L 4 and L5 pain

[geisha]

Hi, after scans etc my doctor has prescribed me Lexomil  , only one quarter of tab, to deal with sleepless nights due to pain waking me up every time I move or turn over. It seems to be working fine. I do not drink . My question, will I have problems traveling with these meds ? I have a signed doctors prescription and also pharmacy stamp . I will have enough for my stay only which is 45 days.  Ps, I see a Kine and do certain exercises and mainly good walks.

[KhunLA]

This might even be available OTC

 

"The best equivalent of Lexomil Roche in Thailand called Lexotan. Analogue has exactly the same ingredients, pharmacological group"

[Sheryl]

It is absolutely not available OTC. It is a controlled substance (in the schedule of controlled psychotropics). 

 

However does not need a permit to bring in. Just proof of prescription.

 

OP I suggest you also bring a medical summary from your doctor and DVD of scans with you just in case  you suffer a worsening of condition while here and need to consult a doctor. 

 

Long plane trip can really aggravate this do fly business class if you can and get up and walk at regular intervals.

 

Have you considered an epidural injection?

[connda]

I'm just being Captain Obvious here, but now that cannabis is legal here in Thailand?
It's easier to buy some indica cannabis bud and used it before bed-time.  Check the Asean Now Cannabis Forum for information about where you can order online or find a dispensary in your area.

However, regarding Lexomil.  It's a classic benzodiazepine.  Yeah, benzos can work to help you sleep.  Diazepam is easy enough to obtain from a medical or psychiatric clinic (easier from the latter imho).  It has a relatively long half-life, so helps you get to sleep and stay asleep.  However, it's not a good long-term solution (no benzodiazepines are good long-term sleep aids) as if you use it long-term you'll build resistance to the drug and need more for it to work.  It can be used as a tool for sleep if used responsibly and in moderation - but!  You have to stop using it on occasion, in other words, you have to cycle it or you'll end up dependent on it (a nice word for addicted).  You do not want to be physically dependent on benzodiazepines.  If you ever get hooked on benzos, here's your off-ramp:  https://www.benzofree.org/info/ashton/
Word of advice?  Don't get hooked.

You can get prescription zolpidem (Ambien) at private hospitals but it is very expensive.   Just an option.

There is a ton of information online about yoga and physical therapy for lumbar issues.  Do yourself a favor, see a back specialist and get a referral for physical therapy.  Your long-term solution is to try to solve the problem that is causing L4-L5 compression. 

I'll give you one exercise I use myself.  It's a quadriceps stretch but it does effect muscles in the lumbar region.  So a short session three or four times a day.  Best of luck.  Try the cannabis for sleep.    

Edited February 12, 2023 by connda

[geisha]

Thanks for the answers. I already see a kinésithérapie , and do light home exercises and the Mezzier method breathing . I also had the injections under a scanner to get the exact locations , fantastic outcome, lasted 3 weeks ! My doctor says it’s common. My problem is sleeping. I fall asleep , and a turn over and I’m awake in pain . After not sleeping a full night for 5 days I was given Lexomil. I only take a quarter tab. They work about 6 hrs which is great. I don’t fancy smoking,´I’m an ex smoker tho years back. I’m more worried about traveling with them. I would have enough for 45 days which is not much tablet wise. I have a doctors prescription of course and it’s stamped by the pharmacy. I was going to Bali as well but am worried about their rules too. Might not travel with them , or Chang e plan. Thanks, 40 years of working in a restaurant hasn’t done me much good . 
 

[geisha]

On 2/12/2023 at 3:39 AM, Sheryl said:

It is absolutely not available OTC. It is a controlled substance (in the schedule of controlled psychotropics). 

 

However does not need a permit to bring in. Just proof of prescription.

 

OP I suggest you also bring a medical summary from your doctor and DVD of scans with you just in case  you suffer a worsening of condition while here and need to consult a doctor. 

 

Long plane trip can really aggravate this do fly business class if you can and get up and walk at regular intervals.

 

Have you considered an epidural injection?

Thank you Sheryl, yes , had the injection. I was practically crying with relief the next day , felt great.

Sadly it last 3 weeks and I was very disappointed. Specialist did it under the scanner too , said that it doesn’t work for everyone.  I have a prescription and pharmacy stamp and I would only need to bring about 12 tablets with me as I only take a quarter.  

[geisha]

Just now, geisha said:

Thank you Sheryl, yes , had the injection. I was practically crying with relief the next day , felt great.

Sadly it last 3 weeks and I was very disappointed. Specialist did it under the scanner too , said that it doesn’t work for everyone.  I have a prescription and pharmacy stamp and I would only need to bring about 12 tablets with me as I only take a quarter.  

I’ve booked business class !

[Sheryl]

5 hours ago, geisha said:

Thank you Sheryl, yes , had the injection. I was practically crying with relief the next day , felt great.

Sadly it last 3 weeks and I was very disappointed. Specialist did it under the scanner too , said that it doesn’t work for everyone.  I have a prescription and pharmacy stamp and I would only need to bring about 12 tablets with me as I only take a quarter.  

I had exact same experience with injection (though at L6/7).  And like you, the pain was worst lying down and greatoy disturbed my sleep. The initial relief confirms that they have correctly identified the source of the pain. Short duration suggests rhat there is nerve compression and unless there high risk factors for surgery, would usually be an infication for dmsurgery. Nowadays there are less invasive techniques which give very good results.

 

I had minimally invasive decompression surgery and got immediate and so far (more than a year later) permanent relief.