this. There is a tendency among some specialists to move onto more invasive methods of pain control such as spinal implants etc, these are really for cases of intractable pain that have resisted all other methods and are past the nerve recovery timescale. For this reason it is not generally recommended that these methods are used too early.
It's a good idea to start keeping a 'pain diary', not only will this help you keep the pain in context, it will give you a good baseline to measure the pain against when the doctor tries anything to help. Exercise can help (but don't get cold!)and distraction is probably the most helpful skill to learn, my pain decreased dramatically when I went back to work. Some pain clinics will help you work on this skill.
Here's hoping you get some relief soon :0) let us know what happens, the pain is the biggest concern for many of us and it's always helpful to hear how others got through this excruciating early period. Good luck!

I would like to share info re:pain relief. Nortriptylene and Neurontin were life savers for my 9 yr old son. His injury is from an airbag. He is 14 now and still experiences sometimes intense pain every few months. He has been off Nortrip and Neurontin for a couple of years now. We really can't find anything to help shortterm. Distraction works best for him. What about your injured arm getting cold? That was mentioned to us recently and I read it here also.

Has anyone heard of parfin treatment for hand pain? My DR suggested it, and at this point I will try anything.... My arm and hand always is cold, I thought it was because I have a metal plate and 7 pins. Also I just found out I have more hair growth on te side of my injury anyone else experience this? Also the nails on my injured side grow like crazy, Dr says it is from the injury, anyone else experience this?