Taking Control of Central Pain Syndrome

Hi, I am finding many ways of reducing the pain and burning sensations to my left side. Last year I started getting post stroke pain and through trial and error have found things that help.  Dressing for the weather conditions not how I feel is important.  I warm my bed with an electric blanket and have a toilet seat cover.  I also put on my undertake heating in my bathroom so if I get up in the night the cold floor is not too much of a shock.   I have waterproof gear for walking outside.  If I get wet and cold, the pain is far worse. I keep active with yoga and walking to keep strong, but I have to push past the nerve pain to do this.  It's getting easier to cope with.  I would like to hear how others manage.

Hi Lizzie, really interesting post with lots of great strategies - we will be sure to direct callers with similar questions to this post. Thanks for sharing!

Nice udpates so far. Yeah, the winter is coming and season is changing. We need to be more careful. 

 Hi All, I'm new to this group and am wondering if anyone is on medication for Central or Thalamic Pain Syndrome! I've just started going to the pool for walking but the temperature of the water is increasing my pain. Any suggestions how best to cope? 

I take Gabapentin 300mg x 3 times a day

  It doesn't eliminate my pain but it makes it beatable.  Playing with my grandkids and writing help to distract me.  I wrote a book duri g my rehab whi h has now been published.  LIFTED UP BY ANGELS by MAY MACKLIN Author

I am a 20 year stroke survivor.  14 years ago I had an interthecal pump placement with didlaudid. This is the only thing that effectively helps with the pain.  I also take lyrica twice a day which does help a bit. 

However, when the pain gets really bad the only thing that really helps is for me to have someone lightly touch me on my non-stroke effected side in random patterns.  This help me to concentrate on those sensations rather than the pain temps distract me from the pain. 

I hope this helps someone else!

Hi all, what a great conversation :)

This EnableMe podcast explores pain after stroke. It features young survivor of stroke Emma Gee sharing her story and advice. Emma is joined by Brendon Haslam, physiotherapist and researcher, and Stroke Foundation's Simone Russell, occupational therapist and StrokeLine legend. 

Pain after stroke | enableme - stroke recovery and support

Your doctor is the best source of information about medication. StrokeLine's health professionals can also provide information, support and referral. StrokeLine can help you find what will work for you. 

StrokeLine | Stroke Foundation - Australia

Best, Jude, StrokeLine