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Pregabalin

Posted , 2 users are following.

Jevs
Jevs

I have been in pain since September '07 and was fobbed off by my GP with various painkillers until December '07. Eventually I insisted on a referral to an Orthopaedic Consultant who I saw at the end of January. Waited 6 weeks for an MRI and was diagnosed with a bulging disc L5/S1 and a compressed nerve at the end of March. Then I was referred to the Pain Clinic and was finally seen there last week. I've been put on [b:7654dbb8cf]Pregabalin[/b:7654dbb8cf] which has transformed my life!!! I get relief from the nerve pain, I have been suffering for 10 months, for a good few hours a day. I was getting severe pain down the back of my left leg and pins and needles under my foot and could only sit for 15 minutes at a time. I have been referred for an Epidural and just received an appointment for the end of October but I am unsure whether to have it or not. Pregabalin does make me feel a little woozy but I can cope with that. Should I have the Epidural? What do you think?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I had the epidural in jan 2008, was great for 2 weeks, then back to square 1 again, had prolapsed discs and artheritis since oct 2006, having second mri scan on aug 6, think more damage has been done as i am in constant pain, i cant sleep at night, everytime i move the pain wakes me up, as time goes on its getting worse and worse, in answer if to have the injection, well its up to you, but feel it just delays things, and it dont work, so what is the point?

    Sorry for being stern, i am just so angry, depressed and fedup, just wish i could get rid of the pain that is ruining my life.

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi Jevs,

    i have never had an epidural injection so I can't really comment on how effective it is generally, or whether it is likely to be effective for you personally.

    But one thing I can comment on is that it seems that you are in danger of being lost in the system. The Pregabalin will help with the pain the epidural may help will the pain, but neither are going to make you better!! All they are going to do is mask the pain!!! I know that hospitals like to adopt a \"wait and see\" approach, but if this has being going on since last September and if the nerve is still compressed, then you may need surgery. You say that you are under the care of an Orthopaedic Consultant. Is he a surgeon? Does your hospital have a neurosurgery department? If the answer is \"no\" and \"no\" then I personally would ask to be referred on. Often hospitals are reluctant to do this as it means moving your care up to third tertiary level (which is more expensive) but if that is what you need..... It is all very hit and miss with the NHS. If you are lucky enough to have a neurosurgery department in your local hospital then you are one step ahead of the game. But there are only a few Neuro units in Greater London, five I think and if one of them isn't at your local hospital then it delays your treatment.

    I agree with Shaz. If something ain't going to get better, then it ain't going to get better. Good luck with the scan Shaz. I am so sorry to hear that you have been suffering for nearly two years. Hopefully the scan results will prompt them to finally do something meaningful to help you. The NHS have a wonderful way of fobbing people off and people like us know no better. As I have said before... it is a game, but the rules are a closely guarded secret, not to be disclosed to patients under any circumstances. That said, slowly we learn!!! But it sounds like you have had enough and who can blame you. Let them know that you want action and you want it now!!!

    Best wishes

    TFU

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I would just like to add to other comments about this condition having had a prolapsed disc now for five years. My trouble started after I had crash in my car I collapsed one day at work with severe back pain and was given painkillers from my GP, after this I started getting sciatic pains down my right leg, after about seven months I was given an MRI and was properly diagnosed, I was given an Epidural in April 2004 which took about three weeks to take effect, this lasted until march this year (2008). I have just had another epidural 3 and a half weeks ago, it has now taken effect and I have also been offered an operation to rectify the problem (hopefully a fix) on august 6th, this is just to let you know that it gave me 4 years relief. Hope this is of help to you and good luck cos it's no fun !
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