Leg Nerve Pain from disk problems

[natamour]

First timer.
I'm a 48 year old woman with degenerative disk disease.  I had surgery 11 years ago and will probably need more next month if the physio I am doing right now doesn't work.  My problem is.......I have been suffering for 9 months with this nerve pain down my leg that I can't walk or stand for more than 10 minutes.  I've tried Lyrica, Tylenol 3, and now Tramadol, Zytram.  Nothing is working at all.  Are there any suggestions as to another nerve pain killer I can use?  Thanks

[sandee1818]

I am sorry your dealing with so much pain and not getting any relief.
With today's technology and Doctors knowing that Patients now have better access for researching their condition I see no reason why you could not ask your Doctor about a specific medication you have heard of that works.
There are many pain medications available and in my opinion and that of most pain management Doctors taking an extended release formula and a breakthrough medication id most effective.
I started out taking Oxycontin with lorcet for breakthrough pain and that worked well for me at that time.
If Lyrica did not work then you can try Neurontin but frankly those who can't take the Lyrica can't take that either.
You need to speak to your Doctor about trying one of the extended release formulas like Oxycontin or Opana or one of the many that are designed to cover your pain for an extended period of time.
Your Docotr will not know your pain is not being controlled unless you tell him and when you do let the Doctor know they will offer you more options. Do not be afraid to ask about medications that you have heard helps others with your condition. As I said in these times Doctors do realize that patients do research their conditions.
Please let us know how it goes and if you have any questions please let us know:)

[Tuckamore]

Hello Natamour,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. It sounds like you are in significant pain. I am very sorry that your sciatic is not controlled. I have sciatica and know how very debilitating the pain can be. You have my empathy.

Tramadol is effective for some ppl. It has never been so for me. Of course there are multiple other opiates available for pain. What for me may not be true for you. I hesitate to suggestion a specific opiate as this should be between you and your physician. Often if you request a one over an other it can raise reg flags. You're much better off to tell your PCP that what the current medications are simply not controlling your pain. Explain how the pain effects your daily life in detail, ask for his help and suggestions. I think you'll find that he/she will be much more open to prescribing something else.

Lyrica is a very effect a tempering nerve nerve but it isn't effect for everyone. There are also other meds that may work better for you in that family. It may be the combination rather than any one drug that is just not working for you.

I am very sorry to hear that you may be facing more surgery. My heart goes out to you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I hope you will become active in our community. Feel free to ask additional questions and respond to other posts.

I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Take Care,
~Tuck