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Chronic Pain after Stroke

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 10/27/2017 4:06 PM (GMT 0)

scool  Since my stroke, I am in chronic pain. New York laws have banned opioids recently for more than a 4 day amount. How am I supposed to deal with pain?  I have tried acupuncture, a TENS pain machine, massage therapy, pain management, etc. Over the counter meds don't help. I have developed facial pain called Trigeminal Neuralgia as well and torn knee meniscus in both knees and tingling in my left arm and leg. I was given Gabapentin, but it made me a walking zombie. Plus, my eyes burn constantly so going outside, even with shades, is torture. 3 opthamologists were of no help.

Posted 10/27/2017 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Speedbird & welcome to Healing Well. I am sorry to read that you are struggling so much. We have had members here before with TM & like you they were having a very difficult time. Are you under the care of a neurologist? The previous members were all being treated by a neurologist. I know how debilitating it can be.

Unfortunately, the war on opioids has made a huge impact on chronic pain patients. You had posted previously in another forum that you were having issues with your knees. Have you seen a knee specialist to get an opinion? I have a long history of knee problems & have had many scopes done on my knees for various problems.

I know you said you tried Gabapentin, however, a few months back we had a member with TM, she has been battling it for around 12 years. She said Gabapentin did nothing for her, but her dr ended up writing her script for brand name which is Neurotin & it made a huge difference. This members name is Maryam. I will find her post & put it here so you can read it.

Take care.
Posted 10/27/2017 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Below is the post from Maryam to another member.


Hi Jennie
If he decides to put you on Gabapentine, tell him you would like to have the Brand name of Gabapentine,(this is Generic) and the brand name is NEURONTIN BECAUSE THE GENERIC ONE IS NOT EFFECTIVE AS BRAND, I mean NEURONTIN, and I do not know the insurance accept it.
and listen if he wants to write the script, for Neurontin, he has to write the script NO SUBSTITUTION.
and he has to send to the insurance PRIOR AUTHORIZATION regarding accept to give the brand. I think you know what I am talking.

I hope he gives you Baclofen too. because of Gabapentine with baclofen, it's a big difference, but you should be off the Carbamazepine, after that. But you remember you can not come off Carbamazepine at the sudden, you have to cut down, Gradually. Is not good at all, be come off at the sudden.
talk to your Doctor about it.
And the other thing why you do not page the Doctor if it took a day or two, to Nurse return your Call, you know, if you suffer do not wait, page him, that's their responsibility.
Take care. Best wishes, and Good luck.
Posted 10/28/2017 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Speedbird2:
You may be experiencing what is termed “central pain syndrome” or “central thalamic pain syndrome.” Both terms refer to body pain due to a stroke with interrupted blood supply to the area of the brain known as the thalamus.

Central thalamic pain is a distinct pain. It is pain of central nervous system origin. It is often severe pain in intensity.

If your local hospital has a comprehensive rehabilitation center with a physiatrist as its medical director that might be a worthwhile consultation. Physiatrists are physicians with board certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation science. A physiatrist would be knowledgeable of treatment options for post-stroke central thalamic pain.

Know that there are treatments and medications that are effective in reducing the pain threshold. Central thalamic pain also tends to decrease over time (months and years), as the brain finds means for healing and recovery of irritated brain tissue and brain nuclei (bundles of nerve cells, such as the deep seated thalamus and hypothalamus).
Karen
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