Hi I have been diagnosed with MS for 5 years now and looking for a little advice.
I have had very little relapses, like one or two a year and luckily the don’t last long either.
I do get nerve pain that feels like sunburn and I just put up with it. This time though it is on my upper arm and is giving me bother when lifting the little ones and other tasks. Im now thinking that maybe I should take some pain meds to be a bit more comfortable rather than just putting up with it. I just wonder if I should try anything over the counter first (like co-codamol) or should I go straight to my GP? Im a bit reluctant to start prescribed pain meds as its not agony just uncomfortable. I used to work in a pharmacy so familiar with over the counter medicines but just not 100% sure on this and wondered what’s worked for anyone else.
I am undergoing tests to start on Fingolimod in the next month or so as Ive had a break from treatments to finish having my family.
Thanks
Laura
Hi Laura…and I`m sure you are the lovely Laura too!
As you have worked in a pharmacy, you`ll know that prescription meds are usually stronger or more suited to the kind of pain that can accompany MS.
I would see what your GP can offer, before buying any.
Maybe the fingomilod will help.
pollsx
In general, over the counter pain relief doesn’t help with nerve pain, so I should think seeing a doctor and getting something specific for nerve pain is more useful. What might be a good plan is to speak to your MS nurse if you have one, and ask for his/her opinion. Then you can go to your GP with suggestions as to what might work. Otherwise, your GP may not know what to suggest. If you don’t have an MS nurse, then ask your neurologist, if you don’t have an impending appointment, try writing to him / her. Or get their secretaries email address, email that person and ask them to forward to the neuro.
Meanwhile, have a look at the MS Trust info on pain: Pain | MS Trust
Sue
Thank you both so much for your replies. That link really helps me understand it all a bit better. As this is the first I’m really experiencing the pain side of MS (I normally get numbness or optic neuritis) I’ve never really had a chat about pain management with my neuro or Ms nurse. I’ve only met my Ms nurse once but I’ll get in touch with her.
I am plagued with sensory pain … I had used amytripyline on and off for last 10 years … now it’s permanently on! It doesn’t get rid of it all together but makes it bearable and helps me sleep. For years I wasn’t keen on taking drugs but now just accept it helps …
Ps should have said its prescription drug … antidepressant but used a low dose to deal with neuropathic pain .