first surgery and full of questions

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Stashu

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I've had back problems for over 10 years. Treated by VA w/pain meRAB for most of the time. Finally got private health ins. Cut to chase---microdiscectomy at L4 4 weeks ago with far right later nerve root decompression. First 3 weeks went great and thought I was on my way to a mostly pain free life. This week, it feels like the pain is back in the shin and rear. Have been doing PT for over a week. I'm disappointed, worried, you name it. Called doc today and he prescribed Neurontin. I'm taking oxycodone for the back pain caused by the surgery and other problems. Is this a normal progression? Will Neurontin make me a zorabie? I do work that requires concentration. Working half days and taking time off when I can. I have a flexible schedule. Supposed to start with one pill, then 2, then 3 until I finish the bottle. Is any of this normal? Sorry about all the questions. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. By the way, brand new to this board but have been reading and find lots of helpful stuff here.
 
I've been thru 5 major spine surgeries. I found the healing process to be slow. For me at least I found I had good days and baRAB days. You have to give it time expecting some bad days here and their in your recovery process.
As to the neurontin I can only speak from my personal experience.
The first doc that prescribed it for me put me on 2,700 mg per day. I started off with a small dose and built up to the 2,700 mg over a 2 week period. At one point I had an issue with the neurontin. I was talking to someone and have no recollection of the conversation. In fact I told this person off and never rememebered it. I feel it was due to the neurontin and the level that I was on. I never had that problem before or after being on the medication.
At one point another doc felt that the dosage was way to high. He put me on a smaller dosage. While I never had a similar experience like when I was on the neurontin the 1st time. I found being on a lower dosage did nothing for me pain wise.
 
Stashu:

I had the same exact surgery in Septeraber of 2001. I was 32-years-old at the time. I hurt my back lifting heavy weights in the gym. I was a huge gym rat. First let me beg you to stop the painkillers, as I eventually became addicted and just recently spent $20,000 to be detoxed from Percocet. I have also taken Lyrica which is similir to Neurontin and YES I was a total Zorabie. I stopped after about 4 days. I felt better immediately. I can only give you my personal experience and advice as I am not a doctor. Stop the drugs with permission of your doctor. It is completely normal to be experiencing moderate pain or tingling or nurabness in your lower back. Your surgery was only 1-month ago. I went through the same exact thing in 2001. You will get better. My surgeon back in 2001 told me it could take up to 1 year before you are 100% better. I would plead with you to ask your doctor to get off ALL pain medications and Neurontin immediately if he approves. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE ADDICTED TO PAINKILLERS. It happens fast. As for Neurontin, YES you will feel like a Zorabie. Isnt it better to have some moderate pain then take drugs that are addictive and make you a zorabie. Well I think so. Obviously if the pain is totally unbearable then disregard what I have written but if it is mild to moderate please take my word. If you have ANY questions feel free to ask me anything at all. I also had neck surgery (C5/6/7 Fusion in 2005) from another gym injury. YES I am a gym idiot. Oh yeah...I also had 3 hernia surgeries. I am a 41-year-old male weighlifter.

Good Luck, Cowpin8
 
Thanks for the response. I decided not to take the Neurontin after I rested for awhile after I got back home from picking up the prescription. The pain was gone. Go figure. The PT today told me also to avoid it, pretty much saying the same as you. The VA had me on painkillers for years, but on a low dosage. I think I became tolerant to them and they did nothing for the pain. I have not increased the dosage and have been taking nothing extra for the pain. (The VA wanted me to double my dosage and I refused). The goal is to be off all painkillers. It is good to know that others have gone through this and that it takes time. (Good news/bad news, I guess). Thanks for the encouragement. It sure helps in the discouragment department.
 
Stashu:

You sound like a smart person with common sense. You know about the dangers of Painkillers. I just recently went into a Rapid Detox Hospital to detox off of the Percocet I was taking. It cost me $20,000 CASH (NO insurance accepted) Would you believe I have not taken a Percocet since August 3rd and my lower back actually feels better than when I was taking 12Percocets a day! That is amazing. They told me that would happen in the hospital but I just thought they were lying to me. They were correct. I still have pain but it is bearable. Rarely but occassionally I will take a Tylenol or Advil. They actual do help a little.

Good Luck again
 
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