Having problems

[jamlws]

I have not felt good at all for the last 2 days. Yesterday my legs started to hurt and my ankles and my right arm. Last night I didin't sleep worth a crap, my hand kept hurting alot of the feeling of bugs and pins and needles feeling in it and pains in my elbow not sure how to explain that pain. But the only that would help my hand is if I kept moving it to the point that the pain would calm down but at night I can't move it for that long cause I am so tired. I got up today and It really hurt to move, my legs are really swollen and so are my ankles and my hands. My legs HURT so bad when I walk or move them. They feel so "full" and big and they are so feel so hard. I know I have gained weight but darn not that much. Also in the last 2 weeks I have been having trouble going to the bathroom to urinate, I have no clue what is causing this but it started when the dr incased my gabapentin from 300mg a day to 1800mg a day and put me on Embeda 20-.08mg 2 times a day and Topiramate 1 a day. last night I got up to use the bathroom cause I knew I had to go and I sat there for about 15 minutes trying to go and don't remember anything after that cause I fell asleep on the potty for a hour!! I can't believe that myself and I think I am so tired that I guess I can fall asleep sitting up. I don't know what to do and I really hate to go to sleep tonight cause I hate to see what the night has in store for me. i am going to call my dr tomorrow and tell him that something has to be done cause I can't keep doing this and all these meds are not taking care of my pain something has to be done and I need to know why I am having trouble going to the bathroom. Thanks for listen and if you have advise I would love to hear it.
Thanks
Jamie

[Tuckamore]

Hi Jamie,

I certainly understand being "sick of doctors." I felt that same way until I found one that correctly diagnosed and treated my chronic pain. All the guessing or dismissal is frustrating. It felt like none of them really cared because it was not happening to them. My heart goes out to you.

Sleep is so important to pain management. I have discovered that if I am not able to sleep properly my pain is magnified and my mood is horrid.

There are other medications besides Gabapentin that will treat nerve pain. I suggest that you request a change if you beleive that is the cause of your swelling.  

Another opinion may be in order also. Please don't allow your symptoms to be dismissed by any physician. There are caring and astute physicians out there....and they charge the same amount as the not so astute ones. Be assertive. You are your own best health care advocate.

Please continue to let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to hearing of your progress with interest.

Take Care,
~Tuck~

[jamlws]

I am so sick of drs that it isn't funny. I did call the dr this morning and talked to the nurse and told her that my legs are swollen and they hurt and so are my ankles and my hands and that my arm and hand and legs keep me up at night. She didnt act like it was a big deal. I told her that the pain meds aren't working and if we just up the dose I can't do that cause they cost to much money and we need to find another pill for me to take. I do need to see Dr. House cause I don't understand what is going on but I do think all my problems are from one of my pills the gabapentin, swelling is one of the side effects. The weight gain is bad but this swelling has put it over the top. Yepp this all started out with a root canal and here we are over a year later and I am in this boat. I think my nerve dr is getting sick of me so maybe he will send me to another dr that will help and not just increase my meds that I am having all the problems with. I will let you know if they call back. Oh last night wasn't any better. I fell asleep on the toliet again. I also was sitting up in bed cause my legs was hurting and fell asleep sitting up and when it was time for me to get up I didn't want to. I don't know what to do.
Thanks alot
Jamie

[Tuckamore]

Hi Jamie,

I do remember your initial post and the fact that this all began with a tooth problem. It seems to have become a vicious cycle. I am so sorry that you are going through this.

If I am correct the leg, arms and hand issues are new. I am wondering if these are side effects of the combination of medications you are taking....or is it another symptom entirely? Calling Dr.Greg House!!!

Have you considered a second opinion with a Infection Control Physician...or an Internal Medicine Physician? Maybe a Rheumatologist could provide you with additional answers?

You're correct. You cannot or should not have to keep up this pain and sleepless pattern. I am glad that you aer consulting with your physician today. Please let us know what you discover.

Was last night better than the night before? I am concerned that you are having problems urinating. They requires investigation.

I'll look forward to your updates.

Peace,
~Tuck~

[Mollyrae]

Hi Jamie:

The hand pain sounds like a circulation problem. Your hand is falling asleep and that can create the pins and needle feeling. Legs....most likely the same problem.

I would suggest that you talk with your Doctor about the possibility of circulatory problems. There are medications that can correct this.

When ppl have these issues, it can also effect the heart. Don't let this go untreated.

This is just my opinion.
Please take care and good luck with treatment.
Mollyrae

[jamlws]

Sorry if you don't remember I am taking all the meds cause I have nerve damage in my face.
Jamie