Neuropathic pain

HowVeryDareYou

I've got what the hospital think is a "stretched" nerve in my shoulder - CT, Xrays, MRI all failed to show anything up.

I've had Codeine Sulphate, Co-Codamol and Gabapentin (none helped). The GP has now prescribed Pregabalin, but looking at the side-effects, mainly the ones affecting mental health (I'm already on antidepressants), I don't want to take them. The doctor is possibly going to use a steroid injection, in 2 weeks' time. I've had the pain every day since July.

This is slightly off-topic, but have you tried physio?

I had a mysterious pain in my shoulder and arm for months. After x rays and MRI scan, I eventually had physio and was taught exercises to rebalance my spine because my posture isn't good. The exercises really did help and when I get pains, I know what to do.

I tried Amitriptyline for nerve pain from spinal issues and although it helped me sleep I felt hungover the next day. I also gained weight but that may have been because I was not moving around much due to pain. I find prescription strength Co-Codamol and Gabapentin do the job most of the time and have taken that with no real ill effects for a few years now. You do have to build the Gabapentin dose up gradually. I also had six weeks of hydrotherapy organised by my NHS physio, that was excellent, I wish it could have gone on longer, of course Covid threw a spanner in the works with therapies. What works for one doesn’t always work for others. I have a close friend who takes Pregabalin and is fine on it, Gabapentin didn’t do anything for her.

VioletSky Thanks . It was going to be Ooh I Say or I told You So

growstuff Yes, I've had phyio but thanks. I've got a hospital appointment on Sunday (!) where they are going to do neurological tests on the nerves. They should be able to give me a proper diagnosis, and hopefully will suggest some treatment.

Unfortunately, my pain is a result of having lots of surgery, cutting of bits out, pulling & resewing bits back together. So the nerves have been chopped and hence, regrowing / firing signals in the wrong places etc. Not helped by much of the area being numb. Numb to the touch but not to the electrical nerve pain.

Not a lot to be done other than coping with it.

GagaJo

I'll let you know Elaine. I'm in a support group for cancer survivors and Gabapentin was recommended or something called Soma. My GP, who is very good tho, suggested Amitriptyline because he said it would work quicker where as Gab has to build up over a period of time.

GagaJo my husband has consulted doctor and he was not keen on amitriptyline as apparently can cause heart problems. He is now on gabapentin which has fortunately helped his pain and allowed him to sleep better and not have so much pain during the day. The only side effect so far is slight dizziness on standing which quickly wears off. He has to take 3 a day. So sorry you are still having problems.