Crippling Effects Of Rectal And Lower Back

My friend underwent a round of radiation in January -- to no effect. (No good effect, that is)

He is in increasingly severe pain of the lower back and rectal area that manifests particularly when he stands, walks, and sits.(He spends most of his time in bed on his side.)

The following is his anti- pain regimen: A morphine patch (75 milligrams, I think);Oxycontin;and Lyrica.

Are there other drugs that might be more effective?A friend mentioned Neutrontin. Is anyone familiar with it? Any other ideas?

Thank you.

Judy 

On 2/13/2008 Judylauren wrote:

My friend underwent a round of radiation in January -- to no effect. (No good effect, that is)

He is in increasingly severe pain of the lower back and rectal area that manifests particularly when he stands, walks, and sits.(He spends most of his time in bed on his side.)

The following is his anti- pain regimen: A morphine patch (75 milligrams, I think);Oxycontin;and Lyrica.

Are there other drugs that might be more effective?A friend mentioned Neutrontin. Is anyone familiar with it? Any other ideas?

Thank you.

Judy 

Judy,

I remember talking to you weeks back.  I am sorry that your friend didn't have any better luck with the radiation.  Did they end up doing more than just 14 treatments?

Anyway, I have taken neuortin before for neuropathy (unrelated to cancer treatments).  It had absolutely no effect and I know of others that say the same thing.  Lyrica is the newer generation drug that appears to work better for pain.  While everyone is different, I would just venture a guess that if the Lyrica isn't working, the neurontin won't either. 

There is something called a ganglion nerve block which is supposed to help that sort of pain.  Maybe you can ask about it.  I really don't know too much about it though.

Jaynee

I too am sorry about your friends pain.  OUt of the chemo, radiation and surgery I definately think the radiation was the worse part.  They gave me Neurontin and I was not impressed!  It didn't do anything accept cost me money.  I guess it does work for some people but I don't know about the rectal pain, it's hard to get rid of.  I can tell you that mine just recently got better.  I finished radiation in September and four weeks ago I thought it was never going to go away.  Finally it has (knock on wood).  I pray that your friend gets better.  Why is he having such bad back pain?  As Jaynee said he could try the block.

HI,

I am so sorry to hear about your friends pain. My husband has had a hard time dealing with a lot of pain, but this has been providing so much relief..

 oral methadone/ lyrica

we associate methodone w/ drug-addiction, but it is a wonderful pain reliever and he is able to be vertually pain free.  Also try cyroablation of the nerve. That helps for about a month and then you just so it again.  My husband has tried everything- the patches/neurontin/dylauded,,etc.

I pray for everyone on this website and for your continued strength.