How to ask the doctor a question

Hi Johnno,

I guess that the only way is to come out and say it. However, maybe if anyone else here has had shingles they can clear up something. I was under the impression that the pain of shingles didn't go away when you went to bed. I haven't had shingles, so I don't know. That would make your symptoms more like sciatica. But you don't have anything to lose by asking.

Mary

Mary ,
When I mean it eases when I go to bed because I am on tramadol ,endep and panadiene osteo to help me sleep if I have had a week or two with disturbed sleep I have a stash of Xanax .
These are only used when I am really down I have had a packet of 50 for over twelve months so you can see I don't use them unless required .
The numbness in my leg is pretty well constant and it does effect my sleep and waking hours .
I think I may have mentioned on an earlier post that my psychologist has cut my working week down by a day and is talking about reducing it further to assist me with the pain and fatigue .
I also had thoughts it may be linked with sciatica I will question him on both ,I had an MRIs ,X-Rays etc and there is no sign of damage to any nerves or spine .

Good idea Johnno,

Let us know how you get on. If there is nothing on your scans to indicate nerve impingement then it is worth investigating it from the shingles angle I guess, but I am not a doctor!

Good luck,

Mary

Hi all,

Saw my doctor today and yes he is open on Sunday , he is trying me on Lyrica I discussed with him about our discussions and he said he is happy to help and is willing to try other alternatives so I am relieved .
Has anyone else suffered persistent ringing in their ears ?
It is like listening to a real persistent cicada chirp

Hi Johnno,

Has the ringing in your ears only started since you took Lyrica? What dose are you starting on?

I have had that ringing in my ears (Tinnitus) for many years. I can't remember whether it has gotten worse since I have been on Lyrica. It may be that is was going to get worse anyway. It is usually a result of ear damage by loud noises, music etc. I believe that some meds. can cause it and I think, from memory, that Lyrica is one of them.

I think I am lucky because, although it is quite loud, I am able to ignore it.

Mary

Johnno yes it is called tinnitus, working with heavy machinery has caused mine, being somewhere silent makes it ten time worse, mine can very in noise from a high pitch squeal to a low hum, I have lived with it for so long I am use to it.

Don

Hi Mary

Only started on Lyrica today have had ringing in my ears for a few years I don't know whether it is because of all the other medication .
I am going to have my hearing checked as it drives me nuts when there is no other noise

Johnno

Don

Just posted to Mary I wonder if it is a drug related issue

Johnno

Johnno I have had my hearing checked and although I have this background noise my hearing is just about perfect, night time is the worse when laying in bed trying to get to sleep, some days are worse than others, here is a link that explains what causes it and possible relief.

http://www.tinnitus.asn.au/tinnitus.htm

Don

Thanks Don have just checked this site and have bookmarked it it does mention anti depressants so hmmm I wonder if they are hindering me and helping it ?

Cheers
Johhno

Sorry Mary my Lyrica is 75 m Per tab

Johnno

Thanks Johnno, I was just curious! That's all. I hope it works well for you.

Mary

Mary,

Hopefully it works I have tried it today to see if it makes me drowsy so far so good

Johnno

Hello! I was on amitriptyline (antidepressant) for 7 weeks in 2011. It gave me tinnitus as a side effect but I stuck with it as I knew it was a good drug for pain. I still have the tinnitus now! Apparently it caused ear damage... very mad about that one!