Hey Top, Cesar:
I just picked up on this thread and ...
You both not alone I've been taking Lyrica for Nueropathic pain disorder for the last few months with some good luck. Before the Lyrica they had me on Cymbalta but the side effects were worse than the nerve pain - can you say swollen testicles - looks impressive but hurts like hell
. The Lyrica is to treat the effects of four ruptured discs in my neck and two more in my lumbar as well as pain associated with a couple of autoimmune disorders that have been troubling me since I was a teenager. First was Graves Disease with its well known thyroid disorders and more recently Vitalago, and now some autoimmune related nerve disorder they haven't quite been able to place. I can live without the name if they will help me live without the pain.
The Vitalago is the most physically noticeable, making me look like someone splashed me with acid. A lot of acid. I'm so white now I actually shine at night. The most annoying part is I've lost so much pigment that even when I feel up to it I can't go out into the sun. It's tough having an eight year old son that you can't even play catch with let alone take swimming at his grandfathers beach. Thank god he's a BF1942 aficionado so we can at least do that together. (Look out Gib, your days are numbered - he is coming after you. Just a couple more year of practice and you are toast big fella!)
My mother passed away a few years back after struggling with an autoimmune disease for most of her adult life. She had a disorder known as Sarcoidosis but she never let it get in the way of enjoying life. Oddly enough until she was diagnosed most doctors believed the disease only affected black men. I know from personal experience that she was not black and my father assures us she was indeed a female, but of course fathers have been known to lie.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, none of the disc ruptures are bad enough to warrant surgery. As for the rest - bring on the drugs! Most days can be pretty rough. I've noticed it's effecting my humor, making me come across nastier then I intend. Still you motor on, when you can get the damn motor started.
I guess I'm writing this to let you know you are not alone, that and I learned to enjoy whining from time to time. I have a brother who is suffering from Parkinson's' so it's hard to turn to my family when I feel the need to complain. Every time I whince when I get up I get that withering 'how dare you complain' stare from my Fathers' new girlfriend. Funny thing is my brothers the only one who seems to understand. We'll have a few beers and see who can walk the farthest without grunting. He was winning before he starting having trouble walking so now I can kick his ass. It always easier when he's lying on the ground.
I truly understand what you guys are dealing with and I hope things go well for both you and your families. I'm certain that our families suffer as much as we do. (In fact: I work hard to insure mine suffer slightly more then I do in order to appear more manly
). I'd keep you in my prayers, if I still said them (long story - but can you say Irish Christian Brothers?), so you'll have to make due with my best wishes.
Given the number of medical related post recently perhaps we should change the meaning of the name JiF from "Just In Fun" to "Just In-Firm"?
Good luck and best wishes
Glen (A.K.A Badger, A.K.A Mini's Dad)
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