Connect
Ideas for pain relief from Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)
I just wanted to pass along some ideas for those of you with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. I am a 60-year-old female in excellent health other than the onset of this about a year ago. I do not have diabetes or any other detectable health issues.
I started some new things a few weeks ago and this week I have had some remarkable relief. I am not sure if what I have done is why, or which thing might have helped, but still wanted to pass this along just to give some of you some things to try.
I wear compression socks. This seems to help with the pain and pressure I feel in my feet and ankles.
I started taking Evening of Primrose oil twice a day.
I have cut my caffeine intake by at least two-thirds and now drink mostly green or black tea. I had heard that caffeine could irritate nerves...worth a shot.
I exercise, which I have been doing for over 20 years. I think it improves circulation which I think really helps with nerve health.
I added niacin. I will aid in blood flow, also good for circulation.
I use a cream called DMSO which i put on my feet and ankles in the morning (numbs the pain)
I don't know if any of this could be helpful for you or not, But I seem greatly improved recently......I have tried everything and am always looking for new things to try in order to function with this awful condition.
I am still taking 600mg of Gabapentin 3 times a day and 20 mg Citalopram once a day and have been for 9 months. I do not take any other medications.
Blessings to all of you and I hope there is a cure some day. I intend to keep looking for solutions that do not require medications!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Connect
@iceblue I saw the Neurologist yesterday and he would not even let me tell him about it because it was not a "drug", even though my PCP prescribed it and Dr.Kopsky, a pain Dr., recommended it! I have the same problem as you do. My feet are the main problem but my lower legs are tingling and a bit numb. My hands tingle sometimes at night. There is no pain there so I am going to focus on the feet. According to the average amount of topical applied to patients in the study, the 60 gm should last 30 days for two applications per/day. This will vary with the amount of coverage...Pam
Thanks Pam. Yes - our SFN experiences are almost identical. I have a lot of tingling in my hands at night, but assumed it was related to (diagnosed) arthritis in my neck, but come to think of it, I haven't felt it for..... I've lost track of exactly when, but it has definitely stopped since I started taking the Gabapentin! Interesting! Will have to watch for this.
BTW - day 3 of 300 mg at night, and another day of pain free feet 😀
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@iceblue Sounds like we have similar symptoms. Neurologist just put me on Cymbalta. Just started taking it yesterday. No relief yet. Says it takes a couple weeks to become effective...I have to sleep with the Dyson fan on my feet set at 32 deg at night. I'm somewhat better during the day...Pam
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsOhhhhh - I'm sincerely hoping the Cymbalta provides relief. Chronic pain is exhausting :'(
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@burningfeetinphoenix, @iceblue, And so....here is another person with similar SFN experiences. I started on Cymbalta a year ago...in a graduated dosage of 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, over a three month period. I experienced the benefits of the medication the very first week. I even questioned moving the dosage up the scale. I did get the sense that my body was becoming accommodated to the medication and that more might be needed to stay on top of things.
Initially, this medication was prescribed for pretty severe anxiety about the pain which was creating more pain which then created more anxiety and the cycle just ramped up. Today right before my appointment with my PCP I am trying to see what the status quo is now so that I can give her accurate and authentic feedback.
It is good to read that the Gabapentin is working for you. Do you only take it at night? Do you find that your hands and feet have less tingling and numbness? Does that mean your extremities are pain-free?
May you both be free of suffering....Chris
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionFor context it's important to know that this is only the fourth night that I've taken 300 mg of Gabapentin. Having said that: Yes, I only take it at night. I have experienced virtually no tingling in my hands and feet at this dosage. I have never experienced numbness so cannot speak to that. I have been pain free for three solid days - and that includes the burning, and the aching and stiffness that I had attributed to arthritis or some other sort of structural issue with my feet....
The only down side is that it appears to have caused my insomnia to resurface. I only work part time and only have 3 weeks left in my contract - so I'll supplement with Zopiclone on work nights until the term is done. When I'm not working it doesn't matter that I'm up until 3 AM 😉
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionDoes anyone know of a doctor who indicated their SFN symptoms were a function of stress? Is stress an actual component of pain levels or is just doctor BS?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionOh my, yes, it heightens, provokes and intensifies pain. Proven fact, especially nerve pain. I speak from my personal experience.
Cymbalta is a highly prescribed medicine for nerve pain which also treats anxiety and helps counteract stress/pain.
@jager5210, Good morning. That is a good question. I am scheduled to see two of my medical providers today and tomorrow. I will ask them that question.
We do know that stress exacerbates many medical conditions. It was suggested that I review my stressors. I eliminated two big ones and replaced them with mindful meditation, daily yoga practice, and my mentor activities.
Can you identify stressors in your life? What might they be and can you modify or eliminate them?
Have some joy today. Chris
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction