Nerve Damage
 

Several months ago I started having numbness in my left leg if standing too long. I have been having painful electric shocks in the same leg. The doctor said its nerve damage disease. What is the best method of treatment for chronic pain beside neurotin (side effects too scary for me)

Tami

Re: Nerve Damage
 

Tami,

I have been studying issues regarding our central nervous system since the diagnosis of my life-long brain tumor in 1990. My understanding/experience is that nerve tissues can be regenerated/reconnected in many cases by rigorous exercise/rehabilitation.

When I woke up from a semi-comatose 10 days after my 23-hour brain surgery, my left side was completely paralyzed due to the swelling of the brain. After 30 days of physical therapy, occupation therapy, and speech therapy (one of the nerves of the vocal cord was 'touched') I was able to walk, to speak, and to think again.

I've read many reports/studies reporting how the nervous system can channel itself to compensate for the damaged part. I do not know anything about the particular issue you are having, but I would think getting a 2nd opinion from a neurologist and perhaps a referral to the physical therapist wouldn't hurt.

Re: Nerve Damage
 

Hi Tami,
Your doctor is right...it is probably due to some type of nerve damage. But he/she should of recommended you follow up and see a Neurologist to find out exactly what is going on? I would not ignore that...a Neuro might be able to give you some relief from that once he runs some tests and sees what's going on? I've seen a Neuro prior to my bc dx and he was very helpful to me. I highly suggest you go see one especially since you said this has been going on for a couple months.

There are other meds the neuro can give you besides Neurotin. Alot of times depending on the cause of your pain they will want to send you to physical therapy 3 times a wk. I really believe a Neuro can help you out. I hope things get better soon for you.

Chelee

Re: Nerve Damage
 

I took Neurontin for about a month... didn't know too much about possible side effects. Anyway, it made me very tired when I first started taking it but then it was okay. It got rid of the pain and then I quit taking it.