Phamtom Limb Pain

[Lioness]

Does anyone have any experience/knowledge of Phamtom limb pain? My Husband had a Forequarter Amputation 10 months ago when all other treatment failed. He has seen the Pain Management specialist and is coping with medication. Lioness

[Lockey]

Hi Lioness, I had been suffering from a non specific debilitating pain for 22 years, I was taking Naproxyn twice a day for 20 of those years as it was the only way I could get through the day. After being diagnosed with renal cancer I had to undergo a partial nepherectomy 18 months ago...before putting me out they asked me if I wanted to try a drug called Pregabalin that resets the pain recepters in the brain as they had very good results with patients who had been experiencing phantom leg pain. Sceptical I agreed to try the drug, i was given a dose during the op and took 75mg tablets twice a day for 2 months. I have not had the pain since! the drug is expensive (I think it was $80 per script) but if you get a receipt from the pharmasist you can claim some back through your private health insurance if you have it.

[Lioness]

Hi Lockey Thank you for your comment. I googled Pregabalin and realised it also went under the name Lyrica. He was put on 300mg AM & PM when he left hospital, but made him feel quite woozy and not quite in control. In hindsight this could have been a combination of the fact that his balance had not adjusted and his body still being in rehab mode. We recently met another Amputee and he was on Lyrica and I mentioned to my Husband that he should give it another go. Now I have read your response I am going to get the script filled and maybe cut down the dose down which is what the Doctor suggested previously. Watch this space! Thank you ..... Lioness