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Back in the Fall I built up to 1200mg per day (in about ten days) and I cannot say if it helped my upper body RA, (neck and shoulders) however, within about three weeks my right knee went out (at that time I was still kiteboarding and will be 65 next month)
I handled that with a knee brace but then a couple of weeks later my left ankle went out shortly followed by my left knee. By this time making it from my car to Walmart's entrance was taking a lot of effort and my outlook on life was going downhill rapidly.
Then I got a call on Christmas day from a friend whose son was taking "gabapentin" for RA who had severe reactions to it that took him from being a college athlete to an invalid in only a few short weeks
So I pulled the plug but found out fast you have to wean off of it rather than go cold turkey (headaches from that were incredible)
Within two weeks both my knees and ankle were back online, unfortunately my neck and shoulders have now gotten so bad I cannot even blow my nose let alone cough or sneeze without amounts of intense pain beyond anything the normal mind can fathom.
Hard to say if it helped my upper body but it certainly was a setback for my lower body
Unfortunately my health provider is the VA
Needless to say I am no longer kiteboarding…………. bummer
I was put on Gabapentin due to insurance company balking at continuing my Lidoderm patches. Side effects of Gabapentin were too much to tolerate so now it's neither unless I'm willing to attempt/fail at Gabapentin again.
I've run into three types of doctors when it comes to pain management. One is ok with prescribing whatever is needed to reduce pain to a point where you have as much quality of life as possible and will work with you and listen to reasonable ideas.
Another is totally against ANY type of narcotic due to (their) personal health concerns/beliefs. They seem to think that the pain is better controlled with meditation/herbs/aspirin than some nasty,addictive,body killing narcotic. I can respect that as it's a real belief system kind of like Vegans and meat. I just don't agree with any doctor that won't use every tool in the box to HELP a patient.
The third, which is the worst one in my opinion, won't prescribe narcotics for no other reason other than paranoia and putting themselves over what's best for the patient. They are soooo worried the DEA will come busting in the door and/or don't want to deal with C2 paperwork that they'd rather just pawn the patient off on another doctor or let 'em suffer.
I've actually had conversations with ALL 3 types of doctors in the 15 years I've been dealing with pain control. Happily I've been able to find good docs of the first type I describe.
Wow. You won't go to a pain specialist because that would be playing "their game"? If you had a heart attack, would you refuse to see a cardiologist and instead insist on being treated only by your own general practitioner? It's got to be your way or the highway? I'm surprised, given your attitude, that you can find any doctor willing to have you as a patient.
Yes, I refuse to play their CYA game of pee tests,contracts and being treated like some kind of street drug addict suspected pill dealer common criminal before they even know me which is EXACTLY what is being done when you submit yourself to such nonsense. Such doctors are deeming me a criminal just because I am in pain.
Besides that, how do I know that said "pain specialist" isn't just another doctor feel good pill mill owner? I've personally known of one such doctor at a pain clinic who's been busted TWICE and finally had his (narcotic) prescribing privileges lifted for life, and he was giving said contracts to patients. What does THAT say about the process?
I'm sorry, I find it highly insulting and a one way relationship from someone who I am paying.
As for the cardiologist example? If my cardiologist demanded blood tests and a contract stating I wouldn't eat meat,dairy or any other substance HE deemed harmful in order to get my Plavix or a stent then yes, I'd bounce his ass right down the road and find a new doctor.
There is NOTHING that a supposed "pain specialist" can do that my G.P. can't do with less paperwork,hassle and insulting/demeaning procedures.
I have advanced RA that too is associated with neuropathic pain, and some of my pain numbers off of the charts they are so high. Just getting into or out of bed is torture. Obviously getting dressed and trying to do things like household chores is often enough to cause loud involuntary utterances from me that do not even sound human
Have you ever had anything like "Gabapentin" prescribed for you? (there are a family of these meds all related to each other)
It is known to help those who suffer from neuropathic pain even though the pill was originally used for treating seizures; they just happened to find out it worked well for helping with "nerve pain" that even the strongest of opiates do not help short of a dose so strong you sleep your life away
Unfortunately, for me the side effects were too much to deal with but everyone is different
If you have not had it prescribed before now, I suggest you ask your doctor about it.
It might just be what you have been hoping for
I hope so, pain sucks
I just got this myself. I have been having horrible left hip pain that goes all the way down my leg, already been through 5 months of ART and exercising daily but still having issues. I wantd Tramadol, and I do find it annoying that he wouldn't refill it considering my last prescription for it was 30 pills 4-5 months ago (I break the in half). In any case, the Gabapentin does seem to help so far (been about 4 days) and so far no side effects.
Finally getting an MRI Tuesday...I had to fight harder to get the doc to order an MRI than I did for any pain meds.
Let me add to this that the nurse was "supposed" to tell me to add Aleve from day one but somehow that got missed, hence I suffered for 3 days before I called in.
I had a torn labrum repaired, slept in my recliner for 2-3 months before I could tolerate a bed. After talking with many who've had shoulder surgery I found this was pretty common.
Not to go off topic but best advice to you and your son is to be sure he does EVERYTHING the doctor says and does NOT try to short cut or speed things up.
Trying to speed things up will most likely cause more pain and a much longer recovery or worst case, more injury like a frozen shoulder... (ask me how I know this...)
Ugh, my son's shoulder surgery is for a torn labrum as well.
So far it seems to make my feet/legs feeling far worse than they were before-and now my lungs hurt. I dont know if its related or not
Bummer sorry to hear this
I recommend keeping a close eye on your reaction to it. I had to stop it because of what it did to my lower body joints. If you have a tendency to over eat or not get enough exercise be careful because this pill is associated with weight gain.
Still (and because I have a half bottle left) I am going to ask my doctor about trying it again. For sure my neck and shoulders are much worse now then when I was taking it
If you do have to stop it wean yourself down rather than pull the plug on it
Ugh, my son's shoulder surgery is for a torn labrum as well.
Something that helped my shoulder and neck pain while in bed is the "My Pillow". If they are having a TV add in your area for it you can get a second one for free
I got mine at Bed,Bath, and Beyond. I bought it on only a hope but it has made a big difference in the amount of hours I can sleep without being woken up because of pain
Might be the best $40 investment you or your son could make
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After talking with many who've had shoulder surgery I found this was pretty common. 
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