Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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shellos8 02/08/2012

My left hand has been extremely painful since my flare up in April. It does not ever go away. 24/7 it hurts like hell. I wear a glove on my hand all day just to help with the extreme heightened sensitivity of the skin on that hand so I can work. I type on a computer all day and it's very painful even with the glove on.

So I tried Gabapentin. Doesn't work. I have been on Cymbalta for 2 weeks at 30mg. Doesn't work. I called the neuro today and have to call back tomorrow to see what he wants to do. Probably try going to 60mg Cymbalta. I'm just so frustrated and fearful that NOTHING is going to work.

I'm just wondering what you all take for pain like this?? He wanted me to try Lyrica but Anthem would not pay for it because they said they only allow it for Fibromyalgia or Diabetic Neuropathy. Nice how a stupid insurance company can tell a board certified Neurologist that what he's recommending isn't good enough for MS. It really makes me angry!!

Anyway, please tell me what works for you.

sunshine521 02/08/2012

I benefited most from the cymbalta when I was at 90mg of it. I hope you get some relief by bumping it up. It is very uncomfortable, I know. Insurance companies can be such a pain sometimes. All the best to you!

Take care :)

lchoppel 02/08/2012

It may be time for you to look for a pain management specialist. I believe that a neuro can only take pain management so far before they run out of possible solutions. A PMS has so much more in his/her arsenal. Talk to your neuro about it - maybe he will think it is a good idea at this point in time or after you try the increased dose of Cymbalta. It never worked for me. Good luck, and don't give up. Keep fighting for relief.

deleted_user 02/08/2012

Sorry your in pain. My legs really started hurting and cymbalta only worked so much so he gave me hydracodone and it works very well. Now I only use it when I need it. Good luck

Jimmy

shellos8 02/08/2012

What exactly is a pain management specialist? Are they doctors? Do they prescribe medications? I don't think I've ever heard of them before.

I was just doing some more reading on Cymbalta and I guess the 30mg doesn't usually work for MS pain but you have to build it up in your system before increasing. Maybe 60mg will work better! Whatever I take it can't be an opiate because I work full time and need to be lucid. lol

deleted_user 02/08/2012

As I understand it the 30mg is the dosage for beginners and then it is bumped up to 60mg.

The fascinating apsect about Cymbalta is when my insurance ended I feel far better than what I felt before. However, I attribute that to the intensity of my exercises and the weekly Yoga classes I have been going to for a year and a half.

Orsova 02/08/2012

Today I heard of a condition called RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome) which causes chronic pain and can be treated by a pain management practitioner.

I am sorry that I dont have any info for people in States, just know that here in Australia there are pain management clinics.

Fortunately I have not needed that level of treatment but I wish you all the best - it must be just awful to be in pain all the time.

shellos8 02/09/2012

My neuro is having me go to 60mg Cymbalta effective today as well as 200mg Gabapentin 3x day. We'll see if THIS works!

deleted_user 02/09/2012

while you are searching for an answer that will help with your all-consuming pain, don't give up yet on the lyrica. call your insurance company and see if you could get a prior authorization or have your neurologist write a letter to appeal their denial. i really pray there is relief for you soon.
many hugs, connie

ricanfemale30 02/09/2012

My right handis 75% numb including the pinki n ring finger withreal skin sensitivity along wit there always cold n when they get cold my hand pulsates with athammer-like pain with pins n needles..I found only relief in always wearing a glove it only relieves the skin sensitivity the pins n needles n cramping I havnt found anything that works but I do need a better gloves solution,.good luck

deleted_user 02/11/2012

I am soooooooooo sorry to hear about your pain.The other day I went to Dr I cryed telling him about my pain level.I have tryed Cymbalta. etc......I would go on and on about what I have tryed but I wont.he gave me Nucynta ER and it to be bump up every 10 days till I reach 200mg.A friend of mine is on this as well and she says it make her pain leval go down to a bout a 2 that sounds good to me.We will see

Cathy

deleted_user 02/11/2012

I have tried all of the drugs mentioned - I suffer from chronic pain in my hand and both legs - I had a spinal chord stimulator inplanted and it is of no use I am very sad and am on vicodan which i hate but it works I ave my liver checked every three months If vicodan can work for you intermittentlay then try it but don't get hooked. My life is heck right now I have built up immunity ot the drug and pain rules my workd more than inbalnace - no one understands and just tell me I look great/fine. Good luck to you.

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