Posted by Philip Burke on February 5, 2008, at 18:59:08
In reply to Re: Cymbalta and pain management, posted by Fivefires on February 5, 2008, at 14:03:53
I am running into the problem you eluded to, that is, taking too many meds.
I am in constant pain. I had two lumbar spine surgeries (discectomies x 2 @ L4-5) that eventually led to radiculopathy, i.e. nerve damage and pain, numbness, burning and "pins and needles" sensation in my legs.
In the last two months, after a lot of diagnostic testing, I've had severe carpal tunnel in both hands diagnosed and I have bone spurs in both of my feet.
I actually need 4 surgeries (in both feet and both wrists), but it is impossible to get them done since I have been off work since last March and am running out of money. I pay $450 a month for COBRA health insurance also.
It is imperative that I find a job, so for now I am going to take whatever medication that is necessary to allow me to work at some job.
Obviously, I am very stressed out.
I am trying to find a good antidepressant that helps with pain and mood. I take opiate pain meds with Lyrica and nortriptilyne. My desire is to find the right combination of medications that is efficacious, but I want to take the least amount of meds possible.
If a good antidepressant allows me to take a smaller dose of opiate pain meds, I want to take it since it will probably have less side effects.
poster:Philip Burke
thread:768313
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20061013/msgs/810916.html