Help dealing with out of control nerve pain!

[adventurer53]

I had my right knee replaced ten days ago. I have been dealing with some of the worst nerve pain I have ever had!! I had my other knee replaced last year and the nerve pain was nothing compared to this. I have a tethered cord with many surgeries in the low back which caused a great deal of scar tissue and nerve damage. I also have periverial neuropathy and some small nerve fiber neuropathy. Any ideas how to help calm those nerves asap? I have tried pain meds, muscle relaxers, lidocaine patches, cold packs, heat packs, relaxation, and prayer. A lot of it is sciatica. Then there is the normal pain from the knee replacement.open to ideas.

[Viva001]

As you're already taking it, would upping the neurontin help?

[selmaS]

  Hi.... I am so sorry u r having so much pain...and I am sorry we didn't have a Prayer Thread for ur knee surgery.....so I am sending good vibes and healing MoJo ur way now as well as prayers for a smoother recovery <3

As for the pain, since u have TCS it is possible that this side is affected more by it and the way u walk putting more weight on the other side could be irritating it more ....it just may be until ur knee heals a bit more and u can balance out the weight till u will feel better....sorry, wish I could offer other suggestions.

Do consider posture....Feldenkrais may help as u heal.

[adventurer53]

Thanks for the ideas. I do take Neurotin and Cymbalta already and like one of you said, adding in Valium especially if its in the night. Here's hoping  this bad flare subsides soon!

[Viva001]

Sorry for your pain.  I take valium if I can't take any more pain meds, or if it's the middle of the night.

As far as I remember, neurontin takes awhile to work, and you have to build up the dose, but it is usually effective.

[bigsissie]

The only thing that helps with nerve pain is nerve meds like Gabitril, Valium, Xanax, ect. Even they are not 100% effective but they do give some relief. They also help with the spasms. Talk with your dr about which one would be best for you. Neurontin is also a nerve med but I didn't put it up as helpful because it caused me to be suicidal. Not everyone has that reaction though. Best wishes, Sissie