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Neuropathy/IBS Pain
Hello,
I have been dealing with burning/tingling pain in my hands and feet, along with abdominal pain related to IBS for a few years now, with both reaching their height starting last year. I've been putting off medication, but I think it's time I discuss treatment options with my PCP and Gastro doctor. The pain from both disorders is wearing me down and limits my quality of life.
I'm lucky to work from home, but I rarely get out of the house. Exercising exacerbates the pain and also fatigues me (also dealing with off and on fatigue since last year, coupled with cognition fog). I'm in my mid 30s and in relatively good shape. I eat a lot of whole fruits and vegetables (low fodmap), I stay away from gluten and sugary snacks/drinks, and I drink a lot of water. I'm on a vitamin D and B12 supplement. The only thing off is my TSH which is slightly below normal. I've seen two Endo doctors and they both recommended watch and wait. I also saw a Neurologist who completed and EMG/nerve conduction study and it came out normal.
I'm starting to wonder if I'm suffering from fibromyaglia or chronic fatigue syndrome. I want to bring this up with my PCP but don't want to seem like I'm fishing for a diagnosis. I just want some relief from the physical pain.
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Thank you. Will be thinking about you.
Thank you, Linda
"You're not going to live forever. It's time to do something extraordinary
and it's only too late if you don't start now!"
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1 ReactionCompression socks from Amazon
Can you tell us how much B6 is considered excessive?
My neurologist told me to take at least 100mg. of B6 for neuropathy.
Thank you
Mayo Clinic describes conditions associated with fibromyalgia:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780
Hi @crisp358 ,
I have similar issue, only my IBS issues are set off by a food allergy, that I was told does not exist, I am gaining ground, I hope, on the fact that particular foods can cause reactions. If I accidentally (easier than you think) injest what I am allergic to, and my reaction is more severe than normal, it affects my neuropathy. My immune system has issues. Have you looked into your immune system?
JFN
I looked it up, and I found a summary of vitamin B6 toxicity that said toxicity usually occurs with 1000 mg or more, but there are case reports of people who’ve experienced B6-related neuropathy when taking less than 500 mg per day for months.
“ Paradoxically the most common symptoms associated with vitamin B6 toxicity are similar to those with vitamin B6 deficiency. A patient will experience peripheral sensory neuropathy. Most commonly, this causes numbness in a stocking-glove distribution over the extremities. In addition to peripheral neuropathy, patients can experience ataxia and disequilibrium as well.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554500/#:~:text=Patients%20typically%20experience%20symptoms%20of,dosages%20above%20250%20mg%2Fday.
For comparison’s sake, the recommended daily value is only around 1-2 mg per day, and a 100 mg supplement is “considered safe,” while up to 200 mg is “possibly considered safe.”
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-934/pyridoxine-vitamin-b6
The Liquid IV I was taking 1-2x per day had 1.2 mg of B6.
I guess it depends on how your body responds to it? We found out it was a problem after I had labs checked for fatigue and neuropathy, so my B levels were checked. I don’t remember what the number was, but it was more than 200% of the upper limit. I still have neuropathy, but it was exacerbating it.
Thank you for your response !
I really appreciate the guide lines this provides. Yes it is confusing, because my neurologist said to take 100mg. of B6 to address numbness.
I think I am safe if I stay to that amount.
crisp358, I have had IBS-C for years. I take Linzess 72mcg at night and when I have the abdominal spasms I take prescriptoin Bentyl....old drug....tried and true. The Levsin given for IBS caused blurred vision, so I switched over to the Bentyl. Bentyl stops the pain within about 20 minutes for me.
Keep a food diary and see what your triggers are. I will say this, IF my IBS is flared up, my Acid reflux is flared up and vice-versa. IBS is hard to treat and hard to get calmed down, but, once you know your triggers and get on the right meds, its wonderful relief.
I'm sorry you are battling neuropathy pain as well. Praying for you and that you get some much needed relief.
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1 ReactionP.S. I don't mean to alarm you. When my TSH was below normal I was diagnosed with Graves Disease as I had the symptoms too. Look up Graves Disease. It can cause a deluge of symptoms. Just a thought, ok? Blessings & Prayers.....
Thank you to everyone for responding to me with advice and kind words. My PCP prescribed me gabapentin again, and the gastro provider prescribed Linzess. I will see how these work for me and will provide an update if anything changes.