Question:
Any ideas on how to handle the pain from nerve damage?

I ended up with some nerve damage after surgery and both of my thighs are constantly on fire along with stabbing pains. I have tried anti-inflammatories and pain meds but nothing has helped and the pain is showing no sign of subsiding anytime soon. If anyone has any suggestions for therapy or medications I would be grateful to hear it.    — Michelle Z. (posted on April 11, 2002)

April 11, 2002
I have MS, which results in severe nerve damage and pain. I have found that the very best drug to deal with this problem is Darvocet. It's a low-grade narcotic mixed with acetominophen (tylenol). It is less addictive than high-powered narcotics, and most physicians will prescribe this drug for nerve pain.
   — Terissa R.

April 11, 2002
I had the very same problem. What worked for me was chiropractic care. The discomfort is a nerve "reaction" to the surgery. It was explained to me that our digestive system is affected by the nervous system as well. When we have the surgery the message is "protect, protect" because something is going on. I have been going to my chiropractor for about 6 visits and the pain is gone completely in one thigh and is noticebly better in the other. It takes time to heal and I am confident that after a few more visits my right thigh will be better. I am not one for taking medication.........that only covers up the pain but doesn't fix the problem. Hope you feel better soon!
   — Brigitte G.

April 11, 2002
Hi, i'm sorry to hear you have nerve damage. My sister-in-law has a disease called CMT which affects her nerves and whole body. She is in chronic pain, so I know how you must feel. She does not like taking the narcotics like morphine an such, as they do not help much and make her feel spacey. Have you thought of alternative practices? Sounds funny to some people, but sometimes hypnosis works or even accupuncture. Hope you find something that helps you...
   — Lezlie Y.

April 11, 2002
I AM SORRY TO HEAR YOU HAVE THIS PROBLEM I KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO HAVE NERVE DAMAGE I HAD IT SEVERLEY BEFORE MY SURGERY I WAS EVEN ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL JUST TO CONTROL THE PAIN THEY GAVE ME MORAPHINE ,PERKASET AND THEY ALSO DID A ROUTE BLOCK IN THE NERVE WHERE MY PAIN WAS.THAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO IT IS DONE BY ANESTHESIAOLIGST ONLY IT IS CALLED A NERVE ROUTE BLOCK.ALSO THEY PUT ME ON A LOW DOSE OF METHADONE TO CONTROL THE PAIN WHICH REALLY HELPED ME BUT I DON;T KNOW HOW YOU FELL ABOUT TAKING NARCOTICS . I HAD NO PROBLEM WITH TAKING ANYTHING BECAUSE THE PAIN FOR ME WAS UNBEARABLE.IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT METHDONE IS IT IS THE DRUG THAT THEY USE TO GET HERION ADDICTS OFF HERION IT IS NOW HELPING PEOPLE WITH NERVE PAIN IT DID HELP ME ALOT . IN VERY LOW DOSES IT SEEMS TO WORK .WELL RIGHT NOW MY PAIN HAS IMPROVED SO MUCH SINCE MY SURGERGY I HAVE NOT HAD TO TAKE IT.WELL GOOD LUCK FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME BACK IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.FROM KIM
   — KIM B.

April 11, 2002
I would also recommend going to a chiropracter. I had the problem you describe long before surgery and it was originating as a pinched nerve in my back. A few treatments and it had gone away. It is likely that during surgery, with all the retracters/spreaders and other misc equipment the use, that it causes your vertebrate to shift and pinch a nerve. At least give it a try. It would be better than a life of narcotics.
   — Dell H.

April 14, 2002
I really understand your nerve pain. I have Neuropathy (which is burning pain) and let me tell you before I got help I was even thinking of cutting my own hands off due to the pain! I finally got to a great pain managment doc and was diagnosed with the Neuropathy and put on a regime of meds that control my pain. I have to take methadone (long acting pain med) and then I take neurontin and lortab(for breakthru pain) daily. I am 3 months post op and so far everything has been ok with my meds.
   — Melody F.