While he was still on active duty he was sent to see a top neurosurgeon in Louisiana, probably in 2002. The doctor could do nothing for him and told him that it would be best if he got on a anti-depressant because of the high suicide rate associated with this injury.
Over the years he has been on just about every medication for nerve pain, all eventually stop working. On our last trip to the Amputee Clinic last November there was a new doctor in charge. He came from the military hospital (Balboa) and worked with active duty amputees. Awesome guy and the only doctor that has examined him since we met that acknowledged his BPI. We are working with a prosthetist to develop a brace/sling to give him upper body support for his shoulder and hold what is left of his arm in place. He also took him off carbazametphine because it wasn't working and said he would no longer benefit from those type of meds. He gave us a tens unit which did nothing. His only relief is from vicodin when he finally gives in and takes it. He also gets some relief from lidocaine cream which is very promising if we can do further with it. I asked his primary doc to prescribe the patches which help but is hard to keep it in place and while it helps it just isn't enough.
We go back to the Amputee clinic next Monday. Would greatly appreciate any advice or recommendations on pain relief.
TIA
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Ellen