
Had L3-S1 Lumpectomy. Continued Sciatic Nerve Pain. On Abstention. Also Started Taking Cymbals. Suggest Another Treatment?

Question: I had a L3-S1 lumpectomy in February 2013 and due to continued pain management clinic as the nerve pain is worse. It is now in both buttocks,back of my thighs,into my calves and feet. I cannot go anywhere because I never know when it will hit and it cripples me. I had a muscle damage to my right leg. I am on abstention 900mg tid which I don't feel has done anything. I have also started taking cymbals. I took 20mg for 2 weeks and have just increased it to 40mg. I have noticed no improvement by taking this. I also had an injection in my lower back 10 days ago-again with no improvement. I have been told my only option left is a neurostimulater. Can you suggest any other treatment? I am a 50yr old female and have always been very active. I drive school bus and desperately want to be able to walk and go back to work.
Brief Answer:
Neuro stimulator seems to be the best option
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
It is unfortunate that you have refractory neuropathic pain affecting buttocks, thighs and legs.
Surgery and fusion has not helped much.
Epidural injections have also failed.
Good medications we use for relieving neuropathic pain include,
Gabapentin 300 mg thrice daily,
Pregabalin 150 mg twice daily,
Duloxetine 60 mg twice daily,
Amitryptiline 25-75 mg once daily at night
Doses mentioned are the maximum doses. If you do not get good response to these medications, then, neuro stimulator is the best and safest option.
I hope it helps.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Neuro stimulator seems to be the best option
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
It is unfortunate that you have refractory neuropathic pain affecting buttocks, thighs and legs.
Surgery and fusion has not helped much.
Epidural injections have also failed.
Good medications we use for relieving neuropathic pain include,
Gabapentin 300 mg thrice daily,
Pregabalin 150 mg twice daily,
Duloxetine 60 mg twice daily,
Amitryptiline 25-75 mg once daily at night
Doses mentioned are the maximum doses. If you do not get good response to these medications, then, neuro stimulator is the best and safest option.
I hope it helps.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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