Multiple Sclerosis Itch

[pickles18]

For 2 months, I have the "MS itch" on one part of my lower back. It is unbearable. Creams don't help. Ice pack provides relief for a few minutes. Sleep is fine. After up & moving for several minutes, the itching starts. Simply, my neurologist doesn't know what he's doing.  He recommended Cymbalta & Lyrica!!  Instead, I showed him a prominent MS website regarding itching, so he prescribed their suggestion, Neurontin. It is not helping (began at  900 mg/day, increased to 1600 mg/day). What should I do now? I cry throughout the day. I am going crazy. Thank you.

[james_brown_in_the_hottub]

Prednisone, 10mg

[LisaJF]

Sorry, I did not see you initially mention atarax in your post...Said cymbalta, lryica and neurontin.  

I can understand why you dont want to start another medication --  I hate taking meds myself unless I necessarily have to because of no other choice to relieve what ails me at the time.

Surely you have a right to be angry about the inability for them to locate your MRIs, however, where ever you had them done, you can obtain another copy of the CD and written report without having to make a trip to the place. Just call them and they can send it to you via mail.
Good luck to you!

Lisa

[pickles18]

Thank you all for your comments.  Atarax and Neurontin (Gabapentin) have not helped.  Of course, reactions to medicine vary.  I am in the process of withdrawing from Neurontin as per the 2-week schedule provided by the nurse in my MS Neuro’s office.  I do not want to start another medication at this point. (MS Nurse: “Let’s see, maybe you should try …. Or, how about …?”)  I want my body free of these medications.  I am going for MRIs this week and hopefully, to a new MS Neuro shortly thereafter (even though out of network). My current Neuro shows no compassion/interest during visits. He is famous – probably a good researcher.  Last, last straw: just found out that his office is unable to locate my MRIs from 2007 AND 2009! Am I angry? You bet – at the Neuro and at myself. I should have been more proactive and switched my Neuro some time go. Maybe this itching ordeal will be a blessing in disguise!

[LisaJF]

Hey, I know the feeling of the itching....can last for days and drive you nuts!

Perhaps Atarax could help? It does make you sleepy however, but I do take that once in awhile when the itching starts for no apparent reason in the most inconspicuous places.

Try suggesting that to your doctor and see if he would be amendable to prescribe that.

(hugs to you)

Lisa

[supermum_ms]

Hey there, i'm really sorry that i honestly dont have any solutions to offer you, nothing helped when i had two itchy patches on my face. Sleep seemed like the only time i wasn't aware of it, though considering my face was a mess when i'd wake up, i'm sure it was my nocternal scratching that made it that way, cause i was a good good girl whilst awake.

I wanted to tell you that i understand what your going through, i really do and if you ever just need some one to talk to, even if its just to distract you in the moment, then i'll be there!

Hugs........JJ

[DaphneJ]

I had severe itching and it's awful. My doctor prescribed prednisone and neurontin to calm the nerves down. It took a day or so but made a huge difference. Lyrica is basically a newer, slightly tweeked form of neurontin so it would have done basically the same thing as the neurontin. Cymbalta is also used to treat nerve pain so your neuro was in the ballpark. Good luck and hope it resolves soon.