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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Sustained 3rd And 4th Degree Burns. Have Very Intense Nerve Pain. On Gabapentin, Hydromorph. No Relief. Suggestion?

In August of 2011, I sustained 3rd and 4th degree burns to 70% of my body. I had over 18 surgeries and spent 3 months in a coma. I have very intense nerve pain and generally strong pain all day, and especially at night.
My family doctor will not increase my pain meds, and I am suffering. Ihave recently gone off methadone for pain. I was at 75mg per day last year this time. I take gabapentin also. I am prescribed 12mg hydromorph contain, twice a day, and 6, 2mg dilaudid for breakthrough. He thinks this is too much. However reading the letter below, this seems like nothing... Can you give your opinion. I am female, 47 yrs old, 5'3, 150lbs. I am due to have major reconstructive surgery on both hands this summer, and I am scared of being in worse pain...
posted on Wed, 8 May 2013
Twitter Fri, 10 May 2013 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 10 May 2013 Last reviewed on
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi there ~

I understand your concerns and it is very likely that you have neuropathic pain from the burns. I am glad you are alive with the kinds of burns you sustained and you might have had lots of surgeries since then. I would encourage you to take your doctor's advise regarding the surgery. However, since your medications are not helping I can suggest that there are many more effective medications for the pain relief, one among them being lyrica, and I would encourage you to contact your doctor for the same. Also if sleep is an issue, sedative hypnotics as well as muscle relaxants may be helpful in your condition. Please ask your doctor for advise. Take care and have a lovely day!
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Sustained 3rd And 4th Degree Burns. Have Very Intense Nerve Pain. On Gabapentin, Hydromorph. No Relief. Suggestion?

Hi there ~ I understand your concerns and it is very likely that you have neuropathic pain from the burns. I am glad you are alive with the kinds of burns you sustained and you might have had lots of surgeries since then. I would encourage you to take your doctor s advise regarding the surgery. However, since your medications are not helping I can suggest that there are many more effective medications for the pain relief, one among them being lyrica, and I would encourage you to contact your doctor for the same. Also if sleep is an issue, sedative hypnotics as well as muscle relaxants may be helpful in your condition. Please ask your doctor for advise. Take care and have a lovely day!