... ceased to be effective - how long can I expect it to take before I get some pain relief - generally?
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome - I've just started taking Lyrica for RSD - SG Blocks have?
- Posted:
- 6 Aug 2009 by coachshay
- Topics:
- lyrica, pain, reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome
Details:
Responses (6)
mpvt15 Aug 2009
Hi! I've tried Lyrica for the burning sensation I had with my RSD. Didn't notice any difference after weeks of use. What type of pain/problems is your RSD causing? I used cold packs for my wrist/forearm/shoulder which are affected by my RSD. If you are referring to Stellate Ganglion Blocks, I've had a series of 3 separate blocks. Therelief was temporary lasting about 2-3 days then the pain/burning/pins & needles rebounded back to the original state. I'm in line now for a spinal cord stimulator and that's a 50/50 chance at helping. I look at it like this, something is better than nothing, right?
alana2110 Dec 2009
I have had severe RSD in my feet for 8 years.
I tried Lyrica and went screaming back to Neurontin (3600mg/day) after a day and a half.
I had a series of four "epidurals" which did absolutely nothing except provide a big fat insurance payment to the doctor and hospital.
I recently added a Fentanyl patch (100mcg) to my other pain medicines.
Everytime I go somewhere and have to list my medications, people look at me in disbelief and roll their eyes at the thought of writing them all down. Now I keep a typed copy of my list with all my Rxs in a neat little chart. When the eye rolling starts, I just hand them my list and they simply add it to the chart. I no longer get embarrassed and they don't have to write it all down.
barbles241311 Dec 2009
My own personal experience with Lyrica. I did not get much relief. Weight gain 25lbs. Lose of my words. I couldn't hold a conversation because i couldn't think of the words I wanted to say. I felt and looked drunk. I was confused and had memory loss. I felt zoned out all the time. I walked into things. The side effects we horrible for me. Everybody is different but if you search lyrica there are sites with patient reviews. If you are going to try it then I wouln't look any further. Try it for yourself. You may get great pain relief and you will not be loking for side effects. I don't know if telling you my experience is helpful but if you choose not to go by others reactions then my advice will work either way. Good Luck I had the Blocks as well and have tried everything. I now take Avinza 90mg which is a time released morphine and Morphine Sulphate Imm release 15mg for breakthrough pain. This seem to be working for me.
Lifewrsd
zzfrank11 Jul 2011
I've had rsd since 1967, in 1985 i injured my left ankle again, this time i just couldn't handle the pain alone any more.
tried all med's nothing yet
had a stimulator put in in June 07 the wire leads had slipped down, and they wouldn't fix it, because they said they only installed them. :(
in July 09, had new leads put up my spine again this time the doctors put clips on the wire, to keep it from slipping down,
it helps but the pain still is a 9-10, but not suicidal.
have any of the pain med's worked for anyone?
popcornhead34
1 Oct 2011
I have been using hydrocodone 10/325 for over a year now and I truley believe that it works. It makes the pain tolerable and brings my pain from a ten to a four or five. I take five a day, every four hours and it seemsto keep my CRPS II in a neutral state. Doctors don't like to prescribe them so it may take you a while to find a doctor to help you. I have just lost my doctor and have no meds. They don't like to be a long term provider. So make sure that you will have a back up plan in case your doctor let's you go...
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My RSD causes pretty much unrelenting pain, contractures of wrist and fingers and it kind of feels like I have 2nd degree burns on my the underside of my forearm. I'v e had 15 Stellate Ganglion Blocks and the last 3 had little or no effect (besides the fact that it's a rather unpleasant procedure!). My pain specialist isn't a fan of the spinal cord stimulators - his next suggestion is a morphine pump - which I'm not inclined to try at this point! I'm seeing a psychologist who specializes in pain and I think learning how to live with it may be my best option... I have had RSD for 16 months, but wasn't dx'ed until I was 10 months into it. Hope all goes well with you - I do find it helps to talk with people who understand!
I've never been offered a Morphine pain pump but understand your hesitation. I just "fired" my pain mgmt doc and will be seeing a new one in a few weeks. I might not be a candidate for the pump since the Morphine pills did nothing but have me bouncing off the walls all nite. It is comforting to speak to others about the disease, no one else really understands the pain levels.
Blocks are only good for the first 3-6 months when you have a chance for remission. After 6 months it is a life long battle with pain. My wife also has RSD and when she had a block she got pain relief for 15 - 20 minutes after which she was unable to move her right side for 4 days. The best treatment for us is opiate therapy. My wife has had 13 surgeries and will not allow another surgery. We both have had RSD for over 15 years and know what works for us. With RSD you get to know your own body and what works or doesn't . There are sites on the internet to find out about RSD. There is no cure for RSD just try to keep the burning under control
Hi... I had a stimulator implanted 6 months ago and don't really think it is helping at all... just got the prescription for Lyrica today and will start it tonight... keep your fingers crossed... I have had the blocks, therapy, taking high doses of Vicodin... I am 16 months into this and am getting very disgusted... starting therapy again next week... is there any end in sight... good luck and God Bless all suffering with this nasty disease!
To Coshay... I have also been diagnosis with crps and it's been 15 months. Everything was going well through work comp until the uw of Madison wanted me to get the spinal cord stimulator. It all hit the fan and now no prescription, no doc that will see me and don't know what to do. I just want to say is hang in there and if you can seek another doctor for the implant. It may work for you but you will find that out through the trial process. Support is the best thing to have on your side with this crps... The burning sensation and the constant mis firing in my leg that shoots up it to the rest of my body hurts the most. I too already have a green light for the implant. I just need to hang in there and fight until this happens. I wish everyone the best that has CRPS...