Neuropathy

[sserra]

I wake up 5-6 times a night literally screaming in excruciating pain. My arms - usually both, but one is always worse than the other are in excruciating pain during sleep and the first couple of hours when I get up for the day. My arms feel as though there were a turniquet on them during the night. They are slightly swollen and throbbing in pins & needles, electrical pain...they feel as though they are on fire from the inside out. I'm on the maximum dosage of neurontin (& elevil). During the day, although I am not screaming in pain, they have a numbness/pins & needles feeling.
I am at the point right now that I don't ever want to sleep because I know how I will be waking up (many times during the night).
Does this sound like any neuropathy anyone else is dealing with?

[twcourage]

try effexior I had the burning pain all the time and could not sleep. went on effexor and everything is fine

[cffink]

This may sound strange but are you a side sleeper? I had been diagnosed with PTSD. I lay on one arm or the other at different times of the night. I clench my left hand usually until there is a fingernail imprint in it. I asked my regular physician who is a great guy and very knowledgable and he says while I am sleeping I am sometimes sleeping on my arm. This causes the same sensation you describe although I am not screaming in pain. It really hurts. When this happens I put my affected arm over the bed until the blood returns which takes the pain away. I can only hope this helps some. Also maybe a neurostimulator might be investigated. i am having a trial period from a company called ANS. my feet are the problem but it can target most pain and is certainly worth investigating.

Also I will pray for you. Prayer changes things

[jetn]

I understand what you are feeling except I have it in my legs. NO amount of medicine seems to help and sleeping is a joke. I have not found the answer except becoming a vegetable seems to lessen the symptoms a little. My osteopath suggested stress can play a big part in the pain issue. How can you not have stress with this type of paid. Good luck to you. One day we will all wake up and have no pain.

[dar in pa]

Hi,
It all sounds familiar--except that mine is in my legs. The Drs. tell me it is peripheral neuropathy. I have suffered with it for over 3 years. I also have severe RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) that also causing much burning and severe pain.
I get so tired I want to sleep but can't, due to all of the pain. It really is a vicious cycle.
Take care.
Darlene