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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
Neuropathy | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (6026)Comment receiving replies
Hello and thank you for this support group!
I have been scanning through the posts to get some much needed help and have found some help that I would not have received if not for the information that I found here.
I am 46 years old and began to experience severe pain in my early 30’s.
I have non-length dependent small fiber neuropathy, erythromyelagia on my face, ears nose, feet, hands and knees.
I have Sjogren’s as well.
I need better medical care because I was referred to Stanford Health but my insurance will not cover Stanford and I am considering making a trip to a Mayo clinic.
I drag my heels on going to Mayo since I already know that there are no treatments available except some palliative ones which I already have.
My neurologist noted no reflexes in my ankles so I do not know why that is since small fiber neuropathy does not involve motor nerves. However, my EMG was normal. So I am perplexed about the loss of reflexes.
My huge struggles are: digestion, fatigue, burning skin (erythromyelagia) severe dry eyes, and pain.
I exercise, follow an AIP paleo diet, I do not drink.
I am in bed a lot from the pain in my feet and legs and I am fatigued a lot like my muscles are weighed down by cement blocks.
Despite the struggles, I have a sunny disposition and laugh a lot. I take short walks and when my eyes allow I enjoy literature and watching anything on PBS.
Thanks again for this group!
Replies to "Hello and thank you for this support group! I have been scanning through the posts to..."
@jgoodall
I am a 54 year old female and have small fiber neuropathy and a huge list of other symptoms. Have you tried taking Acetyl L Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements for neuropathy pain? They have helped me some. I started taking them when I was first diagnosed with SFN. Also, do you use lidocaine pain patches (Salonpas is my favorite brand) and capsaicin/CBD nerve pain creams? I do get burning and pain on my feet and face that seems to come and go with flares. It seems many neurologists and doctors don’t really know the cause of many nerve diseases and they play whack-a-mole with us trying different things that don’t work. I do question the toxins in air, water, food, medications (OTC and Rx), and household items, etc. being a source of many diseases that cause nerve damage. It seems we need to detoxify as best as possible to prevent further damage while trying to get relief of current symptoms. Many of the things that might help us feel better won’t come from doctors because they are limited of knowledge beyond prescription medication, diagnostic testing, etc. They know little about diet, nutrition, supplements, holistic medicine, etc.
Connect
Welcome @jgoodall, A sunny disposition goes along way when dealing with neuropathy and a lot of other conditions. It sounds like you have done some homework on learning what changes you can make that provide some relief. Learning as much as you can about your conditions and what may help is key to becoming a better advocate for your health. I'm not sure if you have seen these neuropathy related sites but both contain a lot of helpful information for learning more including some good references and webinars.
--- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/
--- Neuropathy Commons: https://neuropathycommons.org/index.php/neuropathy/neuropathy-overview
You mentioned erythromyelagia and Sjogren’s along with the neuropathy. Have you tried using search on Connect at the top of any page to find other discussions that might provide some information and suggestions?