HI Jim. I live in Australia and the first symptoms of peripheral neuropathy I had were probably 15 years ago but very minor and not diagnosed until 3 or 4 years ago. The neurologist claims that I got it from diabetes which I didn't have until 4 years ago. Go figure! My GP put me on Lyrica which I was on for perhaps 4 or 5 months. In the meantime my wife searched the internet for remedies and found http://www.realhealthproducts.com who do a "Nerve Support Formula" which has Vitamin D, B1, B2, B6 & B12 in it. I ordered some and they contacted me asking what medicines I took. They got right back to me when they saw I was taking Lyrica and told me to look at the side effects on drugs.com. I did and was amazed to see that some things that had recently been affecting me were due to Lyrica. I can't remember them all but included blurred vision, large bags under my eyes and weight gain. It is also suspected of possibly causing the symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy!! I went to see my GP and told her of these Nerve Capsules and side effects of Lyrica that I was having. She gave me her blessing to try the nerve capsules but to wean myself off the Lyrica. I did that and blow me down if the capsules gave me just as much relief as the Lyrica. I kept increasing the dosage which helped even more but got to the stage where it was costing me $170.00 Australian a month which we really could not afford. so back to my GP and she put me on Endep (Amitriptyline) 25mg and that was as good as the large dosage of the Nerve Capsules and less than $10.00 per month. It was increased to 50mg tablets 12 months ago. I take it at night because it can affect your driving.

@jimhd

Yes, I hope that you find a good script. How is your spinal stimulator working for you? Has the pain lessened quite a bit? Teresa

@stuartg, thank you for bringing up the alternatives that you sought out and discussed with your provider. It is important to note that realhealthproducts has a disclaimer on its site stating, "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."

I think it was great on your part to include your provider in the process of obtaining these supplements and it is great that ultimately it led you and your provider to try a new medication that now works for you. I've learned on this site that always seeking answers, education, and alternatives on your own behalf is a powerful tool, but am pleased to read that you kept your provider part of the process throughout your search.

About 5 or 6 years ago my gp put me on Lyrica. I managed to enjoy every side-effect on their liturature and then some. It got so bad my gp listed me as allergic to the drug. Also, since being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes I have been on gabapentin with the dosages maxing out at 3200mg/day. I experimented with the dosages (always going down never up) and found my pain increased as dosaged numbers decreased.

Currently my PN is in both hands and is at a #7 24/7. I live in AZ and my meds are going from 150mg of morphine a day to 90mg. I just love the decisions made by the feds. I haven't figured out my plan "B" but rest assured I will have one.

@okay

Yes, the pain was reduced significantly from the stimulator implant, but it didn't eliminate it, Teresa. @hopeful33250 I still take a low dose of morphine and have to limit how much I walk.

@stuartg I took Lyrica for a couple of weeks, long enough to know that it was helping the pain. It was the first medication that had done anything at all. If I hadn't been incoherent, blurry vision, memory loss, signs of stroke, I would probably still be taking it. Years ago I took Amitriptyline for a different ailment, and it really helped me, but it didn't help with neuropathy. But I might try it again.

Jim

I just wanted you to know you're not alone. I have MS with PN in both lower legs and fingers. Frightening. I live in Florida which is in an "opioid emergency." My neurologist is aware that tramadol is the only med I have found that alleviates some pain AND allows me to lift my legs so I can walk. She cannot give it to me, even a minimal dose. So I found a site online to obtain it - to be able to take care of my house and family, or function. I have never broken the law and everyday I fear the " feds" will come charging thru my door. My choices are this, or being bedridden. Never thought I'd be in this position. And thank you so much for having the courage to share your story...You're not alone.