@kcshoemaker, The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has some suggestions on lifestyle and supplements that may give you some things to try here: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/lifestyle/nutrition/. Alpha Lipoic Acid is one of the supplements I take also. I shared my story and what helps me earlier on Connect here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-here-dealing-with-peripheral-neuropathy/?pg=42#comment-65985.

It is kind of a learning game and trying to figure out what helps you the best. Here is some more on supplements.
Medical News Today - Which supplements can help with neuropathy? -- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326917

Here are a couple of other discussions that you might be interested in reading through and following:

Ideas for pain relief from Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ideas-for-pain-from-small-fiber-neuropathy/

Have you tried the new Protocol 525 product for neuropathy relief?
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/have-you-tried-the-new-protocol-525-product-for-neuropathy-relief/

@rwinney, @jeffrapp, @artscaping and others may also have some suggestions for you.

@kcshoemaker Sounds about right. Boy, was I disappointed, just like you, when there was no cure, no real plan, no direction given by my Neuroligist. What a huge let down! What a joke! I did not understand how this was acceptable. Google became my bff and I found Mayo Connect. Been here for almost a year now and its proven invaluable.

This disease really is a bit of rollercoaster and everyone's ride is different. It's trial and error all the way. Nerve meds are the start followed by supplements, vitamins, minerals, topicals, anti-inflammatory diet, stretching/exercise as tolerated and most importantly...an open mind and willingness to learn all you can about SFN and your body.

After exhausting so many options and going through denial, depression, anger, frustration and now desperation...I'm currently exploring my brains interpretation of pain and its power to overcome or at least help manage the rollercoaster ride for the best quality of life, given my circumstances.

I encourage you to pursue, fight for yourself, and never give up or give in to this disease. Keep navigating the multiple neuropathy threads until you find what speaks to you.

Keep the faith.
Rachel

@kcshoemaker

My small fiber polyneuropathy (idiopathic) has been in a crescendo for more than 15 years. I tried the meds my pcp prescribed, then went through the neurologist's list, and through the list the pain specialist had to offer. They all either had no effect or they gave a measure of pain relief, but had unacceptable side effects. Because I'm treatment resistant, I was prescribed morphine sulfate contin, which really has helped. In 2015 I had a spinal cord stimulator implant, and WOW. I had forgotten how it felt to be almost pain free. Unfortunately, it's been losing its effectiveness over the past year. Last fall, down at the bottom of his list, my pain specialist had me try imipramine, and I've had some pain relief that has helped mitigate the loss of effectiveness of my scs.

So, as I'm sure you've figured out from reading what many people have said in this forum that you are a long way from having no options and have to learn to live with it. I can't believe a doctor would say that after trying only one medication. There are dozens of methods and medications that are out there. Have you discussed your condition with a good neurologist? Or a pain specialist? Have you tried any cbd or medical marijuana products? If you read Chris' posts, @artscaping , you can learn a lot about those options.

I'm glad that you've joined us here. Every one of us has learned a lot just by sharing in the conversations. Don't let a doctor tell you to learn to live with it. Advocate for yourself. If you have to have a referral to see a specialist, ask for it. My Medicare plan skips that step, so I can make my own appointments with any specialist without going through my pcp. Learn all you can. And, by the way, patience and persistence are great qualities to cultivate.

Jim