
What Causes Pain And Numbness In The Shin While On Gabapentin And Amitriptyline?

Question: I have had peripheral neuropathy for 15 years with the pain and numbness primarily from mid shin through feet. I don't have diabetes and I have been tested for it recently. I have this neuropathy due to health and vitamin deficiency which hit me at age 38 whereas my feet blew up like footballs and sent me to the hospital. It was actually a blessing because its also when I quit drinking. I'm sure as were the doctors at the time that the neuropathy was a direct result of my alcoholism. I haven't had a drink in 15years so were good there, however, my neuropathy has gotten worse. I am currently taking 4800 ml of Gabapentin DAILY, 400 ml of Tramadol DAIlY and amitriptyline 100ml at night only. These are the three meds that seemed to have worked the best over the years. I remember trying cymbalta for a month and no go. I am scheduled to see a pain management specialist at the end of XXXXXXX (seems later than I would have liked) and I am still waiting on the neurologist to call me to set up an appointment (referral) from my GP. I have moved and was with Kaiser Permanente and now with a new DR. in South XXXXXXX I am at my whits end with the pain I have even with the 3 meds. One thing that helped the swelling I had recently was vitamin D. What can I do. This is 15 years of "hell" and as soon as I say something about the Drinking it somehow diminishes the interest in care. I haven't had a drop of alcohol in 15 years. I would think that would count for something. I was even trying to play tennis twice a week for an hour and work 15 hours a week on my feet. Now it seems Im no good under any circumstances. Even sitting here writing you. When I say I need help I mean it. The pain has become unbearable. Is there anything you can do.
Brief Answer:
TENS, Lyrica, capsaicin cream, lidocaine patches.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Other treatment possibilities that you may try to relieve the neuropathy symptoms include topical use of capsaicin cream (if you tolerate the initial burning sensation on skin), lidocaine patches, and starting Lyrica instead of Gabapentin.
Transcutaneous electrical nerves stimulation (TENS) for one month half an hour a day also may result in symptoms relief.
Please discuss with your Doctor about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
TENS, Lyrica, capsaicin cream, lidocaine patches.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Other treatment possibilities that you may try to relieve the neuropathy symptoms include topical use of capsaicin cream (if you tolerate the initial burning sensation on skin), lidocaine patches, and starting Lyrica instead of Gabapentin.
Transcutaneous electrical nerves stimulation (TENS) for one month half an hour a day also may result in symptoms relief.
Please discuss with your Doctor about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee

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