Phantom Pain!!! The dreaded foe of all amputees. It is an ongoing problem though I don't see it is often as I did at first. As a diabetic I take Neuroton for neuropathy in my legs (all 1.666 of them). This seems to help with the phantom pains though I still have times when it gets rather rough.

What I normally do when it gets too rough is pull the prosthetic and liner off and then gently massage my stump area. A good moist heating pad also does wonders to help loose the pain some. I have also soaked a towel in hot water and wrapped it around my stump, this helps too.

Have you brought this pains up with your prosthetisist? It may be a slight fit problem with your prosthetic that is causing the pain.

Keep us up on anything you try that works for you.

Hi Sybil:

Usually my prosthesis is the culprit, but even without the prosthesis on I get them just from sitting on my sciatic nerve(I am a HP so I have no rt. pelvis to protect me).

A heating pad or hot towels on the area helps. Crutching around (movement) and massage helps. If I am in absolute despair I will use medications. I really try not to though as it turns my brain into jelly.

Sorry, but I am a Patriots fan, I hope that doesn't bother you too much. I have had phantom pain for several years since my amputation. I started taking Lyrica and it seems to help because it works differently than narcotics or opiates. I also use a pain cream which is extremely helpful and takes the pain away fairly quickly, my wife also uses it for tendinitis of her elbow and she also finds immediate relief. If you would like the name of the cream, just let me know.

HI! I experience phantom pains but I've never taken any pills to relieve pain. I've come to accept it like torture but I always counter it with a good hard stump massage from my kids or husband...this is just me. What I truly dread is the phantom 'itch' from my lost leg.

Phantom pain was an issue a while ago for me but now it has turned to phantom sensations.
physical massage and warm/heat therapy helped. In the beginning nuerotin was the ticket but not a fan of chemical answers.