Hi,

I have been suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy for 3 years now and have been put on a variety of drugs to help with the burning/stinging pains that are part of it. I was taking Gabapentin for about a year but found that I could not get to the recommended high dose level of about 3000mg per day, I got to 400mg and if I took any more I would be totally spaced out and vomiting. So I only had partial cover. I also have a serious sterile bone infection for which I have been taking morphine for over the last 8 years, plus an anti inflamatory drug (Diclofenac/Volteral) and a few other common drugs beside. So our food bill is quite light!!

About a month ago I was taken off the Gabapentin and put on Pregabalin(Lyrica) which initially was fantastic, not only did it stop the nerve pain, it gave me a totally eurphoric feeling. My appetite which had been non existant came back, my weight loss was also addressed and I sent my doctor a Thank You Card, I had not felt so well in years. Even the bone pain seemed to drop to a lower level.

4 weeks on I have a different story, the bone pain is back with a vengance, not only in my back but in my arms and legs now. I am also experiencing a lot of leg muscle pains, starting in the lumbar region and travelling down the front and sides of my legs to my feet. My hips and knee joints are extremely painful and in the last few days my feet, knees, upper thighs and my hands have started swelling up to such a degree as to be itchy and sore.

Any suggestions? Has anyone had any experience with Pregabalin(Lyrica), the directions that come with it do mention the swelling as a possible side affect but not one that is listed as dangerous.

I don't want to come off them unless there is no alternative because according to my doctor I have just about exhausted most of the drugs I can safely take. I have to be careful that the Neuropathic drugs do not upset the bone pain medication.

Can anyone help please?

Gee