Nerve Pain

[deputypam]

Several years ago I was indirectly struck by lightning on my finger.  Ever since I have had severe nerve pain. Cold is simply unbearable let alone if I hit my finger on anything. I have been to several doctors and NO one can help me. I have even attempted accupuncture to no avail.  I am currenty taking Lyrica, which helps a little, but not much. I have tried topicals as well.  I am to the point where I just want my finger amputated.  The pain is just too much!!  Any suggestions?

[rilesa]

wow.... sounds like me.... so any luck? Tuck has been very helpful to me. I also had  bad situations with Dr.'s they think I'm nuts or something... So I do believe that I'm going to get the MRI done in hopes that something will show up. Like you the pain is killing me... Please keep me posted... I need some answers as well

[Tuckamore]

Hi Pam,

Thank you for the additional information and update.

See another neurologist. I too saw a neurologist that was thee worst! First he told me that there was nothing wrong with me that my PCP was not skilled enough to diagnosis (DX)  SIJ Dysfunction (my now confirmed DX). He than actually called me a liar when I said I had never had an MRI. He looked me straight in the eye, leaned back in his chair and said, "That's a da** lie." I said, "Excuse me?" He said, "You're a liar." I saw red but calmly stated that I have never been accused of being a liar in my life and I had no reason to lie to him. I told him I had signed a release that he could check my medical records and he would find no MRI any where in my history. I told him I resented is unfounded accusation. I promptly got up to leave. He got up too and said, "I'm ordering an MRI for you." I said, "Don't bother. You'll never see me again." Long story short he did order the MRI  and I went with my PCP insistence. Immediately following the MRI his nurse called me all concerned with the result and telling me I must see a surgeon immediately. There was something very wrong. I said, "Just tell Dr. X that there is something very wrong with me and I am keeping my promise. I will never see him or his associates again."

I'm telling you all this because I want you to know that there are good physicians out there in all specialities. The neurosurgeon I saw after him was kind, concerned and wonderful. So don't let one bad apple scare you away.I encourage you to make an appointment with another neurologist or a neurosurgeon.

I hope to hear from you again soon. Please let us know how you are doing.

Good Luck to You,
Tuck

[deputypam]

Good morning Tuck-

Thank you for your response. I have been to a nuerologist and he treated me horrible...my situation meant nothing to him compared to what most of his patients are dealing with. He was a total jerk with absolutely no compassion... I do know that amputation is not the answer, but I am just getting so tired of the constant pain. I am going to try cranial sacral therapy next, hopefully I can get some relief with that.

A pain management Dr. had suggested a botox injection but could not guarantee that it would do anything and my insurance co.  refused to pay for any of it, so it would all be out of pocket for me...not so sure I am willing to pay that much $ for a "maybe" solution.

Have a good one-
Pam

[Tuckamore]

Hello Deputypam,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. It must be difficult to deal with pain in a finger. Why is it we always hit what hurts?

Have you consulted a neurologist? I would see another if the one you saw is not providing you with more treatments or solutions than Lyrica.

Amputation will not solve your pain though I have pain and sometimes think if I could cut off my leg I would feel better. Amputation will bring you what is know as phantom pain which is usually just as bad or worse than what ever is causing your pain. It has to due with nerve injury also.

Others will post and will hopefully offer better solutions for you. I'll watch for your response. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Take Care,
Tuck