Amputees Support Group

Amputation is the removal of a body extremity by trauma or surgery. Many have undergone amputation or have been living with a missing limb since birth. In either case, life as an amputee can be challenging. This is the place to find others going through the same experiences as an amputee. Share your thoughts, troubles, and solutions with the community.

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panhines 06/23/2013

I've had a hard time getting to sleep because the phantom pain [some pain, but mostly just "zinging" feeling] keeps me awake. I've been taking the last of my percocet [surgery was almost 4 weeks ago] just so I can get to sleep, but now that I'm out I don't know how to get to bed. I've even tried having a couple of drinks. Ordinarily, a 1/2 glass of wine will make me loopy, but now I seem to be acutely sober. I don't care to become an alcoholic, nor a drug addict....but the idea of not getting to sleep doesn't appeal to me much either! I find that when I'm vertical I don't have any phantom sensation, only when I'm lying down. If I could figure out a way to sleep standing up I'd do it! Any suggestions anyone?

peterk 06/26/2013

Treatments for phantom pain are all over the map. For me, Lyrica works. I take 75mg 3 times a day, every 8 hours. I dislike having to take a drug on a routine basis, but for me it is better than the phantom pain. I know that this works because every time I try to guit the drug the pains return with a vengeance.
I have noticed that these pains are much worse when I am dehydrated. I have also had success in controlling the intensity of these pains by massaging the end of the residuum. For some of us mirror therapy works too, although in the middle of the night when you are tired, restless, and in pain, dragging a 4 foot mirror into the bed seems improbable.
Bear in mind that we can defeat nearly all of the pains resulting from amputation, just keep on asking questions until you get the answers you need. Don't let it grind you down.
Peter

deleted_user 07/17/2013

Hi. I feel your pain! I don't know what works. I have been a year amputee and quite frankly the phantom pain doesn't bother me as much. It is the phantom ITCH!
Over the past year I have had the pleasure of meeting several amputees and they assure me that it gets easier over time.
One thing I have found helps when I am having pain (or itch), as much as I don't want to... I sleep with my leg on. It tricks your brain. Try it. It sucks to have to sleep with a prosthetic but if it helps relieve pain (or itch.) You just have to pick your poison. I hope this helps. Sweet dreams :)

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