Hello
I was dx with Chiari (neurological brain condition) in Sept 09...I had a widespread list of 40+ symptoms...the worst was the headaches, weakness in my limbs and a unstable, spastic gait. I had surgery in Dec 09 to try and create more room around my brain to relieve the pressure (from CSF blockage).
About 2 weeks post op..I started to notice the pain coming back and by 1 month it was back full force and in some ways worse than before surgery. I experience headaches, facial pain, neck, arm, spinal and lower back pain that runs all the way down to my feet...on a daily basis.
After 4 months of this, I gave up on finding the "why" this was happening and agreed to try some meds. I will add here that I am very affected by all medications especially ones that cause drowsiness.
First I tried Gabapentin and I was told it was a baby dose (300mg)..it instantly made me feel very tired..I would take it at night and feel like a Zombie until noon. I got smart and started taking it earlier in the evening but still when I'd get up to take me kids to school...my head was cloudy. Then I found whatever help it was giving me wore off at the same time the side effects did. So..my Dr doubled it...it helped for awhile, made me groggy and then it started to wear off too.
So I switched to Lyrica..starting at 75mg at bedtime. It didn't make me as drowsy but I didn't notice any benefits either. Recently I have gone to 2X's a day and it is making me feel awful..I'm having a lot of vertigo and out of it moments. But still, my pain seems to now be back to where it was before starting the meds and lately...a little worse. I have only been on the Lyrica for 2 weeks so I am wondering if I should wait to give it a chance? Other than that I don't know what my alternative is....I can't keep doubling doses b/c it affects me so badly...but I don't know what else I can do either.
Any suggestions? Anything that you have done differently that worked for you?
I would love to hear it!
Thanks
Carolyn