Sheila's Journal

Mary K  Nerve pain is not pleasant. I have had it since my surgery, in the hospital it was more painful than the incision. First, please do not let it go untreated. Mine was apparentley from a large chest tube placed under my right breast. The pain started around the back of my right ribs. It has now at almost six months spread from the bottom of the rib cage to my armpit.

My neurogist says that it is *referred pain* that can happen after the original area is painful for more than six weeks. Patience in this case is not your friend. I am finding thatbLidocaine patches are very helpful. They are large topical anesthetic patches that stay on for 12 hours at a time. Big dose Motrin also helps. Stay ahead of the pain. A TENS unit set at a very low level used with a cross cross lead pattern also brings some relief. Icy Hot gel works for a while, be careful of skin irritation. I have not yet tried capcasin crean, but unseratand that may also be helpful. See your GP about the problem, but if you do not get results, by all means see a neurologist.

All the best.

Sheila Harrison  We are trying Gabebetine, after 5 days it is not doing a whole lot. The capcasin cream is great but doesn't last long. I have to call the GP on Tuesday she will put an order in for some physical therapy if I want her too. I just wish I could sleep. I am sure that would make a huge difference in my recovery.