Type 2 Gabapentin

[dogslife]

I have just had the results of my MRI scan and have a bulging disc in my lower spine which is causing me debilitating pain. The consultant is arranging for spinal injection(s) but also recommends I request Gabapentin from my GP for pain relief. Does anyone take this and what effects if any does it (or the steroid injections) have on your blood sugar levels please? Any feedback would be very welcome about either. Many thanks

 

[Guzzler]

Yes, I have had steroid injections which did go a long way in the releif of pain though it is temporary. The caused a rise in bg for me but I hear other people can react differently. The injections are uncomfortable but they are really worth it if you get some relief. I take Gabapentin, too, and it is known to raise bg in some people. It is also known to stimulate the appetite. All these things will need to be discussed with your GP.

 

[dogslife]

Yes, I have had steroid injections which did go a long way in the releif of pain though it is temporary. The caused a rise in bg for me but I hear other people can react differently. The injections are uncomfortable but they are really worth it if you get some relief. I take Gabapentin, too, and it is known to raise bg in some people. It is also known to stimulate the appetite. All these things will need to be discussed with your GP.

Thank you Guzzler for you prompt reply. I expect the injections are painful but I've got to give them a try as I've been in a great deal of pain now for 9+ months and it's getting worse/ restricting everything I can do. How often did you have the injections if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Bluetit1802]

Decades ago I had the same problem, and as you say, it was debilitating pain. I wasn't diabetic then, but the injections were the most unpleasant thing ever. I was supposed to have 3 a few weeks apart. The first two were so unpleasant I didn't have a third. Yes, they worked, but only for a short time. Maybe medical science has moved on since then. In the end I had the disc removed surgically. Best thing I ever did, and no problems since.

 

[Guzzler]

Thank you Guzzler for you prompt reply. I expect the injections are painful but I've got to give them a try as I've been in a great deal of pain now for 9+ months and it's getting worse/ restricting everything I can do. How often did you have the injections if you don't mind me asking?

The kind of injections I have are administered with an absolute minimum of six month intervals, however, by the time you wait to be seen this turns out more like twelve months. I was was told my reaction was good in that I get two to three months of relief. The injections plus pain meds give me a semblance of normality.
In my case I have been told that they will not work forever as my condition is inoperable and degenerative but this type of treatment covers many conditions each with its own treatment levels and protocols.

The procedure takes about thirty minutes, for me but I have seen people in and out in fifteen minutes.

 

[dogslife]

The kind of injections I have are administered with an absolute minimum of six month intervals, however, by the time you wait to be seen this turns out more like twelve months. I was was told my reaction was good in that I get two to three months of relief. The injections plus pain meds give me a semblance of normality.
In my case I have been told that they will not work forever as my condition is inoperable and degenerative but this type of treatment covers many conditions each with its own treatment levels and protocols.

The procedure takes about thirty minutes, for me but I have seen people in and out in fifteen minutes.

Thanks again, Guzzler. Sorry to hear that your condition is degenerative but glad that you are having some relief. My consultant said that surgery would not help my back problem just the nerve pain so not really an option if I can get similar relief from other treatments. I will mention the Gabapentin to my GP as I can't take anti-inflammatory pain killers due to my other medications. I take amitriptyline at night which helps but my daytime over the counter pain tablets are not too helpful. Thanks again for taking the trouble. Much appreciated.

 

[ickihun]

I have just had the results of my MRI scan and have a bulging disc in my lower spine which is causing me debilitating pain. The consultant is arranging for spinal injection(s) but also recommends I request Gabapentin from my GP for pain relief. Does anyone take this and what effects if any does it (or the steroid injections) have on your blood sugar levels please? Any feedback would be very welcome about either. Many thanks

Wow @dogslife.
I'm taking pregabalin is that a similar drug?
Awaiting my MRI appointment.

 

[ickihun]

Thanks again, Guzzler. Sorry to hear that your condition is degenerative but glad that you are having some relief. My consultant said that surgery would not help my back problem just the nerve pain so not really an option if I can get similar relief from other treatments. I will mention the Gabapentin to my GP as I can't take anti-inflammatory pain killers due to my other medications. I take amitriptyline at night which helps but my daytime over the counter pain tablets are not too helpful. Thanks again for taking the trouble. Much appreciated.

I have tramadol too from GP. No amtriptyine.... I did once have it from other GP for shoulder/neck pain. It knocked me out for hours, I couldn't get out of bed... so drousy.
However I have little one to look after through the night so I'd not like to be rendered incapable, for him.

 

[JohnEGreen]

Just don't take it with Heroin the combined result can and has been fatal.

 

[Bluetit1802]

My consultant said that surgery would not help my back problem just the nerve pain so not really an option if I can get similar relief from other treatments.

Did he explain why? I do know that surgery is the last option, and all other treatments have to be followed and shown to be ineffective, but to me getting rid of the source of the pain forever is better than masking the pain for short periods. Quality of life has to be taken into account. I had to have a long interview with the consultant surgeon before being allowed the op and was told exactly what he would do, what he hoped would happen and also what might happen. It was back in the 80's and this op was very new at the time. Nowadays it is more common with much better surgical equipment. I wouldn't hesitate to have it done again. I got my life back, in a few hours.

 

[dogslife]

Did he explain why? I do know that surgery is the last option, and all other treatments have to be followed and shown to be ineffective, but to me getting rid of the source of the pain forever is better than masking the pain for short periods. Quality of life has to be taken into account. I had to have a long interview with the consultant surgeon before being allowed the op and was told exactly what he would do, what he hoped would happen and also what might happen. It was back in the 80's and this op was very new at the time. Nowadays it is more common with much better surgical equipment. I wouldn't hesitate to have it done again. I got my life back, in a few hours.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Bluetit. I have only spoken to the consultant briefly over the phone so far about my results and agreed to try the injections and to discuss stronger medication with my GP. Maybe I will get the opportunity to discuss other options further when I see him face to face. I am just relieved for now that something is beginning to happen as I've been struggling since 6th June. Thanks again.

 

[dogslife]

Just don't take it with Heroin the combined result can and has been fatal.

Thanks JohnEGreen. To be honest its an option I'd not even thought of.

 

[ickihun]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Bluetit. I have only spoken to the consultant briefly over the phone so far about my results and agreed to try the injections and to discuss stronger medication with my GP. Maybe I will get the opportunity to discuss other options further when I see him face to face. I am just relieved for now that something is beginning to happen as I've been struggling since 6th June. Thanks again.

Ive been struggling for over 2yrs @dogslife.
I'd previously had not even taken a paracetamol for period pain so all these drugs do worry me. However, like you, I need to be able to move and get on with life.
I'm still waiting for the msk (not physio) dept to send me an appointment.
Do they assess me and then decide whether MRI or do they send me straight for a MRI?

 

[dogslife]

Wow @dogslife.
I'm taking pregabalin is that a similar drug?
Awaiting my MRI appointment.

Hello ickihun. Good to hear from you again. I don't know anything about pregabalin, I'm afraid. I only take 10 mg of amitriptyline at night. At first it made me drowsy until about midday the following day and like you I have someone to care for ( my elderly mum). I was advised to take it earlier in the evening so that the drowsiness wore off sooner and that works for me.

 

[dogslife]

Ive been struggling for over 2yrs @dogslife.
I'd previously had not even taken a paracetamol for period pain so all these drugs do worry me. However, like you, I need to be able to move and get on with life.
I'm still waiting for the msk (not physio) dept to send me an appointment.
Do they assess me and then decide whether MRI or do they send me straight for a MRI?

You have my sympathy, ickihun. I have been in pain for 9+ months and that is bad enough! I also share your concern about taking so many medications for different conditions. It seems that you are given a medication for one thing and that causes side effects which need another medication to control them! I went through a different route so don't know if it helps but I went to GP who referred me to Physio. I had several sessions with good physiotherapist but she was concerned that my pain was not responding to treatment so referred me to a spinal specialist physio at local hospital for further investigation. He examined me and sent me directly for a pelvic x-ray and referred me to main hospital for MRI scan. The appointment came by letter directly from the hospital. The MRI was nothing to worry about at all. I had to wait until both results went back to the consultant who rang me at home today. It all took a long time and in the mean time I've really struggled and relied on heat pad and over the counter pain killers apart from the amitriptyline. Maybe its worth ringing the msk department to ask them if you have been referred directly for an MRI or consultant visit 1st? I wish you well and hope you get help soon.

 

[Guzzler]

You have my sympathy, ickihun. I have been in pain for 9+ months and that is bad enough! I also share your concern about taking so many medications for different conditions. It seems that you are given a medication for one thing and that causes side effects which need another medication to control them! I went through a different route so don't know if it helps but I went to GP who referred me to Physio. I had several sessions with good physiotherapist but she was concerned that my pain was not responding to treatment so referred me to a spinal specialist physio at local hospital for further investigation. He examined me and sent me directly for a pelvic x-ray and referred me to main hospital for MRI scan. The appointment came by letter directly from the hospital. The MRI was nothing to worry about at all. I had to wait until both results went back to the consultant who rang me at home today. It all took a long time and in the mean time I've really struggled and relied on heat pad and over the counter pain killers apart from the amitriptyline. Maybe its worth ringing the msk department to ask them if you have been referred directly for an MRI or consultant visit 1st? I wish you well and hope you get help soon.

It was a little different for me. I went to the GP who sent me for an MRI and I think I waited about two weeks. However, the results from the initial MRI meant appointments with neurologist, neurosurgeon, an induction test, physio and OT meant that is was (with waiting times) about eighteen months before they decided that caudal infusion might work. The consultant anaesthesiologist that I saw at my first appointment actually was quite pessimistic that they would give me relief for any longer than "a couple of days" but so far they have been worth having.
This is why it has to be stressed that individual conditions shouldn't be compared as per treatment options.

Good luck.

 

[dogslife]

It was a little different for me. I went to the GP who sent me for an MRI and I think I waited about two weeks. However, the results from the initial MRI meant appointments with neurologist, neurosurgeon, an induction test, physio and OT meant that is was (with waiting times) about eighteen months before they decided that caudal infusion might work. The consultant anaesthesiologist that I saw at my first appointment actually was quite pessimistic that they would give me relief for any longer than "a couple of days" but so far they have been worth having.
This is why it has to be stressed that individual conditions shouldn't be compared as per treatment options.

Good luck.

It was a little different for me. I went to the GP who sent me for an MRI and I think I waited about two weeks. However, the results from the initial MRI meant appointments with neurologist, neurosurgeon, an induction test, physio and OT meant that is was (with waiting times) about eighteen months before they decided that caudal infusion might work. The consultant anaesthesiologist that I saw at my first appointment actually was quite pessimistic that they would give me relief for any longer than "a couple of days" but so far they have been worth having.
This is why it has to be stressed that individual conditions shouldn't be compared as per treatment options.

Good luck.

Hello again, Guzzler. I totally agree. Although our symptoms can often sound similar we each require individual medical assessments and treatments. I think it can be reassuring and informative though to learn of other peoples experiences and to share our own. It can sometimes help, I think, to put our own problems into some sort of perspective? My original post was only to ask what affect a specific medication/ treatment might have on sugar levels ( your reply to which was much appreciated) and yet it has led to some very helpful/ supportive and informative sharing. I wish all who have responded a good outcome, whatever their prognosis and treatment.

 

[jooleecee]

I have just had the results of my MRI scan and have a bulging disc in my lower spine which is causing me debilitating pain. The consultant is arranging for spinal injection(s) but also recommends I request Gabapentin from my GP for pain relief. Does anyone take this and what effects if any does it (or the steroid injections) have on your blood sugar levels please? Any feedback would be very welcome about either. Many thanks

Steroids are known to raise BG, but it does depend on the dose and type of steroid, and of course the way your body reacts to it. I had to take 5 days of prednisone for an allergic reaction. It's said on WebMD that it rarely affects BGL, but mine went up from average 200 (not great) to 600. I was pretty much delirious and acted so strangely I lost my job over it since I'd only been there a month! So definitely keep a close eye on your glucose, and if it does go up, talk to your doctor about adjusting your diabetes meds or perhaps cutting out carbs for the duration. I also take a pretty large dose of gabapentin (1200 - 1800mg/day) but for me it didn't increase my BGL at all. Gabapentin can also cause drowsiness, but for me it was mild and faded quickly after I'd been taking it for a week.

So as with most things, YMMV. Wishing you the best of luck and positive results with these treatments!

 

[ickihun]

You have my sympathy, ickihun. I have been in pain for 9+ months and that is bad enough! I also share your concern about taking so many medications for different conditions. It seems that you are given a medication for one thing and that causes side effects which need another medication to control them! I went through a different route so don't know if it helps but I went to GP who referred me to Physio. I had several sessions with good physiotherapist but she was concerned that my pain was not responding to treatment so referred me to a spinal specialist physio at local hospital for further investigation. He examined me and sent me directly for a pelvic x-ray and referred me to main hospital for MRI scan. The appointment came by letter directly from the hospital. The MRI was nothing to worry about at all. I had to wait until both results went back to the consultant who rang me at home today. It all took a long time and in the mean time I've really struggled and relied on heat pad and over the counter pain killers apart from the amitriptyline. Maybe its worth ringing the msk department to ask them if you have been referred directly for an MRI or consultant visit 1st? I wish you well and hope you get help soon.

Or so there are consultants in the mks dept then? I wasn't sure.
Thanks for insight.
Hope yours appease very very soon. Thinking of you.

Ps. We're you ever on canagliflozin or any similar spelling diabetic tablets?

 

[ickihun]

It was a little different for me. I went to the GP who sent me for an MRI and I think I waited about two weeks. However, the results from the initial MRI meant appointments with neurologist, neurosurgeon, an induction test, physio and OT meant that is was (with waiting times) about eighteen months before they decided that caudal infusion might work. The consultant anaesthesiologist that I saw at my first appointment actually was quite pessimistic that they would give me relief for any longer than "a couple of days" but so far they have been worth having.
This is why it has to be stressed that individual conditions shouldn't be compared as per treatment options.

Good luck.

I hear what your saying @Guzzler regarding different conditions and different reactions. Also like we always say too "we are not all the same".
I'm just looking to be able to walk without agony. I suppose that may be done the same time or just after my bariatric op? Not sure how this will pan out for me.
I just know I need to be able to walk after my op for better success. Otherwise the op will only help me with 3-4st off. Which won't relieve enough of my ailments to reduce blood pressure and asthma meds.
I feel lucky that my hospital are really helping me get the very best out of my major op.
I only get one chance at this weight loss freedom. I'm going to fight tooth and nail to keep weight off. If they can get it off me.
I have great faith in them all.

I'm feeling optimistic, once again.

In the mist of severe agony it's hard to see through it. I think @dogslife needs more pain relief through the day but only these medics can help with it.
We are in their hands... but so far all I've met are great human beings and don't want human suffering. Maybe GP could help in the intrim @dogslife for stronger daytime pain relief?