Neuropathic pain and exercise

[MaryMary]

I have neuropathic pain following tummy tuck surgery 9 months ago.The pain is all over my abdomen. I started taking a low dose of gabapentin (400mg) 3 months ago and found that my pain magically disappeared and I started to get mobile and do limited housework. However, a couple of times, the pain has returned - and I find it difficult to move for a week or 2 and can only very gradually build up my activity. I have not, since my surgery, been able to function normally as it is difficult to move around without pain (before diagnosis).
I am trying to understand this condition and am trying not to get depressed by what I am discovering. But I can't work out whether I am always going to trigger 2-3 weeks worth of pain and loss of mobility (not being able to get to work, sit at a desk, walk etc) every time I do anything more active than walking. I am frightened of increasing the gabapentin dose unnecessarily as it seems from what I read that my body will build up a tolerance and will need to move to higher and higher doses - and then what??!! I'm finding the whole thing very scary.
Am I ever going to be able to go shopping for the day again, or walk in the country, or start regaining the strength and fitness I have lost?

[JAVISI]

Mary,
I developed neuropathic pain after having a cholectomy. I was already on gabapentin due to pain due to haveing trigeminal neuralgia. I take 600mg 4 times a day. And you are right you do build up a tolerance to the med after awhile.
Have you ever been to a pain clinic they can inject the nerve with an anesthetic and a steroid to decrease the flare up. I also used lidoderm patches but I then had constipation, it seems that it put my nerve to sleep and my bowel making my problems worse. But for others the patches work great!
Last Thursday I had my lower back injected. I felt great the 2nd day but am having more pain now, They say that sometimes it takes a couple of weeks to work. I go back in one month to get another injection.
Just a few ideas to throw at you. Pain can be so dibilitatiny and depressing. Hang on and talk to your Dr. Tell him that you have to have some releif and if possible I would reccomend a pain clinic!
Best Wishes, Dream Big and Reach for the Stars, Javi

[Nana4&cntn]

Mary,

I have neuropathic pain as a result of a back injury. I also find it difficult to work out. Weight training was my exercise of choice prior to the accident then surgery. I wasn't helped by neurontin and now take Lyrica. You may want to ask your doc for a script for water therapy. I have found it to be wonderful, there is little gravity and the warm water is very therapeutic. You also get your heart rate up, which I am sure you know helps to burn calories and firm up. Just something to consider.

Also, your surgery was 9 months ago and mant nerves were cut, it can take up to 3 years for nerves to reinervate. Until then I know how terribly painful it is, and may not happen. It is important to try to keep you spirits up.

Please take care and I wish you a pain free day,
Kathy