Discussions that mention lyrica

[QUOTE=chablis3;3144668]Hi Sammy, Marcia, and all. Just dropped in to check the new postings. Sammy, you sure sound like you have lots and lots of pain, and I am sorry to hear that. Just the pain I have around the middle chest area and back, as well as now my calves is driving me crazy! I especially feel bad when I get up in the morning. Like you, Sammy, I have gone to this doctor and that, had many tests, and everything turned out ok. Just some disc deteriation, and a bit if arthritus. My family doc sent me to a neurologist, and that is when I started having injections; however, he really didn't give me a definite cause of my pain.....just suggested that it might be some nerve pain going on also. I am going to take Marcia's advice and eventually seek out a neurosurgeon. I think Marcia is quite intelligent when it comes to these kind of things. I am going to a Rheumotoligist next month to see about the fibermyalgia thing and to see what he has to say....might as well give him a try! Might also see about having an MRI of my back area....I actually forget if I had one or not of that area with all the other tests I have had.

Take care, Sammy, and I wish you luck. I use the old "ice pack" trick when I get to hurting too bad. I shift it here and there; actually I should get 3 or 4 others to use with all my sore spots!!

My best to eveyone and take care.

Judy

Judy, I just wore out an ice pack, sprung a leak, need some new ones, I rotate between moist heat & ice, doc say moist heat but many times I prefer the ice. one night not long ago I sat up in the bed with moist heat on one area and ice on another, I could not move and fearing I would dislogde on, I actually got a good laugh out of that. I hate the mornings that is the worst time the day, can't wait to get them over with, had a pretty decent one today, got so excited I started 3 things at once and had to stop and make myself do one at a time, never thought I would be excited or trying to organize a closet! You have pretty much been told same as me, I am going for test ordered by neuro. monday. I would just be happy to know what the heck is wrong. Took pain med before I even got out of bed today, try it again tommorrow. Anyone hear know anything about Lyrica? Doc put me on it and not hearing such good things? Have The MRI done if you can, and when you get a chance let me know what other tests you have had, we sound as if we may have at least some simularities, thanks, Marcia does indeed sound pretty smart, so Marcia anytime you want to be buddies I like getting good advice. Sammy

Hello everyone!
I just had to respond to this topic because this is the first place I have found someone who is experiencing the exact same upper back problems. (I have been looking for more than 3 yrs for an explanation for my symptoms)
I have had 3 MRI's of my C & T spines and of course it does depend on the Radiologist interpreting the report. I am a Radiologic Technologist so that is not news to me.
My first MRI (2004) showed a focal left paracentral HNP at T7 which was touching the cord; and mild disc bulging at C5-6 & C6-7.
My second MRI (2005) showed left sided disc protrusion & osteophyte spurring at T7-8 with effacement of the left anterior aspect of the thecal sac. C5-6 central protruding disc w/ mild effacement of the thecal sac. C6-7 protruding disc w/ mild effacement of the thecal sac & mild stenosis.
My most recent MRI was in June of this yr. The HNP at T6-7 unchanged. Small anterior osteophyte formation at multiple levels of T spine. C5-6 mild to moderate posterior central disc protrusion w/ mild stenosis. The disc protrusion may contact the anterior aspect of the spinal floor.
Before my first MRI, I was sent to a cardiologist and had a full cardiac work-up because of my symptoms. Some of my tests were slightly abnormal so he suggested a heart cath. I declined because I really didnt believe it was heart related. I spoke to one of my Radiologists who recommended that I have an MRI. (which I did) Then I went to an orthopedic Dr who recommended that I have an epidural and also gave me a rx for Neurontin at bedtime to see if it would help with the burning, tingling & numbness I was feeling beneath my left breast. I decided against the epidural at that time. I have been on Neurontin for about 2 yrs now and cannot say that it has helped me at all. Last wk I went to a pain management Dr (who I know personally) and he did a Thoracic epidural. He also suggested that I stop the Neurontin and try Lyrica. I started the Lyrica 1 wk ago and started weaning myself off of the Neurontin but I cannot tell that the epidural helped at all. I went back to him yesterday and he said I had terrible muscle spasms all the way down the left side of my back. He didnt think I should do another epidural. He did about 20 trigger point injections. He said if I havent noticed any difference with the Lyrica yet that its probably not going to help so I am going to stop taking both and see what happens. (I have swelling & wt gain with both) He gave me Norflex (muscle relaxer) and Lidoderm patches to try. He also noted that I have mild scholiosis and thought maybe a chiropractor could help alittle. He recommended that I have deep tissue massage therapy and try to be aware of my posture. I do notice that I tend to slump my shoulders forward and thats when I will have the most symptoms. I hope & pray that somehow I can find some relief. Maybe the muscle spasms are compressing & inflaming the nerves which are giving me the symptoms in my chest and rib area. The epidural gave me some terrible hot flashes that still havent quite gone away. I also had some unexplainable low blood sugar issues for a few days after the epidural. I knew the steroid can cause blood sugar to be elevated in diabetics but never heard of it causing it to drop.
The Dr that I work for has been giving me vicoprofen to take as needed when I just cant stand it anymore. When I take it, thats about the only time I feel alittle relief.
Anyway, it really is helpful to know that Im not alone with these crazy symptoms. Hopefully, one of us will be able find the answer for us all. :) (sorry so long)

[QUOTE=CHKUEHN1;3145840]Hello everyone!
I just had to respond to this topic because this is the first place I have found someone who is experiencing the exact same upper back problems. (I have been looking for more than 3 yrs for an explanation for my symptoms)
I have had 3 MRI's of my C & T spines and of course it does depend on the Radiologist interpreting the report. I am a Radiologic Technologist so that is not news to me.
My first MRI (2004) showed a focal left paracentral HNP at T7 which was touching the cord; and mild disc bulging at C5-6 & C6-7.
My second MRI (2005) showed left sided disc protrusion & osteophyte spurring at T7-8 with effacement of the left anterior aspect of the thecal sac. C5-6 central protruding disc w/ mild effacement of the thecal sac. C6-7 protruding disc w/ mild effacement of the thecal sac & mild stenosis.
My most recent MRI was in June of this yr. The HNP at T6-7 unchanged. Small anterior osteophyte formation at multiple levels of T spine. C5-6 mild to moderate posterior central disc protrusion w/ mild stenosis. The disc protrusion may contact the anterior aspect of the spinal floor.
Before my first MRI, I was sent to a cardiologist and had a full cardiac work-up because of my symptoms. Some of my tests were slightly abnormal so he suggested a heart cath. I declined because I really didnt believe it was heart related. I spoke to one of my Radiologists who recommended that I have an MRI. (which I did) Then I went to an orthopedic Dr who recommended that I have an epidural and also gave me a rx for Neurontin at bedtime to see if it would help with the burning, tingling & numbness I was feeling beneath my left breast. I decided against the epidural at that time. I have been on Neurontin for about 2 yrs now and cannot say that it has helped me at all. Last wk I went to a pain management Dr (who I know personally) and he did a Thoracic epidural. He also suggested that I stop the Neurontin and try Lyrica. I started the Lyrica 1 wk ago and started weaning myself off of the Neurontin but I cannot tell that the epidural helped at all. I went back to him yesterday and he said I had terrible muscle spasms all the way down the left side of my back. He didnt think I should do another epidural. He did about 20 trigger point injections. He said if I havent noticed any difference with the Lyrica yet that its probably not going to help so I am going to stop taking both and see what happens. (I have swelling & wt gain with both) He gave me Norflex (muscle relaxer) and Lidoderm patches to try. He also noted that I have mild scholiosis and thought maybe a chiropractor could help alittle. He recommended that I have deep tissue massage therapy and try to be aware of my posture. I do notice that I tend to slump my shoulders forward and thats when I will have the most symptoms. I hope & pray that somehow I can find some relief. Maybe the muscle spasms are compressing & inflaming the nerves which are giving me the symptoms in my chest and rib area. The epidural gave me some terrible hot flashes that still havent quite gone away. I also had some unexplainable low blood sugar issues for a few days after the epidural. I knew the steroid can cause blood sugar to be elevated in diabetics but never heard of it causing it to drop.
The Dr that I work for has been giving me vicoprofen to take as needed when I just cant stand it anymore. When I take it, thats about the only time I feel alittle relief.
Anyway, it really is helpful to know that Im not alone with these crazy symptoms. Hopefully, one of us will be able find the answer for us all. :) (sorry so long)


CHUEHN1,(wrote earlier must not have gone through) OMG, sure sounds alot like my symptoms, dont know if you seen the MRI results I posted at one time,so here is a brief decscription:Osteopenic changes noted in thoracic spine. C5-6Mild broad based posterior disc protrusion without compromising exiting nerve roots, C6-7 Mild hypertrophic changes & minimal disc bulge.Degenerative disc disease and spondylosis also noted in the cervical spine. Do you know if MRI reports specify how for down or what part of spine included in test? This only mentions the T1&2, also it states Axial images obtained from the levels of C3-4, down through C7-T1. So was any images done of C1 & 2, really confused never even thought about it until I read your message. yours seems to show more than mine, although my sister was in pain for 4yrs. had MRI in beginning of problem showed nothing major,much later (years when her problem appeared on another MRI), big problems to, go figure. I am disgusted, going for EMG monday,although Neuro says not expecting anything to show, bone scan of shoulder area tommorrow. Looking into shoulder, which does not explain other symptoms, My chest area,rib(under breast) arm and shoulder,upper back really hurt, can go up neck all the way to hip,all left side. Mostly upper Left torso, numbness & tingling in hand,fingers, sometimes left foot (burning feeling, or hot spots) ,left leg can feel heavy & so forth, pain really starting to radiate in upper to mid back. No bra since May. Went through whole cardiac work up, including heart cath(when it started (approx:21/2 years ago) & again last week. When I moved in my new house,I know for a fact I hurt myself moving in and continued to get bad through work,I am a home healthcare aide,used to do some major lifting & I am not big. Been to so many docs. so many opinions right down to being told to get psych, help, of course now that it is out of control new Docs office paying aliitle attention, I am not really blaming them I just feel they need to listen alittle better. PT pointed out most of problems, totally swelled in neck, shoulder, major & minor Pec. Area & under ribs. Can't tell you how many docs. thought at first it was shingles., interesting thing when ever sugar tested lately in office or ER it was up, said it could be from pain, you ever have yours checked before all this, even though I was on steriod pack, mine was off before that. I will tell you just discovered while I was on steroids still in pain, went in got and extra injection of steroids in hip, along with script for low dose of oxycodone, felt better for couple days, soon as steroid finished (same day) muscle spasms like crazy and pain, has to be the inflammation, doc. just started me on lyrica couple days ago, I also tried the lid.patch,did nothin. Pain really radiating in upper and mid back lately. Off work for now & really worried about my job. First visit with Neuro, seen him all of 2 minutes, never even asked hardly any questions, not even for PT report, not real encougaed there, plan on trying to corner him next appointment. did not even want notes my doc. told me to make (of symptoms & take to him). by the way my cardiac test were slightly abnormal to, mentioned once again maybe pain, be careful it is not your heart, all these meds. & Pain can't possably be good for it, stress to. I am praying for results to. Cannot bare it much longer ruining my life. PT was only one who said with those symptoms has to something Neuro., he sent me back to doc, because could not control swelling & pain, can barely lift my arm most mornings because of shoulder hurts so much, pulls chest area and it is off and running, heart starts racing if not controlled and send my vitals rith off chart. Any of this sound familair to you? PLEASE write back, maybe we can compare & see what happens. Sammy

[QUOTE=sammyo1;3144854]Judy, I just wore out an ice pack, sprung a leak, need some new ones, I rotate between moist heat & ice, doc say moist heat but many times I prefer the ice. one night not long ago I sat up in the bed with moist heat on one area and ice on another, I could not move and fearing I would dislogde on, I actually got a good laugh out of that. I hate the mornings that is the worst time the day, can't wait to get them over with, had a pretty decent one today, got so excited I started 3 things at once and had to stop and make myself do one at a time, never thought I would be excited or trying to organize a closet! You have pretty much been told same as me, I am going for test ordered by neuro. monday. I would just be happy to know what the heck is wrong. Took pain med before I even got out of bed today, try it again tommorrow. Anyone hear know anything about Lyrica? Doc put me on it and not hearing such good things? Have The MRI done if you can, and when you get a chance let me know what other tests you have had, we sound as if we may have at least some simularities, thanks, Marcia does indeed sound pretty smart, so Marcia anytime you want to be buddies I like getting good advice. Sammy
sammy, you sound like me with the ice packs and the heat! Also to the fact that when you feel a bit better, you start overdoing it...like 3 chores at once! My pain seems to move around; from under the breast area, around to the middle back, then lower back, as well as the calf pain. Never stays in one place! I did try Lyrica as suggested by my neuroligist, but only took about 3 of them as they made me very dizzy. I don't like that feeling; it scares me. Am now trying some natural stuff I sent away for; I figured it can't hurt. Also going to go to a Spine and Pain Clinic next week where they do tests to see about blood flow in legs, etc. Maybe I will find something out at this place. Good luck to you on your upcoming test. Please let everyone know the results.

Judy

[QUOTE=sammyo1;3147491]Cindy, I know I ask you this & you may not know , but do they list on MRI report from the they sart the test & finish such as C1thru L1 ect...
My Neuro gave me no time to tell or ask anything, hopefully next appointment. I don't get why he would not ask for pt reports or anything. Maybe doing his own evaluation still seems weird. My doc says if he cannot explain pain after test it is pain management for me. That is not real encouraging about the dependancy of the MRI reports. I don't want to live years in this kind of pain. I am 42, but feel 80 somedays. Do you know if anything may have triggered your pain, took me awhile to figure it out. As for the heart thing ditto, all the way down to family history. My pain would come & go until this May. I know the day I went for MRI was the best day I had,funny huh.I wonder if things can shift. weird question but weird symptoms. Does pain management help for you? What other tests have you had? Real bad yesturday, I know there is the inflammtion there, and since coming off anti inflammatories the pain and tinlgling Ect.. gets worse. Feel a little guilty saying this but I am glad others have some of these symptoms maybe we can put some little pieces together, maybe not but beats feeling like its just you with all these strange symptoms. First test today, talk to you soon, been on other boards to just seeing about other symptoms. Sammy

Sammy, I suppose it depends on the Radiologist reading the MRI. I think most will only mention the vertebrae with abnormalities. Then there is usually a general description like "no spinal canal stenosis, cord compression or abnormal enhancement following contrast."

I have found that anti-inflammatories do nothing for my pain. Vicoprofen will at least take the edge off.

I did not take the Neurontin or Lyrica last night and was awake almost all night. I seem to have alot of hot flashes when I dont take it for some odd reason. So I have that horrible anxious feeling this morning. Im going to try to go without it this weekend but if the symptoms get worse, I will restart it. At least then I would know that it is helping in some way.

[QUOTE=CHKUEHN1;3147600]Sammy, I suppose it depends on the Radiologist reading the MRI. I think most will only mention the vertebrae with abnormalities. Then there is usually a general description like "no spinal canal stenosis, cord compression or abnormal enhancement following contrast."

I have found that anti-inflammatories do nothing for my pain. Vicoprofen will at least take the edge off.

I did not take the Neurontin or Lyrica last night and was awake almost all night. I seem to have alot of hot flashes when I dont take it for some odd reason. So I have that horrible anxious feeling this morning. Im going to try to go without it this weekend but if the symptoms get worse, I will restart it. At least then I would know that it is helping in some way.

Boy I hope I don't experiance that with Lyrica, We will have hot flashes soon enough. I am trying it cause I am at my wits end, I need to get back to work, three appointments next week and neuro should have the test results at least for blood, bone scan and EMG, next friday. Want to be back at work the following week, if I still have clients left. Bone scan today, Maybe something will show, any one else you know of have a bone scan, I go for ultra sound on my breast, after two mammagrams, thursday,everyone keeps asking if I am worried, no I need to get out of this pain, then maybe Ill worry about the ultrasound. I may have to lock the nuero in the room with me friday to get answers, almost feel desperate enough to do it. vicophren, that has a little anti inflammatory in it, does'nt it? part motrin is it not. I don't think much though. I start on 2 Lryrica next tues. 50 mg each, I was alittle tired driving today, when do you take your doses? Sammy

Hi Sammy; I am glad I don't have fibermylagia; I hear that is also very painful. Yes, the rheumotoligist is actually the first one to read my MRI report, as I haven't been in yet to see the new back doctor, who was the one that ordered the MRI in the first place. I actually took the film in to the rheum. guy; they gave me my film at the MRI place. I tried taking Lyrica...the neuoroligist I had been going to for eridural shots/trigger point injections perscribed it. I didn't like it at all because it made me dizzy. When I get a side effect like that, I won't take it because it scares me. I don't like that dizzy feeling! My hands were getting numb and tingly back then, and that is why the neuroligist perscribed it. So yes, it should help you with that part, but not the pain. If you can tolerate it, it would probably be good for you to take it. I wonder why your ribs are sore, and also the swelling in your chest area. Do you think you might have pulled a muscle when you were doing all that work over the week-end? I hope not; that's all you need on top of everything else!

I am so sorry to hear your sister-in-law has cancer. I lost my adopted grandaughter last year (21) to brain cancer. It is very upsetting to me when I hear of someone having cancer. I wish your sister-in-law well and I will pray for her. Oh yes, those pain meds can make a person cranky, and I don't blame you for hiding in your room! I do that sometimes, and I also don't feel like talking to people at times. The rheumotoligist asked me if I find myself getting tired and depressed......of course my answer was a big YES!

I hope you are taking it easy this week-end, and not doing much work! You need to rest up and realx a bit. Have a good week-end, and I will be thinking about you!

Judy