My bad leg?!?!

My bad leg?!?

Years ago a tree branch fell on me (don't laugh!) and badly cut my thigh muscle. Although it all healed up fine I still experience some pain from it almost every day. I'm an active (ish) person and find that my leg occasionally holds me back. I've had many test etc done on the leg and doctors say there is nothing they can do. Is there any unpresciribed painkillers, apart from paracetomol that anyone can suggest?? Would be very grateful! Thanks

1 month ago
To dEniSe - I can kind of see why you think this but no I am talking about me! Also I don't think Dr. House's pain is from a tree falling on him, he got shot didn't he? Very good program though!

You sound as if you have nerve damage. You may have what is called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or Sympathetic Maintained Pain Syndrome. (Look those up!) For someone with chronic pain you will do best by contacting a multi-disciplinary pain clinic/program. There you will work with a variety of medical personnel to deal with your specialized problem. Since you have thigh pain, a femoral nerve block should be tried on you. With that you'll probably have an anesthetic mixed with a narcotic such as morphine (Duramorph or Astromorph), Demerol, or fentanyl. ( I had one, and it does take away any pain in the leg that the block is in!) You may even have a steroid included in that block, but most doctors will go with the anesthetic and narcotic first. If that block gave you relief, you could end up with a cryo which would "freeze" the nerve, so that you would not feel any pain again. If that sounds like a bit much for you there are better medications to try. Durgesic (fentanyl) patch. They come in about four different strengths and you put one on and change it in three days. The first day or two you may have to take oral meds for break through pain until your body adapts to the patch. For nerve pain you can also try Lidoderm. It is a patch that has lidocaine in it and is also effective. You put this on for 12 hours and take it off for 12 hours. If your city has a teaching hospital near it, try that out because they get the latest techniques taught to them. Also check out pain clinics. Anesthesiologist usually work in them and do the blocks. Good luck and don't quit. Keep using your leg. I can sympathize with you because I worked in a pain management clinic for over 14 years and then ended up with a knee injury that has led to over 10 surgeries including a knee replacement so I feel your pain! Also don't forget icing and heat therapy. There are also selective nerve root blocks, epidurals, and a lumbar sympathetic nerve block which would take away or dim the pain.