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My experience with Small Fiber Neuropathy
Neuropathy | Last Active: May 24, 2022 | Replies (85)Comment receiving replies
I to have small fiber neuropathy due to drinking and being prescribed flagyl for an infection.
When I first stopped drinking my feet hurt, burned,felt bruised on the bottom. I was crippled. I started researching and found that taking B vitamins would help . WARNING they will help if you are deficient I was not and it set my feet and legs on Fire. I was in such pain I contemplated suicide. Always consult a doctor never self medicate even with vitamins. I stopped taking the vitamins and was prescribed cymbalta. I could not handle the side effects of cymbalta so I switch to amitriptyline. Between amitriptyline and physical therapy to strengthen my feet and legs I have got my life back. If a doctor tells you that you are going to have to live with the pain see someone else. There is hope out there. I spent thousands of dollars and saw multiple doctors before I found any relief. I just had nerve decompression surgery on my right leg . Six weeks post OP I have increased strength and the constant vibration that I was experiencing is gone. It's still to early to tell if the surgery is worth it .
DON'T GIVE UP HOPE
Replies to "I to have small fiber neuropathy due to drinking and being prescribed flagyl for an infection...."
Nice to see another person who had the decompression surgery. I just finished up my second leg and it already only one week after and I feel its going to be a Win Win. my first leg had it done in January and walk as if nothing was ever wrong. There are area's in feet that were damaged that could not be repaired. I can hardly wait to get bandages off and start walking normally again.
As to the drinking yes I am an alcoholic with no drinks now in 10 years. it did contribute a lot to what was going on early on.
As to gabapentin..... I did take this for many years but my pain level was to far gone for this drug. I an now on lyrica or the generic to it , pregabalin 300s twice a days.
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Hi, @fbell330 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Sounds as though you have been through quite a journey with the foot and leg pain. Thanks for your words of hope for those dealing with small fiber neuropathy.
You mentioned side effects that you felt you could not handle with the duloxetine (Cymbalta). If you are interested in sharing about those experiences with others, I think those in this discussion about that medication would be interested https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cymbalta.
Are you experiencing any side effects on the amitriptyline? If so, what side effects have you noted?
@djroberts - how are you doing? How are the sensitive patches, pins and needles and other symptoms you mentioned?