Pain, pain, and more pain; could this be a symptom?

[Fluffysmom]

I came on to post this question, and read Udkas' post about her ongoing burning parasthesias.

I have some burning parasthesia, mainly my right forearm and meralgia parasthetica on the front of my right thigh.  I also have a bulging disc that causes some radicular pain from time to time.

Well, yesterday, pain started having a hot time on the right side of my body!  First, there was a burning pain in my right buttock, but things progressed quickly until I had nasty burning pain including what felt like a tourniquet around the top of my right leg.

My entire thigh started burning with nerve pain, all the way around, and down into my calf, then my foot, especially my heel.  Next, it wrapped around from my pelvis up under my rib cage, all the way around my right side.  I had trouble moving, and bending forward made me feel like I would lose control of my muscles and fall.  I tried ice, gentle stretching, all my regular medications ( vicodin, lyrica, valium), then decided to try some Tegretol, as I was in agony.

I took 100 mg., which helped enough to let me fall asleep after about an hour, though I was stil burning when I'd get up to go potty.  Not the best night's sleep.

I felt better this morning, though moving slow and still some pain.  After running some errands, the burning is back, and I can't sit at the computer for much longer.

Does anyone think that this could be caused by the spinal lesions that were mentioned in my last MRIs?  I don't see my new neuro until October.

Ow, ow, ow!

Should I call my PCP if this continues?

Thanks,

Kathy

[Fluffysmom]

Well, I've put off calling my PCP (primary care provider; like a GP), since I know that the advice nurse will tell me I need to be seen, and doubt that my PCP would know what to do, other than tell me to take the Tegretol if it helps, which it has, so I've been taking it at bedtime.

I've considered calling the neuro's office, but since I haven't been seen there, I doubt that they would have any advice for me or be able to fit me in any sooner, since they need to see me as a new patient before they can see me as a patient.

I suppose I could still call so they can make note of what's going on.

Lyrica is like a more powerful relative of neurontin, and I take a total of 200 mg. a day.  I'd add more of that, but my insurance will only cover so many pills a month.

I have the Tegretol for my TN, which this pain right-sided pain is starting to remind me of; today I've been getting what feels like bee stings on the front of my thigh, from 4 to 6 inches above my knee.  The zingers make me drop what I'm doing and grab my thigh.

I suppose I could take the Tegretol twice a day.  If I do that, then I'd better call my PCP.  I have refills on the Rx, but should let her know if I'm increasing my meds.

She gave me a lab slip to have a CBC (as well as Vitamin D and thyroid levels), since the Tegretol can lower the white blood count.

I was supposed to fly to Sacramento tomorrow, but we cancelled the trip so I wouldn't have to suffer through two plane rides and two basketball games, walking through airports, etc.

Instead, we're going over to the beach, staying at a place where I can look out at the ocean, walk on the beach if I feel up to it.  I'll try not to be tempted to pick up agates, as I might fall forward.  

It's supposed to be around 100* in the Portland area again, but will be around 20* cooler at the beach.  My roommate didn't mind; she needs to relax, and loves the ocean.  This trip will cost a lot less, too.  I can get out and stretch on the drive over, maybe at Spirit Mountain Casino,lol!

Thank you all for your kind words, hugs, good thoughts, and all the caring.  It always feels better to know that you understand and that we all wish each other the best.

Hugs,

Kathy

[uk2]

I have had alot of bouts of this its awful,i feel for you like the rest said call your dr and get something for it you dont have to put up with this.

sam x

[Guitar_grrrl]

I have burning patches often, but not all over a whole side of my bod!  Yow, that sounds awful!  The burning feels a lot like my TN that I get fairly frequently.  Luckily, it hasn't lasted more than a day, or I guess I could start wondering if it were a flair.  Call your doc - this sounds like it needs attention!

Good thought for feeling better...
Cheers,
Guitar_grrrl

[Erin0313]

Kathy,

  I'm sorry that you are in pain and oh what a yucky pain it is. I take 1800mg of neurontin like Udkas but it doesn't always do the trick.

Call your neuro and see if you can get in sooner or at least let them know what's going on. They might have a better idea for treatment. I agree with Lulu - October is way too far off for you to wait.

Take care - I'm thinking of you

Hugs,
Erin :)

[Wobbly]

I hope you called your Dr to find out what can help with this pain... ??

hope you feel better

take care
wobbly
dx

[Lulu54]

Kathy,
Talk to your PCP and find out if they want to see you - don't stick out the pain until October, that is too long to wait.

feel better,
L

[Udkas]

Hi Kathy,
It sounds like we are in this together.  Thanks for your reply on my post.  I can't offer any help other than to say I know how you feel.

In answer to you question on my post I am taking Gabapentin 1800mg daily and tried EDEP at night (amitryptaline) but the Endep made me too zonked to function at work so I really didn't trial it long enough to see.  I have had Tegretol in the past and that also left me feeling zonked...

According to my neuro burning is a common left over symptom of spinal cord damage, so  it can just keep reoccuring but this is worse than before and for you a new symptom.

If I was you Kathy I would ring your neuro or nurse etc.?  I would call your PCP.  I did do that much, I called my GP (General Practioner), What does PCP stand for?

October is ages away when you are not feeling well, can you get into your neuro sooner.

Burning is a horrible symptom and apparently neurological pain is harder than any other pain to treat, I have had many discussions with my GP about this in the last few weeks.  Get it checked,

Hope you feel better soon,
Udkas.