They shoot horses, don't they?

When did you last have an MRI? Or surgery? Unless they specifically examined those areas, that may explain why you are experiencing the increasing numbness. What dosage of Lyrica are you taking? Has your doctor suggested adding either neurontin or cymbalta to your medications? If the Lyrica dose is too low, you might ask about increasing the dosage, or maybe changing to gabapentin ( neurontin) or cymbalta.
The cymbalta might also help with the depression..opiates are not the best choice when it comes to treating nerve pain. That's why I suggested talking to your doctor about the other meds. Even the older tricyclic antidepressants work well at treating neuropathy .
I would also suggest a few visits with a therapist. learning how to adjust to our new normals after a permanent injury is difficult and sometimes just having someone to listen can make all of the difference.
Sandi

I haven't had a MRI in a long time. My orthopedic surgeon is sending me to a neurologist and a pain management Doctor. I saw a new PM doctor last week and he wants to stick needles and some sort of block in my muscles in my back Butt and legs. He did not do any tests, x-rays, MRI, or nerve conductivity, he just wants to plant needles and Wants to put me on his specialized diet plan because I am overweight. I know I need to lose weight but Sometimes it just hurts too much to move.

I am tired!

Hi there...I also welcome you to HW...

It sounds like the PM wants to do some some injections with either steroids or lidocaine. That can actually be quite helpful for many people. A PM is not the one to order X-rays or MRIs........that is going to be the Neurologist, or Neurosurgeon...They can do the nerve conduction test though.

That's the thing about chronic pain though, it's really going to be about using as many modalities as possible to help your pain and not just medications.

So, as suggested, I would make sure you get a more recent MRI and then they can build a good treatment plan around that.

I've had spine issues for over 11 years now and 3 fusions myself. I also still have 3 bad herniations in my lumbar and lower cervical. Along with stenosis, spondy, and bone spurs..

The reason I mention that is because I go a few times a year to get the steroid shots or do a Medrol dose pack (oral) as well as get trigger point injections and have even had Radiofrequency nerve ablation.

As well as acupuncture (different kind of needles..lol) and massage. I also have had a lot of Physical therapy and do this at home along with yoga/stretching. There is also ice, heat, NSAID patches (Flector).

I would be open to anything that can possibly help lower your pain. You will never know if you don't try. As medication won't be the only answer. And the more things you do to get your pain to a 5 or so, the more you can walk/exercise each day as that is very important for those of us with spine issues. Losing weight won't be the magic cure, but it absolutely helps in many ways with our entire health.

They can start you off with aqua therapy if needed to build up endurance.

Is there a reason you aren't trying the Butrans patch? I've seen quite a few people have good luck with these for helping with pain. I would just caution you from getting medication from more than one Dr. and make sure they all know who is prescribing what as well as with your Pharmacist to check for interactions.

It's definitely not easy living with chronic pain but it's just the cards a lot of us are dealt and hopefully we find a good Dr. who figures out the best comprehensive program for you to get your pain to a good level.

Robinsme-
Your comment they shoot horses hit home! I have said it many times. As others mentioned, getting 2nd opinions some helps. A year ago, my pain doc stated: "my treatment plan has failed, I give up!" At that time I was on 175mg fentanyl every other day and 2 15mg roxy for breakthrough pain and in a fog. I was at my wits end. A new young dr was coming to the practice and he suggested seeing her. I also called another dr who graduated from u of penn. anyway, the new doc stated I was a PERFECT candidate for peripheral spinal cord stimulator! No getting near my spinal cord, very low risk. Anyway, I have had some issues but I am Down over half in pain meds and hope to be off them once the new battery is turned on. My point, don't give up trying other options.

I can understand getting upset over trifle things. I know when my pain is particularly bad, the tiniest of things can set off an emotional overload and my anxiety kicks in and everything just...sucks.

I think shooting horses has gone out of style, now they bandage them up and keep them on life support til the farmer decides to pull the plug.

Just wanted to pop in and say welcome. Everyone has given you lots of great advice and don't have much to add.

I've many times over the years said they're more humane to animals but then read a story a few weeks ago where they utilize euthanasia and Dr assisted at that and they did so for a set of twins at 50 something because one was going blind and they were already deaf and they didnt want to "never see each other again" nothing terminal so I kind of changed my thinking. Folks truly would take crazy advantage of such.LOL. Strange really.

Anyway we won't shoot you here but we love to share and compare.So hoping to see you often.

I am on Butrans it works well, maybe talk to your doctor about gabapentin to add that works well with nerve pain. HOpe you feel beter!

I am now to the site tonight.  I, too, had two surgeries since 2009, one to put metal in and one to take the metal out.  Taking Hydrocondone for over a year, many epidurals, radio frequency,etc.  I was on Lyrica, Cymbalta, Oxy, etc. and at one point, I quit all of it over a year ago and went through a horrible 3 day withdrawal.  My regular MD gave me something to help my stomach but I vowed to never take pain meds again...well, I took that back.  I am now at the point where my PM dr. says the only thing to do is try the Medtronic neurostimulator.  I am petrified of more pain and the thought of wires into my spinal area.  I can't find any recent patient reviews. Everywhere I look they are from 2006 or so.  Has anyone here had an experience to share with this procedure or result of the implant?  Thanks for anything anyone can add.

Vickie, I think I was successful in posting a new forum. Thanks so much for your advice.