Anyone have good results with the Lidoderm patch for pain?

[kimchi]

I requested it from my doctor because all the opiates make me sick and high. I have a toddler and I don't feel I can take care of her when I take the codeine, the least mind numbing and nausea-inducing drug I've found. I've had one on my back for an hour and so far it hasn't done squat.

I've been going to the chiro for ten years, but lately he makes it worse. The neurosurgion wants to cut me, and the GP just wants to drug me. I've done months of PT, years of cortisone shots, and been to several different non-traditional practitioners. I even tried an infrared massage bed.

My doctor said "You don't want to take drugs, and you don't want surgery. Perhaps you should be praying for a miracle instead of coming here."

I was hoping this patch might be the miracle I seek. What good or bad experience have you all had with it?

[Lin]

1. First I don't like your doc, whatta thing to say to a pain

patient, insensitive to say the least, IMO it was rude beyond forgiveness, A pain doc needs to have some sympathy to be part of a good patient/doctor team.

Yes, I've tried the patch and it gave me some mild relief but I had an itchy-like-crazy-reaction .....used it on my neck, skin's pretty tender, and lastly, sorry you're suffering, I wish you luck, pain is so debilitating. Have patience and try options--visualization, yoga, meditation ....so many things to try.

[kimchi]

2. It was my general practitioner-he is a pill pusher.

I don't have a pain doc. I guess I should get one.

I'm pretty much out of patience. I stretch every day, and do yoga when I feel up to it; but have to stop when the pain comes, and then start all over after it ends. I meditate every day, and I have to say exercise and meditation helps immensely. But once every 3 months or so, the pain takes over and I can barely get out of bed.

Pain, for me, is not only debilitating, but causes depression and anger. People who don't have chronic pain just can't understand. My husband is a mensch, but he still doesn't get it.

Thanks so much for the reply; and I agree--it doesn't work that well.

[thatgemguy]

3. Find a doctor who specializes in pain management.

I have problems with my low back and have endured chronic pain since I was injured in 1989. I had surgery in 1991, and it didn't work, now I'm having trouble with scar tissue from the surgery.

My chiro has been fantastic, but even he acknowledges that there comes a point when you need medical intervention.

I go to a pain management clinic near Pittsburgh. Doctor has me on MS-Contin, and is more doing diagnostic testing to pinpoint the exact cause of the pain. We've been discussing minimally invasive non surgical treatments, like permanent nerve blocks, electrical spinal stimulators, and implanted drug pumps. There are other options besides surgery.

Believe me, I've been there, and I know what you are going through. I wish you the best...Don't give up!!!!

:hug:

[kimchi]

4. Thanks for the encouragement.

My chiro doesn't even believe in aspirin! I will get some more testing at my next apptmt with the neurosurgeon--some kind of die test to look at the nerves in the mid back, from a fall in 1990. I didn't go to the doctor because I was doing a dig in Mexico and didn't speak Spanish. I suppose it healed; until a few years later when I had to move to the lab because I missed so much work. I didn't even know about the herniation in my neck until my arm started going numb. That disc actually causes much less pain than my mid back, which I'm pretty sure is nerve related.

The main reason I don't want surgery is the hundreds of stories I've heard just like yours. A long recovery period, with a high chance that the pain continues or even gets worse. And I have a fear of becoming paralyzed like my cat (car) and my sister (stroke).

Yesterday I was a mess; but I have a daughter and husband to think of. My husband would rather have me zoned out than insane with pain, and who can blame him? I will call my PPO for the hundred and eighteenth time to get precertification for a pain doc. Thanks again for your hug!

P.S. Are you a gem? Or do you work with gems? My sister is a semi=precious stone and crystal freak, while I go more for emeralds and rubies. Problem is, I have to have a baby to get any nice jewelry!

[BigMcLargehuge]

5. my father in law had one do deal with a badass case of shingles

he said they helped tremendously. I know it's third hand information, but he got over the shingles and was in good spirits.

[kimchi]

6. Thanks, Big!

Glad to see you are still moderatin'. You MUST be a glutton for punishment! I'm thinking about another go next round, if the mods will have me.

[BigMcLargehuge]

9. we'd love to have you back

and I am thrilled to be back, this time in the lounge where I am happiest.

[curlyred]

7. my mom had severe pain

for years and also hated the opiates. After months of nagging, she finally sought advice at a pain management clinic. She used a patch and augmented that with a newer pain medication that her MD didn't know about.

The pain management people know many wonderful things about medications and how they work together. Please find a clinic near you and I am confident you will find relief.

[kimchi]

8. Thanks so much for your reply.

I'm about specialist-ed out, but I will certainly look for a pain management clinic also.