@lynnaustin Wow...that was fast. Thank you for responding. I am tagging @johnbishop since he also replied to your post. John has been my mentor since I joined Connect a couple of years ago. His forte is research. So ask away and he will delight you with the places he can find for pertinent information.

A couple of notes in response: you have gone halfway with the large fiber sensory neuropathy based on your EMG. As your "neuropathy" has moved to your hands and forearms, I might suggest that you request a skin biopsy to detect small fiber neuropathy (SFN). That test is done in under a minute without discomfort and then sent to a special lab that measures the percentage of nerve activity you have in the sample. These small fiber nerves seem to create pain because when they are unable to do their job, they send back pain signals. @johnbishop can give you a lead to understanding all of the neuropathy situations.

I also see that John has given you the link to MFR therapy. That amazing gentle touching therapy has been my salvation, I go every week. The relief, though not permanent, has been a game-changer for me. Your MFR therapist will also teach you some at-home exercises or treatments that can be helpful when done regularly.

Gabapentin. if you tolerate it well, is my sleep medication. it works on the brain to mask the pain by calming the nerves that create it. My dosage has increased to 1200 mg 1 hr before bedtime. It gets my hands ready for some uninterrupted sleep. Do you take your gabapentin in the evening? If I may ask, what dosage are you using?

Then in the morning I also take duloxetine (Cymbalta) 60 mg. I have worked up to that and if it does nothing more than reduce my anxiety, I am happy. As you probably know, pain can lead to anxiety which can lead to more pain and then you are in a loop.

I am a fan of topicals for quick relief and always have them in my purse. Have you found any balms or lotions or compounds that help you during the day?

Let's start with these ideas. Oh and throw in a hot as possible shower in the morning. Please ask any questions you wish. May you be free of suffering today. Chris

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