Yet more changes to meds

[tigerlily72]

So, I had another doctor's appointment this afternoon to review how I'm doing after a recent increase of my BP meds as well as starting on gabapentin for suspected nerve pain.

Thankfully, after a blood test around 3 weeks ago, my liver and kidney function came back as normal. I was also tested for vitamin B12 deficiency and that came back as fine with no issues.

I still have the burning sensation in my leg and the BP meds were doing very little to alter my BP. My reading last night was 183/109 and my doctor took it today and recorded (I think) 160/101, or figures very similar to this.

So, she's now prescribed Felodipine modified release tablets and has tripled the dosage of my gabapentin from 100mg 3x a day to 300mg 3x a day.

I'm so hoping this works, especially the BP meds as it's a worry. But, my question is, which I didn't ask her, does nerve or suspected nerve pain go away and sort itself out? I'm only in my mid 40s and am not on any meds for my diabetes. I don't get why I have suspected / possible nerve pain as I thought it was connected to poor control and high blood sugars? My annual Hba1c was fine (my Dr said) - it was 49. She said they'd only look at medication if it was 53 or more.

I also asked if there was anything in particular causing my high BP and she said it was probably down to genetics (although my Dad who's in his 70's has no issues and isn't on any blood pressure medication). She did mention losing weight would also help a bit, as yes I'm a larger, curvy lady! I'll start the diet after Xmas . . . It's too hard in the run up to Xmas and during the depths of winter when all I'm craving is comfort food.

Sorry for rambling on.

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

Hi Tigerlily,
Just a suggestion re loosing weight as its working for me is to half the amount of rice, potatoes, pasta etc basically all carbohydrates and obviously I've stopped eating most sugars, although I'm still eating fruit. In 7 weeks I've lost 1st 3lbs.
Its been fairly easy to maintain so far and I'm a heavy binge eater on anything carbs or sweet. My advise is to start now and not put off until after xmas, as you could loose a stone by then and afford to put on a little extra at christmas and your be delighted at yourself and delight the gp at the same time. Don't put of tomorrow what you can achieve today.
Good Luck.

 

[Slalom]

Hi Maggie, Binging on Carbs, I can switch the urge off! Came from knowing fat satiates and a food program on Channel 4 Diet Special, they asked two groups to clear a plate of chocolate (100g), One group milk did this but the other plain chocolate struggled. They agreed that they had eaten as much chocolate as they could, then in came three slices of Pizza each, so what happened then?

Milk group averaged nearly 3 slices each, but the plain group averaged < 1 slice.

My method: Carbs are tempting, put the carbs away, you are trying to stop. Now Aldi sell lots of 125g Chocolate in slim boxes each having five small 25g Chocolate bars. I find Peruvian 64% works for me. Smash the 25g into at least 20 bits. select the smallest bit and melt it on your tongue, select the next smallest bit..... half an hour later, after the largest bit has melted on your tongue you will not be feeling you need anything.

I hope this works for you and enables you to enjoy an odd treat of Carbs
Rod

 

[connie104]

I have had nerve damage in my leg for the last 7 years.
I was referred to the pain clinic and prescribed duloxetine . The consultant told me that it will never repair itself and I have to admit he's been right as every thing I've tried has not really helped . I have got an appointment with my GP next week to ask to go back on Duloxetine as it helped a bit better than the Amyltripline I'm on now.

 

[tigerlily72]

Hi Tigerlily,
Just a suggestion re loosing weight as its working for me is to half the amount of rice, potatoes, pasta etc basically all carbohydrates and obviously I've stopped eating most sugars, although I'm still eating fruit. In 7 weeks I've lost 1st 3lbs.
Its been fairly easy to maintain so far and I'm a heavy binge eater on anything carbs or sweet. My advise is to start now and not put off until after xmas, as you could loose a stone by then and afford to put on a little extra at christmas and your be delighted at yourself and delight the gp at the same time. Don't put of tomorrow what you can achieve today.
Good Luck.

Hi Maggie

Yes, you're right I should start now with the diet. I had been doing really well earlier in the year and was eating well and including mainly veg and protein with my meals. I wasn't eating much bread and had really reduced my carb intake. I'd also lost over a stone and a half but sad to say I've put a lot of it back on. I've had a few personal issues and dealt with a very stressful work situation over the Summer which didn't help. I've slipped back into old bad habits and need a kick start......

 

[tigerlily72]

I have had nerve damage in my leg for the last 7 years.
I was referred to the pain clinic and prescribed duloxetine . The consultant told me that it will never repair itself and I have to admit he's been right as every thing I've tried has not really helped . I have got an appointment with my GP next week to ask to go back on Duloxetine as it helped a bit better than the Amyltripline I'm on now.

There's been no mention of a referral to a pain clinic. When I initially told her about the issues with my leg she mentioned that she may need to refer me to a nerve specialist. Maybe she thinks there's no need if the gabapentin is helping? I was hoping it would sort itself given time. It's burning again tonight but I've taken two of my 100mg pills as I've not had the chance to put my new prescription in and collect the new meds. I'll be collecting them tomorrow.

 

[Maggie/Magpie]

Hi Maggie, Binging on Carbs, I can switch the urge off! Came from knowing fat satiates and a food program on Channel 4 Diet Special, they asked two groups to clear a plate of chocolate (100g), One group milk did this but the other plain chocolate struggled. They agreed that they had eaten as much chocolate as they could, then in came three slices of Pizza each, so what happened then?

Milk group averaged nearly 3 slices each, but the plain group averaged < 1 slice.

My method: Carbs are tempting, put the carbs away, you are trying to stop. Now Aldi sell lots of 125g Chocolate in slim boxes each having five small 25g Chocolate bars. I find Peruvian 64% works for me. Smash the 25g into at least 20 bits. select the smallest bit and melt it on your tongue, select the next smallest bit..... half an hour later, after the largest bit has melted on your tongue you will not be feeling you need anything.

I hope this works for you and enables you to enjoy an odd treat of Carbs
Rod

Hi Rob,
Thanks for the suggestion, I wish I could, but I just can't have a little bit even if it's plain chocolate as I love it too much and can eat bars of it at a time unfortunately, for me I'm better trying to abstain, just a little sets off a binge.
Nice you thought of me though.
Maggie

 

[Slalom]

maggie if you can eat bars of 64% cocoa solids I am very surprised, Rod

 

[connie104]

There's been no mention of a referral to a pain clinic. When I initially told her about the issues with my leg she mentioned that she may need to refer me to a nerve specialist. Maybe she thinks there's no need if the gabapentin is helping? I was hoping it would sort itself given time. It's burning again tonight but I've taken two of my 100mg pills as I've not had the chance to put my new prescription in and collect the new meds. I'll be collecting them tomorrow.

I hope these new meds help sometimes I feel the burning and tingling all day sometimes just at night.
I lived in Spain for 15 years returning to U.K. Approximately 18 months ago so the pain clinic was in Spain maybe they do it differently here.
I feel I have all my aches and pains under control now through physiotherapy , new hip, and exercise but would love to get relief from this neuropathy in my leg !! Good luck .