Peripheral Neuropathy - Everything cures it and nothing cures it

Posted by JohnWBurns @johnwburns, Sep 19, 2016

Peripheral Neuropathy, being a chronic progressive, debilitating disorder tends to drive people to seek cures in every corner of the internet. Those efforts are often rewarded by various "cures" obtainable, of course, for a price. Depending on what has caused your PN, try and treat the root cause, if it has been identified, using established, reproducible means, e.g. diabetic control. Remain aware of the conditioning capability of the placebo affect. Its fine to look for things to complement your core therapy but don't let yourself be diverted from those things which have a track record of being helpful. Partner with your doctor when using any alternative therapies and think hard before buying anything that has anecdotal support only.

Here's a comical spin on this trend:

http://gomerblog.com/2016/09/prescriptive-authority/

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

@upnorthnancy

Any experience with medicinal cannibis~cbd ????<br><br>

Jump to this post

Yes. I have been using it for about 6 weeks. I estimate that about 80% of my pain is GONE. If you live in Minnesota, and you have to prove it with a Mn drivers license, I can give you information on how to get it.

REPLY
@chefbrown

Hello @upnorthnancy, I have used medical cannabis for several years. It works great for chronic pain that I have had for over 25 years. All of the people I know that use it agree that it works to varying degrees. It also has worked for symptoms of MS like sleeplessness, poor apatite, tremors, etc. There are different strains with varied strengths. One thing we have all learned is that CBD without at least a small amount of THC isn't as effective. A small percentage of THC won't give you a high. Charlottes Web has been effective in treating children with epilepsy. A close friends child was having several seizures a day so they started the treatments recommended with Charlottes Web and now she only has seizures 3 to 4 times a month. Without the cannabis I would be bed ridden quite often as I don't like opioids or the way they affect me. Talk with a Doctor who has experience prescribing it and see if they think it could help in your case. Good luck.

Jump to this post

You're right about the different "blends" of medical Cannabis. I take a 50/50 blend of THC and CBD twice daily and I also have a 100% THC sub lingual spray for "breakthrough" pain. The only down side I have found is that without pain I have an increase in numbness which affects my balance so I use a cane more often. I can live with that.

REPLY
@suzz

I think it'll work but I'm an addictions counselor, so it's really against my work ethic (are you laughing yet?). I used to use it when I was younger before chronic pain... I wish I could!

Jump to this post

Nope, not laughing. Medical Cannabis is non addictive. It is simply a pain reducer as well as it's other uses. I see no ethical conflict. If your pain requires you to take Tylenol, then you can say you have a "physical need" for it. One can stop taking Cannabis without any withdrawal symptoms. Therefore it is not an addiction.

REPLY
@suzz

I think it'll work but I'm an addictions counselor, so it's really against my work ethic (are you laughing yet?). I used to use it when I was younger before chronic pain... I wish I could!

Jump to this post

I've heard all and every side of this issue, both sides. All I was saying is that I am drug tested and cannot have any substances in my system, not even benzos, which are prescribed to me. This is just my life. I'm in Missouri so I can't get it even if I do it if my profession.

REPLY
@johnbishop

I am forever getting ads from one of those call us and setup an appointment we can help you fix your neuropathy. I struggled with SFPN for 15+ years without getting a diagnosis mainly due to the fact I only felt numbness and a little tingling in my legs (started in my toes). So after my diagnosis in March I started my quest for alternative treatments that would help relieve the numbness. Looked into one that an elderly friend (who am I kidding, I'm old too!) went to but she has lots of money. When I found out it normally takes 12 to 15 treatments before it starts showing any results at $150 to $350 a pop, I decided there has to be something wrong with this. My friend still thinks it's doing her good. I've have learned to be careful when looking into alternative treatments. Here is a good article that talks about different scams - https://www.foundationforpn.org/2016/04/11/5179/.

Jump to this post

Curious if you have tried medical cannibis?Nancy Shermoen~

REPLY
@upnorthnancy

Any experience with medicinal cannibis~cbd ????<br><br>

Jump to this post

How to get what? If it is medical cannibis I would like to know how to get it in MN please.Nancy Shermoen~

REPLY
@suzz

I think it'll work but I'm an addictions counselor, so it's really against my work ethic (are you laughing yet?). I used to use it when I was younger before chronic pain... I wish I could!

Jump to this post

How do you get it at one of the dispensaries in MN? I have tried it in CO and really liked the results. In MN how do you find a prescribing physician?Nancy Shermoen~

REPLY
@upnorthnancy

Any experience with medicinal cannibis~cbd ????<br><br>

Jump to this post

Hi Nancy, My name is Rich. After much consternation, I decided to try Medical Cannabis. I asked my Primary MD if he thought I could benefit from Cannabis. He thought it would be worth trying at least. I have been taking it for about 6 weeks and am now a believer. I haven't had this little pain in 13 years. I understand that not everyone will receive this kind of relief, but for me it is great. Attached is the web site for the Minnesota Department of Health. They run the show. All the information you need is available here.
http://www.health.state.mn.us/topics/cannabis/patients/index.html . Simply cut and paste. I saw a PA in Edina who basically weeds out the drug seekers, and OK's us real patients. He then will have you see a dispensary closest to your home. Mine was in St Cloud. There the patients are treated with the utmost respect and understanding. They know that they are helping MANY people with their pain and this may be their last resort. Good luck to you if you pursue this.

Rich

REPLY
@suzz

I think it'll work but I'm an addictions counselor, so it's really against my work ethic (are you laughing yet?). I used to use it when I was younger before chronic pain... I wish I could!

Jump to this post

I understand your situation, but how can your employer keep you from taking a prescription drug that is legally prescribed by a doctor? I know this is all academic when you live in a state that has not legalized it.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.