Neuropathic pain:- Clothing choices

Hi all,

I've been inflicted with Neuropathic pain since November. The area I am affected in is horizontally central, just above the buttock (it is in the cleft of the buttocks), so just below where the spine ends. It is just below the waistline of most types of trousers, although sometimes it comes in contact naturally with movement.

The nerve damage is likely casued by an infection called pinodal sinus, which although eliminated by antibiotics, has left this sharp burning pain which comes and goes. It is eased by my medication (I'm on gabapentin) although it does not completely eliminate pain (in fact I will be trying a different type of medication soon, but I'd rather not talk about medicine in this discussion).

So I wonder if anyone else has pain in this area and has any advice on what clothing works for them. When clothing touches the area, there is pain which is proportional to how tight it is. Light touches are usually OK, but tight fitting, inflexible clothing can be too uncomfortable to wear for much longer than half a day. So far I have found it difficult to find anything that works, jogging bottoms are pretty good although not ideal for all situations. I've also tried walking shorts which have been pretty good but again not ideal all the time. I haven't quite worked out what it is that would work for me, it is obvious that the clothing must not be tight fitting and the fabric must be flexible but I have tried clothing which fits that description with no luck. So any ideas? Even if you do not have this particular problem (this area of the body) perhaps you have some bright ideas or even ideas on who to ask since various GPs have been unable to give advice on this (I guess because they aren't tailors...).

Anyway thanks and keep positive, life is multi-faceted!

Ben

I don't suppose you'd consider a kilt? Could start a new fashion trend!

Seriously, the only thing I can think of would be scrubs. Actually, if you have a hospital with a burn unit, they might know of clothing suppliers that could help with suggestions for someone with your type of pain.

I hope you find a solution to your problem. Can't exactly go to work in boxer shorts now, can you?

I have extreme sensitivity to any even slightly rough clothing that touches my body from shoulders down. I find that underclothing made or any silky material or very good quality cotton with only very thin seams is tolerable. Even then I have to change clothing so that seams are in different places every day to keep from chafing. You might try silky boxers. I think you can get them with the longer legs if that would help.

A brush from my cat's tail or even a breeze triggers pain sensation. I have to wear long pants most of the time.

There are slacks with adjustable waist bands or elastic on the sides, if that will help.

Have you considered asking an anesthesiologist/pain doc about getting an injection, possibly leading to a nerve ablation if it works, in the spine area that covers the particular dermatome? I had good luck with that when I had shingles.

This is an issue for me also... I find I can wear only soft fabrics like jersey and tracksuit type, or very soft linens.

With my legs in particular though (for me the problem with sensitivity is body wide, but worst from waist down), I actually find I am best if something is in constant, unmoving contact with my skin - so I buy soft leggings (the jersey or high cotton %/low lycra % sort, not the tight Lycra type) a couple of sizes too big so that they sit right on my skin without moving but without being tight.

Not exactly the same but, years ago I suffered a severe 2nd degree sunburn over 85 % of my body from falling asleep on the beach. Even my retinas were burned. The only things I could wear were inside out flannel nightgowns. I think they make flannel boxer shorts, although if it is summer time where you are, or never gets cold enough for flannel, they might be hard to find. It's worth a try.

I have this exact same problem, though a bunch of others too. I now where suspenders and it helps immensely. I rarely wear a belt except if I really have to. I'm not really a guy that cares a lot about fashion any more since I've already been married (and very happily divorced) and have an awesome boy and girl, and no libido due to meds. If you want to hide them for some reason, just wear them over a T-shirt underneath your regular shirt. Or get some great looking suspenders! :)

The suggestions on the soft exercise pants above is also a very good one. I personally prefer nylon running/cool down pants.