Neuropathy: What works and what are scams?

Posted by bigjohnscho @bigjohnscho, May 2, 2024

I am new to this forum although I have been suffering with peripheral neuropathy for 2 years (none diabetic). Like most sufferers I have searched endlessly to find supplements that provide some relief and a possible cure. My search has proved how impossible this quest is and so expensive due to misleading adverts and down right scams.
What would be really helpful if members posted their experiences with supplements they’ve tried , which were useless/helpful or obvious scams. I am sure there must be some helpful supplements out there and we would all benefit if these were posted on this forum.

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

@lvgal

Boy, I am on the scam list. Yes I got the Nooro EMS foot massager. I bought Nerve Savior. Nope just spent $$$, Too many to mention now. I wear compression socks which help the swelling from venous insufficiency, I have seen three neurologists, foot doctors, physical therapists for balance ( actually the best). I have ideopathic foot (progressing sice 1990) and hand (newer) neuropathy, I have severe balance issues so thats why the PT. I am 85. I have taken gabapentin (made me dizzy), so no. Last time the PA said to try Duloxetine 30 mg and it made me dizzy. I take monthly injections of Vitamin B12, take B6, Magnesium glycimate, Fish oil, ALA, Vitamin D, Potassium. I even asked a neurologist in Vegas about stem cell. He seemed not to know about it. Its strange, but I have very little pain, just numbness and balance issues. I use a rolling walker byAcre.

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It was high levels of B6 that started my neuropathy. I found a supplement with no B6 , which was what the doctor recommended. Nervive and Voltaren are used at bedtime.

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@lvgal

Boy, I am on the scam list. Yes I got the Nooro EMS foot massager. I bought Nerve Savior. Nope just spent $$$, Too many to mention now. I wear compression socks which help the swelling from venous insufficiency, I have seen three neurologists, foot doctors, physical therapists for balance ( actually the best). I have ideopathic foot (progressing sice 1990) and hand (newer) neuropathy, I have severe balance issues so thats why the PT. I am 85. I have taken gabapentin (made me dizzy), so no. Last time the PA said to try Duloxetine 30 mg and it made me dizzy. I take monthly injections of Vitamin B12, take B6, Magnesium glycimate, Fish oil, ALA, Vitamin D, Potassium. I even asked a neurologist in Vegas about stem cell. He seemed not to know about it. Its strange, but I have very little pain, just numbness and balance issues. I use a rolling walker byAcre.

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I can relate because I have a lot of the same symptoms as you and it’s no fun at all.

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I have peripheral neuropathy… my Rheumatologist recommended Quinol Health and Joint supplement… I’m also taking Gabapentin so not sure which is helping but I’m definitely better…

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I have been suffering with peripheral neuropathy for almost 30 years and have tried many things from prescription drugs to foot massagers with none working. Recently I purchased a red light therapy devise which helps with pain and gives me back some feeling in my toes as well as the feet not hurting from walking. As stated from another poster on this site, what works for one might not work for another. The name of the product I am utilizing is Novaa Red Light Pad (web site: novaalab.com). People should do their own research on which brand is best for them.

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I have some in my feet at times when it starts coming on I apply roll on ice hot to the area and it has worked for me, discovered it by accident one day. So greasy creams are gone. I also have a foot massage machine I use if it gets painful at a higher level.

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@jakedduck1

@bigjohnscho
How many members on connect have you seen post a cure or even significant improvements?
But even if they did it doesn't guarantee you will receive the same results. Personally, I never bought into all the supplement, devices or clinic hype.
I also have epilepsy, neither neuropathy or epilepsy have a cure. I’ve acceped my diagnosis and there limitations and adjusted my lifestyle accordingly. I've had neuropathy for almost 40 years. As the condition progressed my pain eventually stopped, replaced by numbness and other complications. Looking back, the pain wasn't so bad after all.
Sadly many people choose to chase rainbows and end up disappointed and perpetuating the booming fraud market, making crooks richer.
Epilepsy medication has proven to be the most helpful. I have taken these horrible meds for nearly 60 years and none have helped my neuropathy and for 45 years didn't help my seizures either. However, my brother takes 3600 mg of gabapentin and it helps him some.
ALA as I understand it is more likely to help people with diabetic neuropathy. Supposedly it has something to do with insulin but ALA studies for other sufferers has shown little to no effect. Although, ALA given intravenously has a higher success rate.
If you choose to to shop on Amazon for a cure, think about this.
Research showed that in March 2019, there were 1.8 million new unverified reviews, with an average of 99.6% of them being 5-star reviews. Most of these reviews are from people paid to write them.
I hope you don't go broke searching for the elusive cure researchers all over the world have yet to find.
If start supplements, Id ask my doctor and pharmacist about them first.
You might want to check out The Peripheral Neuropathy site for potential treatment possibilities.
https://www.foundationforpn.org/
IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS.

Jake

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@jakedduck1 has anything helped with ur numbness i. legs and feet ? ( if u read my post you will see my problem! i’m soo scared im gonna b in wheelchair by next year at the rate the numbness is moving upward on my legs & upper thighs )

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@pghspinupgal

@jakedduck1 has anything helped with ur numbness i. legs and feet ? ( if u read my post you will see my problem! i’m soo scared im gonna b in wheelchair by next year at the rate the numbness is moving upward on my legs & upper thighs )

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@pghspinupgal
No, but I have not tried to find anything to control the numbness. I personally don't believe there is anything that helps. Although I have read a few people who claim they have gotten relief. But those claims are rare. My neuropathy is what it is and I've been told it's now permanent. I don't dwell on the possibility it will prevent me from walking although that is a possibility. I have only tried Neurontin, Lyrica and various opioids. None helped the numbness but the fentanyl patch helped the pain some back when I had pain.
I feel a positive attitude helps. Why worry about something that may never happen. If I get other complications I will deal with them as they occure. According to my doctors neuropathy has already caused my ED, bowel and bladder problems along with leg weakness. I'm going to concentrate on the present not anticipate future problems.
Best of luck to you,
Jake

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@jakedduck1

@pghspinupgal
No, but I have not tried to find anything to control the numbness. I personally don't believe there is anything that helps. Although I have read a few people who claim they have gotten relief. But those claims are rare. My neuropathy is what it is and I've been told it's now permanent. I don't dwell on the possibility it will prevent me from walking although that is a possibility. I have only tried Neurontin, Lyrica and various opioids. None helped the numbness but the fentanyl patch helped the pain some back when I had pain.
I feel a positive attitude helps. Why worry about something that may never happen. If I get other complications I will deal with them as they occure. According to my doctors neuropathy has already caused my ED, bowel and bladder problems along with leg weakness. I'm going to concentrate on the present not anticipate future problems.
Best of luck to you,
Jake

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I am with you. The doctor told me at my last EMG there is no cure for you. I have tried several things that of course didn't wok. All this fix it stuff is crap as far as I am concerned. I do try to be more positive in my life. But one thing I notice is that if I am extremely stressed, the neuropathy spreads. It's now up to my knees and sometimes I feel loss of muscle as my leg will start to collapse. I am still using a walker and do believe I will be in a wheelchair soon. My legs feel like they are freezing and my fingers feel like they are freezing. It's difficult to type, I spill things constantly. It has affected my bladder ands bowl problems. My kids want me to go into a home, but I still have a functioning brain. I'm 75 and have had this for over 30 yrs. If you are young and it's just in your feet keep your mind active. Yes there are days when I just want to break down and cry and scream that doesn't help either. Accept the fact we all live and die. Hang on as Lon as you can.

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Has anyone used bob and brad foot massager as mum is in immense pain with her rheumatoid arthiritis. Tingling pain in feet. Immense pain in knees. What about lymphatic drainage massage. Has anyone had any experience. Look forward to your reply. Many thx

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@khatija

Has anyone used bob and brad foot massager as mum is in immense pain with her rheumatoid arthiritis. Tingling pain in feet. Immense pain in knees. What about lymphatic drainage massage. Has anyone had any experience. Look forward to your reply. Many thx

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I have a variety of tricks that help.
PFoot massage- my own. Since I don't want to keep paying for it. I have several massagers- similar to Bob and Brad- one is meant for shoulders and back, BUT if you put it on the floor or however you position yourself, you can putyour feet in between and let it work on your feet, just keep repositioning them for best incredible help. I also have the MediMassage- and use that with feet flat to help circulate the blood, but also vibrates on the outer edges, so take advantage of the sides of my soles and ankles.
I do watch you tube for plantar fasciatiis as well as other PT needs to keep it fresh as needed- so many types of exercises- use as per Dr directed- start slow, don't overdue it, let body heal. Start with 2 days a week to let body get used to it. Different plans for different objectives. Just walking alot different than active sports in PT.

Take advantage of acupressure, acupuncture and use of imagination re color - green for regrowth, and other traditional chinese medicine (TCM) practice that use 5 element theory.
Lastly, consider(Medical)Marijuana Balms and Salves that contain 1-1 THC to other carrier oils /ointments/creams like CBD CBG (Inflammation) and CBN (helps to sleep) If you can take NSAIDS, well, even better.

Everything in moderation and persistence is key. Positivity is best- and humor. Keep lips curled up. Smile while pushing through the pain. It really does help. Grit.

Happy New Year!

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