Next stop, Gabapentin...

So my GP said he can't prescribe me lyrica / pregabalin without me trying gabapentin first. So, I now have a prescription for gabapentin. I'm ever so slightly terrified as have heard mixed stories about side effects etc but have decided to try and stay positive. Who knows? It may work for me...
I'm still having physio for nerve issues with my pelvis. Finding that soooooo hard as it causes major flares in pain but persevering.
Just thought I'd post an update. At the moment, no one can say for sure what's caused my pain, however I think I have come to the conclusion so far that this time last year after being treated with lots of different meds like steroid creams and pessaries for an infection, my nerves have gone berserk. I've had subsequent pelvic issues from holding myself so tight for months on end. Physio is addressing that, and I'm hoping, the right meds will help calm my crazy nerve pain. Hmmm...

I've taken gabapentin in the past for my non-pelvic pain issues and I didn't have any adverse effects. I went up to 100mg, four times a day then eventually was switched to pregabalin as another dr preferred pregabalin for his patients. That was all before my pelvic pain started. But, yeah, I had no problems with gabapentin. I hope you have some success with it.

PainBlogger just wanted to say thank you for your input on my posts since I've been here. I really appreciate it. It's so valuable just hearing someone say something like that about their experience sometimes. Going to give it a shot from tonight. Pregabalin seems to be an issue where I live due to cost.

You're welcome. If my protracted experiences with various medications etc ( ) can be of use to others then at least that is something positive . Yes, pregabalin is newer and more expensive than gabapentin. Both can take a few days to get used to hence the dose is normally increased slowly.

I just find your manner very down to earth, and encouraging. So thanks! Hard to explain without sounding weird!

One thing I want to do is write down in detail things that I've tried and things that have helped a little because without this forum, I would honestly never have known where to go to or what directions to try... It's just not something many people know or have experience of. And of course, so many potential causes or additional / related issues.

4 nights on 100mg gabapentin and I couldn't face it any more... I'm so disappointed as I was determined to ride out any initial side effects... I had extreme night terrors and nausea and dizziness that I had to call in sick to work. I couldn't function. I go to work in pain every day as it is. So, I've stopped it for now. Going to try and continue with physio, magnesium, bicarb baths, epsom salt baths, wine (occasionally) and thinking about trying lidocaine for a period of time. The raw soreness I could do with some help in calming and wondering if that might help over a period of time.

That's not good. A drug that makes you feel worse than you did to start with has to get the heave ho. If you can face trying something else and your GP is agreeable then there's pregabalin or duloxetine - and, as you say, lidocaine. I was better after eight weeks of lidocaine 2% (Instillagel 11ml syringes - one syringe lasted two nights) on cotton wool at night than I was before it. It did calm down the surface burning quite a lot. We all react differently to different drugs it's such a nuisance that it's not more of a predictable science. I'm going to hopefully increase my duloxetine when I see my doctor before Christmas. I'm sure it is helping me somewhat and (logically, though these things don't always follow...) if I up the dose it'll hopefully help a bit more.

Yes I was so disappointed, as I really was ready to persist with initial side effects if I had bay but I just couldn't take it... I don't think he'll let me try pregabalin. He seemed reluctant due to cost. I may ask about duloxetine. Thank you. Really glad to hear its working somewhat for you. I'm feeling it all today - really aching and sore. I think I got so tense on the gabapentin which hasn't helped. Even my jaw hurt like crazy! Anyway, I've bought over the counter vagisil today to try a little of and make sure I don't flare with it first and then will hopefully give that a go.

I hope it gives you some relief. Bear in mind that it may contain fragrance in the added ingredients (at least the similar Lanacaine does, or used to) so if you do get any irritation from it, it may be that rather than the lidocaine.

I've just seen it says that on the tube! Thanks for the warning. I think I'll try it somewhere close but not currently sore first.