K Stanley
I have been in constant pain from a spinal cord injury-T-11 level- for seven years. My right leg is paralyzed and the left one is profoundly weak. I also have paralysis in some muscles on the left side near the injury level. I have tried pain management, epidural, TENS unit, every known narcotic, which I don't respond to or feel the effects of; I've tried tegretol, neurontin, baclofen--all in conjunction with a tranquilizer and muscle relaxer. My doctor, during my second stay at a PT hospital, heard about a drug called Ultram. It was brand new at the time and she felt I should try it. So far, it is the only drug that even touches the pain. I still take Pamelor and Klonopin; meds I call "helpers." But it isn't enough. On a day to day basis, my pain level is somewhere between 7 and 10. Stretching exercises, as much as I'm able to do, only exacerbates the problem. The more I move around, the more pain I have. Some days I get what I call "hot spots." Like today, the backs of thighs, the bottoms of my feet, my bladder and my buttocks feel as if there is a flame thrower aimed at them. I honestly fear for my life because I don't know how much longer I can stand this. I've had four children and never have I felt pain like the pain I'm experiencing now. Does anyone have any suggestions or answers? Please help if you can.