My husband is an amputee and he has had a terrible time with pain and the nerves balling up in his stump. It has been 5 years. He runs fever many times a nite or day then may go a day or two without. Im trying to find a great hospital or doctor who knows of this and can help us to get him well. Mayo will not take him because it has been too many years since his accident. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dr. Joshua’s Answer

He should be evaluated to exclude infection because of the fever. Any treatable cause for the pain should be sought, and if there is none, treatment for neuropathic pain should be initiated. Drugs such as Lyrica, Neurontin, amitriptyline or carbamazepine, should be considered. Physical therapy is important. If these do not help, there are other means such as TNS (transcutaneous nerve stimulation) and other local treatments. If these do not provide relief, spinal cord stimulation should be considered.

I recommend that you see the primary care physician about this, to look for infection, then to refer your husband to a pain specialist.