There is just so much that even the best neurologist can do. And we share the same incredible neurologist. In-put from rheumatologist and primary care physicians (all having been carefully selected based on their expertise, background, etc., same as done with neurologist) meets with a stone wall since again there is "just so much" that can be done. From past experiences, neurologists are quick to prescribe gapapentin and antidepressants that also are said to combat nerve pain. And past experiences have led us to say "No thanks" to that line of "treatment."
"There are avenues" that we explore, and decisions made as to which, if any, are worthwhile investing in and exploring. There is NO cure for many conditions, such as those that we both unfortunately deal with. So there does come the point when we face what we have, employ strategies, etc., that best work at reducing pain, discomfort, and learn to work around it within our lives.
TODAY is actually a "good day" for both of us! I retired early last night (before 9PM), coping with full body Pain Level 10/10 from one of my more serious painful conditions polymalgia rheumatica. This morning, I was able to stand, walk (taking small steps at first), and enjoy my coffee and GF bagel because pain had subsided down to a more tolerable 6/10. I was HAPPY with that! My husband had a fitful night due to neuralgic pain but slept a bit later and this morning was able to slowly emerge from the pain fog he'd been in. He's chipper, able to ambulate, and eager to accompany me to do a few short errands in our town because his feet are not cascading in neuropathic pain. When we return, we will both elevate our legs (I haven't bought a recliner yet so will use ottoman; he'll use his recliner) and rest while watching an early newscast. Having rested, I can then go into the kitchen and prepare a simple but "healthful" meal that we'll share. TODAY IS INDEED BETTER than was yesterday! And we celebrate and appreciate that😊.
Thank you for sharing this info. Will check it out for my husband, who has been suffering increasingly more painful neuropathy in both feet. His old standby (Vick's) has not been as effective as it used to be for him. His neurologist prescribed Cymbalta, but my hubby researched the drug and decided (just as I did years ago when prescribed to me by a different doctor) that he did not want to take on all the issues that the drug could introduce into his already complicated health history. He has been taking 600 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid for years, and certainly seems as if it has lost its efficacy. So again I say "Gracias" for this possible new lead in his quest for relief. I commiserate with him and anyone who suffers to the degree that he does because I've had peripheral neuropathy for about 12 yrs, most painful being my feet, but the dose of ALA that I take (300 mg) does help me the majority of the time. But I have way more CNS and pain syndromes than he does, all which makes my own daily living very challenging. Nevertheless, my heart aches when I observe how painful it is for him to ambulate only when necessary within our home, and see the effects of lost sleep and suffering etched in his face. We schedule errands and walks around his "foot pain factor" and are grateful for the days that he is dealing with more tolerable pain. Last year, I gifted him for Father's Day, a multi position recliner which allows him to press buttons to adjust his lumbar, head and feet positions. He finds that having his legs/feet full elevated does bring some relief. He often can fall asleep in that position, allowing for some recuperation. I love seeing how peaceful and relaxed his facial expression is when asleep in the recliner.
I use 5% lidocaine patches prescribed by my podiatrist to control the nerve pain in my feet at night. I place the patches on the tops of my feet where the epidermis is thinner.
If what the member is referring to is Alpha Lipoic Acid, that is what our rheumatologist recommended several years ago to help with the neuropathy in our feet. My husband suffers more than I do. He takes 600 mg (what the doctor recommended) and takes it twice per day. Helped him for several years but his problems have been exacerbated by medications that he must take for cardiac related issues, including having been on statins for many years. But I digress: Puritan's Pride Alpha Lipoic Acid comes in at least of couple of strengths, but it is indeed available on Amazon. I often purchase it for him on the Puritan's Pride website when they have incredible sales: Buy 1 get 1 free, Buy 2 get 2 free, etc.
Check out the Puritan's Pride site, then compare to Amazon's prices. Since you live out of the USA, take into consideration shipping costs.
Probably the best suggestion I can offer is what got me started looking for answers for what might help my neuropathy symptoms is to learn as much as you can about your condition, symptoms and what treatments that are available might help. A good place to start is the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy - https://www.foundationforpn.org/.
Did you have a nerve conduction test or other tests when you saw the neurologist, or did they just suggest a treatment of Gabapentin?
I had same test ran but noone said anything.I just shut my drinking down and quit taking 2 presription pills and 3 days later i am walking and talking.
I had same test ran but noone said anything.I just shut my drinking down and quit taking 2 presription pills and 3 days later i am walking and talking.
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There is just so much that even the best neurologist can do. And we share the same incredible neurologist. In-put from rheumatologist and primary care physicians (all having been carefully selected based on their expertise, background, etc., same as done with neurologist) meets with a stone wall since again there is "just so much" that can be done. From past experiences, neurologists are quick to prescribe gapapentin and antidepressants that also are said to combat nerve pain. And past experiences have led us to say "No thanks" to that line of "treatment."
"There are avenues" that we explore, and decisions made as to which, if any, are worthwhile investing in and exploring. There is NO cure for many conditions, such as those that we both unfortunately deal with. So there does come the point when we face what we have, employ strategies, etc., that best work at reducing pain, discomfort, and learn to work around it within our lives.
TODAY is actually a "good day" for both of us! I retired early last night (before 9PM), coping with full body Pain Level 10/10 from one of my more serious painful conditions polymalgia rheumatica. This morning, I was able to stand, walk (taking small steps at first), and enjoy my coffee and GF bagel because pain had subsided down to a more tolerable 6/10. I was HAPPY with that! My husband had a fitful night due to neuralgic pain but slept a bit later and this morning was able to slowly emerge from the pain fog he'd been in. He's chipper, able to ambulate, and eager to accompany me to do a few short errands in our town because his feet are not cascading in neuropathic pain. When we return, we will both elevate our legs (I haven't bought a recliner yet so will use ottoman; he'll use his recliner) and rest while watching an early newscast. Having rested, I can then go into the kitchen and prepare a simple but "healthful" meal that we'll share. TODAY IS INDEED BETTER than was yesterday! And we celebrate and appreciate that😊.
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6 ReactionsI use 5% lidocaine patches prescribed by my podiatrist to control the nerve pain in my feet at night. I place the patches on the tops of my feet where the epidermis is thinner.
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1 ReactionRub them in methol. A higher %, not single digit.
If what the member is referring to is Alpha Lipoic Acid, that is what our rheumatologist recommended several years ago to help with the neuropathy in our feet. My husband suffers more than I do. He takes 600 mg (what the doctor recommended) and takes it twice per day. Helped him for several years but his problems have been exacerbated by medications that he must take for cardiac related issues, including having been on statins for many years. But I digress: Puritan's Pride Alpha Lipoic Acid comes in at least of couple of strengths, but it is indeed available on Amazon. I often purchase it for him on the Puritan's Pride website when they have incredible sales: Buy 1 get 1 free, Buy 2 get 2 free, etc.
Check out the Puritan's Pride site, then compare to Amazon's prices. Since you live out of the USA, take into consideration shipping costs.
Best of luck.
Thank you.
Had a test, some electrodes and then small needles with shock. He said alcohol consumption over 50 years caused it.
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2 ReactionsWhat kind of test is it ?
Welcome @ariadnakushak, I think it may take more than one specific test to diagnose CIDP. Here is some information from Mayo Clinic on the topic.
--- CIDP: New tests that help diagnose this rare condition: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/cidp/cidp-new-tests-that-help-diagnose-this-rare-condition
Are you considering being tested for CIDP? What symptoms do you have?
Over 50 years of alcohol caused my neuropathy. Wish I knew this back then.
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1 ReactionI had same test ran but noone said anything.I just shut my drinking down and quit taking 2 presription pills and 3 days later i am walking and talking.
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1 ReactionMay I ask what prescriptions did you stop taking?