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Suggest Ways To Manage Pain After Amputation
Question: I have great pain in my left left. I have a 6 inch stump and in the accident in 1972. I have been on Hydrocodone for about 4 years. Now that the V.A had reduced the patients who receive pain meds I was stopped cold. I am having pain now and I know it will grow. Can You help?
Brief Answer:
The pain could be because of phantom limb
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.The pain,I feel you have Phantom limb.It is mild to extreme pain felt in the area where a limb has been amputated.
Although difficult to treat but do not lose hope.I have following suggestions-
1.Heat application,physiotherapy in form of TENS at site of stump helps.
2.The pain killer tablet percocet(acetaminophen and oxycodone)or Ibuprofen along with anticonvulsant (prescription only )drug pregablin helps in phantom limb pain.Get them prescribed from your local doctor/GP.
3.Relaxation techniques,massage of the amputation area also helps.
4.In resistant cases,surgery to remove scar tissue entangling a nerve can be done.
Hope this helps and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
The pain could be because of phantom limb
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.The pain,I feel you have Phantom limb.It is mild to extreme pain felt in the area where a limb has been amputated.
Although difficult to treat but do not lose hope.I have following suggestions-
1.Heat application,physiotherapy in form of TENS at site of stump helps.
2.The pain killer tablet percocet(acetaminophen and oxycodone)or Ibuprofen along with anticonvulsant (prescription only )drug pregablin helps in phantom limb pain.Get them prescribed from your local doctor/GP.
3.Relaxation techniques,massage of the amputation area also helps.
4.In resistant cases,surgery to remove scar tissue entangling a nerve can be done.
Hope this helps and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
This is not Phantom pain. I do know what it is in this case it is down my knee to the lower stump. When Phantom starts it is in my foot as I can still wiggle my toes after 42 years. Here in Oklahoma they are cracking down on pain meds. I only use the V.A. and the IHS. I need to know if you could advise me further on just what I need to do to get a scrip for meds. Our local Doctors will not see new people who use the V.A. or the IHS. XXXXXXX You for your time. XXXX
Brief Answer:
You have to talk to U.S. department of VA
Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome.
I have gone through your reply carefully.I regret for being not able to help much as this is the matter of policy of U.S. Department of Veteran affairs (VA).I would suggest to meet the officer in charge at VA and look for the solution for yourself and many others like you.
We can help you as far as diagnosis and possible treatment is concerned. I wish If I could be of more help to you.
God bless you.
Regards
You have to talk to U.S. department of VA
Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome.
I have gone through your reply carefully.I regret for being not able to help much as this is the matter of policy of U.S. Department of Veteran affairs (VA).I would suggest to meet the officer in charge at VA and look for the solution for yourself and many others like you.
We can help you as far as diagnosis and possible treatment is concerned. I wish If I could be of more help to you.
God bless you.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Dr. Mukesh Chugh
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :1997
Answered : 1619 Questions
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