I have had lumbar and cervical spine- related pain after several auto crashes over the years, now dealing with peripheral neuropathy and pain in both areas. Using neurontin, 3oo mg 2x/ 400 mg bedtime. Also baclofen 10 mg. as needed, up to twice a day. I avoid opiates and benzodiazepines for symptoms and have used neither since these symptoms worsened summer 2011. Had a cervical injection 9/2011 and my lumbar injection last week- 11/ 2011. . Also have traditional health insurance. One possibly interesting thing is that I'm a retired federal officer who spent 20 yrs. performing drug interdiction missions, so I guess I've seen both sides of the street.
My decision to avoid opiates is based on prior pain flare-ups and using felexeril, vicodin, tramadol, carisoprodol for pain. This was when back I could see a Dr. and get pain meds and do PT like all the other times. This time my facet joints and arthritis made PT, chiropractic, deep massage off limits. One point of pride (fool's luck?) is that "this time" I have not had to , or gone back to bed with pain, or even lay down as with opiates, etc. regimen; I've been functional to a much higher level. I also have not had any depression symptoms "this time" and use no antidepressant meds.
This is not to advocate for my pain regimen; it Works for Me, and I am fortunate to live here.
I am looking into learning yoga/ mindfulness to hopefully deal with some of the pain while remaining as productive as possible, and being as pleasant as possible.
Looking forward to learning how to live with this and not make everyone around me miserable in the process!
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davido
PTSD, Peripheral Neuropathy, Lumbar/ Cervical facet joints and disks arthritic and damaged.
Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 11/25/2011 2:25:23 PM (GMT-7)