|
Hi, Thanks again for your replies. I've visited my dr and am now on "Avanza" for depression. I have some more questions now.... :-) I've had some sample packs of Neurontin from the dr and have a script, but they cost almost $100 a pack here in Australia, (only covered by PBS for epilepsy; not neuropathic pain). Someone suggested to me that Tegretol (Carbamazepine) can also be used for neuropathic pain, and it's covered by our PBS, so only costs me $4.70. I asked my dr about it, and she prescribed this for me to try, which I'll begin in a couple of weeks when the Neurontin sample pack runs out. (I did see on this list mention of Lyrica, but here it's even more costly than the Neurontin, and is impossible since I can't work at present, and can't afford it. I also have to purchase mobility equipment soon too, as the hospital sent me a letter wanting their forearm support frame and bath seat back; which they loaned me - and I won't be able to manage without.. I've already had to buy a wheelchair. It all adds up! I don't know how other people manage with all these things, but I'm finding it really hard to make ends meet, since getting sick). Anyhow; that's the reason why I am going to give the Carbamazepine a try, instead of the Neurontin or Lyrica. So I'm wondering if anyone has used it? Also; the new physiotherapist that's started coming here for twice a week, wanted me to try to go down the 8 steps to backyard again yesterday. (I'd listed that as my "goal" for this new physiotherapy they started with me last week, and I think this public health service lasts only for 3 months, so I guess they want to move things along fairly quickly). I mentioned to the physio that I'd had extremely bad pain and stiffness after the last time I tried it, and felt unwell; and felt that it had set me back a bit. The physio was wondering if that might be caused just by stiff muscles, which might just need more stretching. It doesn't feel just like sore muscles to me. I can't really describe it in words, but said I thought that perhaps it feels more inflammatory? The physiotherapist suggested maybe taking non-steroid anti inflammatory when I get the pain, so that I can keep doing it. I don't know what to say... I know it hurts a lot and makes me feel bad, but can't explain why in technical terms; or why it might not be helpful to force my body. The reason that was explained for trying to push my body, is that that the terminology used for my physical disability is called 'incomplete paraplegic' in that I have some movement, but am otherwise 'paralized', and that with this condition the physios try to push things a bit; to get the person mobile again, if at all possible; before muscle wastage gets too bad. This is why they want to keep me going with things even if I get the pain. That does sound logical to me, but now I dont' know what to do. Is there any documentation on TM - specifically on the pain aspect and physiotherapy - that I could print out to give them? (Also; is this a valid point; in that the muscle wastage will prevent me from walking if I don't overcome the pain and keep going before it gets too severe? Apparently I have quite a bit of muscle wastage on my legs already, and whilst doing all the exercises helps a bit; the physio thinks I need to keep trying to walk, in spite of the pain, if possible). I will print out the info files that are on this site, but if there is anything specifically relating to the rehabilitation and physiotherapy aspects, that would be very helpful! I don't think the medical profession here (esp. those in public health system), really knows what to do with this situation; and each different (public health) physiotherapist that gets assigned to me seems to have totally different ideas, method and approach. All have said that they've never treated anyone with TM before, and don't really know about it. I want to make the most of this limited time I have with the physiotherapists, so any relevant documentation on this aspect would be really helpful. Thanks for any advice or references. Sorry for the length of this post. I hope you are all doing well, and I'll send my thoughts and prayers to you all for your health and wellbeing. Kate :-) |
- [TMIC] back pain, physiotherapy, & medications Kathryn Keen
