Intravenous lidocaine infusions for Small Fiber Neuropathy

Hello @rwinney, There is another discussion where @elsa, @daniellef and others have discussed lidocaine infusion treatments that you may want to read through.

> Groups > Chronic Pain > Infusions for widespread, intense nerve pain, probably due to MS
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/infusions-for-widespread-intense-nerve-pain-probably-due-to-ms-1/

@elsa posted the following links in the discussion that may be helpful to you.

4 Infusions That Can Help Relieve Chronic Pain
-- https://www.painnewsnetwork.org/stories/2017/10/22/4-infusions-that-can-help-relieve-chronic-pain

Lidocaine Infusion: A Promising Therapeutic Approach for Chronic Pain
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5323245/

I'm hoping other members that have tried lidocaine infusions for small fiber neuropathy will be able to share their experience.

@rwinney, I have not heard of IV infusions but I hope you will let us know how they work. I have it in my feet very severely. I really hope you get relief!

I am taking a medication called gabapentin I take 400 mg in the morning and 400 mg in the late afternoon. And still I have pain also very severely.

I tried lidocaine infusion and it did not help. It worked on a temporary basis only then the pain came back.

Ohhh, I can't thank you enough for this very helpful information. I will be sure to report back on my experience in the next few weeks.

I'm reporting back that I have not had any relief after my 3rd IV lidocaine infusion at 600 strength. I have my 4th Monday before meeting with my Neurologist to discuss. Perhaps he will increase my dose and keep trying, but I have to say, I will need well balanced, sufficient relief as my pain is head to toe. The infusion itself is a piece of cake other than the boredom of sitting for 4-5 hours. My negative experience has been slight temperature, flush face (1st infusion only) and always a headache but, I'm a headache person.

Hello @rwinney, I'm sorry to hear you were turned down for an appointment at Mayo Rochester. I would be disappointed also but I would not stop looking for answers either which is what you are doing. Here is a discussion started by @wisfloj that may provide another avenue of treatment. Maybe you can discuss it with your neurologist to see if they think it might be a treatment option?

> Groups > Neuropathy > Calmare (scrambler) Therapy anyone?
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/calmare-scrambler-therapy-anyone/

I'm tagging @wisfloj, @lorirenee1 and @banksnc49 to see if they may be able to offer any suggestions.

Met with my Neurologist today and we both agreed to up the lidocaine doseage. Apparently it coincides with your weight. My max dose would be 1000 mg so we are taking it from my initial 4 week dose of 600 mg to 750 mg. Its important to not have side effects and tolerate each dose. During the infusion you are hooked up to heart monitors and nurses check your vitals every 30 minutes. Here's hoping for better relief!

Hi rwinney, did the higher dosages provide relief?

They have provided minimal relief if any certain weeks. I'm at highest dose now and contemplating discontinuing due to cost, time and insufficient relief.