advice for pain?

[sgjertsen]

I recently started having a new symptom, total left side weakness coupled with pretty severe pain. My arm and leg are really weak, my arm so much that I am typing one handed because i can't push the buttons down with my left hand.

There is also a horrible burning pain that is moving down the back side of my upper arm to the top of my forearm. It is also happening in my lower thigh right above my knee on the outside of my leg.

It feels like there is fire running through my veins, kinda like having IV phenergan, but it is constant and nothing is helping it. I have tried every kind of OTC pain meds, but nothing touches it.

I don't have a dr appt for another week, and I really don't want to go to the ER just so they can look at me like I'm a crazy drug addict again.

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for easing the pain, or if anyone else even knows what I'm talking about... I feel very alone right now cause no one in my family thinks I am really having any real problems. My brother keeps asking me if I am trying to get another vacation, as if any of this was a vacation.

I am willing to try anything at this point. I am being brought to tears by this pain. I had 4 babies without any pain meds, but this is unbearable.

I have noticed that heat only makes things way worse, and it already feels like there has been an ice pack on the outside of my arm (I know, crazy heat on the inside and ice on the outside... I don't get it either...), so I don't know if real ice will do anything.

I appreciate the chance to vent my frustrations, and similarly appreciate any advice. :)

[Littlebee44]

Yes, try a mild drug like Lorazapam (Avitan)...you should be able to sleep.  Also anti-inflammatories like Advil 400 Gels and beleive it or not enzymes (when taken at night) act as an anti-inflammatory.

Littlebee44

[Udkas]

Hi there and welcome to the MS forum,

I would try and get your appointment brought forward.  In my experience over the counter medicines don't seem to work for this kind of pain, I am speaking from experience.

Neurontin (Gabapentin) seems to be effective for many members and it has helped me.

I can relate to your pain and how you are feeling. Some people here have used icy hot on things like that.  I have found that distraction tactics might help ie: find something you really, really enjoy and go do it as it is good for the soul.

Best wishes, I hope you find some relief soon.
Udkas.

[sgjertsen]

As of now, it is "possible MS". I am waiting for an appointment with a new neuro in 2 weeks, so maybe soon I will have a doc who can see my MRI's and my symptoms and tell me something for sure.

I get really frustrated because they have already ruled out everything else that anyone has suggested it might be besides MS. So I am stuck in the very approriately named "limboland" until something else happens.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for at home pain relief since it is another week before I can see my PCP, and OTC meds don't do anything.

If this is anything like my other episodes or whatever they are called, then I am in for weeks if not months of this pain. Any suggestions of what I can do while I wait to see a doc would be really appreciated. :)

[charmed6418]

Ask your doctor for a sample of Lyrica, it helps my pain when I'm feeling electrocuted. Also, try neurontin.....I take it you have MS?