Ideas for pain relief from Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)

Does 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?

@kansasgal Good. LMK how it works for me. I told Dr. Kopsky I would report back to him on my results. Have you red his studies on this Phenytoin topical? My Pharmacist said it has to be used within 30 days as the medicine will lose its compounded after that time period. At least that is true for the 10% topical. I am hopeful this will work for my feet! Pam

How interesting that an anti-seizure medication can be compouned into a cream and used as a topical to relieve nerve pain. I am VERY interested in hearing the results of your experience.

Oh my, yes, it heightens, provokes and intensifies pain. Proven fact, especially nerve pain. I speak from my personal experience.

I don't know if this will help anyone or not, but you might consider being tested for Celiac Disease.
I was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy. My neurologist recognized that Celiac Disease could be the culprit. Sure enough, my SFN is largely in remission now - unless I get exposed to gluten - then I have a flare up of symptoms.
I have the atypical form of Celiac Disease with its extra-intestinal manifestations - which include neuropathy in my case. They now think I may have had Celiac Disease, undiagnosed, for two decades. Doctors often fail to screen for Celiac Disease because many still think of Celiac Disease as primarily having gut symptoms only. They are now realizing most cases of Celiac Disease take the form mine has. With raising awareness most doctors will think to screen people presenting as I do - but for now, most people who have Celiac Disease do not realize that they have it. I read that 85% of cases are undiagnosed.
If you do decide to be screened, don't stop eating gluten. You need to be eating gluten for the testing to be accurate. It is incredibly hard to avoid all gluten. It is in everything - fillers, extenders, thickeners, preservatives, as well as anything that contains wheat, rye, barely. There is also cross-contamination to deal with in order to avoid gluten. So, make sure you get tested first - and if you do have Celiac Disease - get a nutritionist to help you. Most of all, remember that the diet gets easier.

I don't know if this will help anyone or not, but you might consider being tested for Celiac Disease.
I was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy. My neurologist recognized that Celiac Disease could be the culprit. Sure enough, my SFN is largely in remission now - unless I get exposed to gluten - then I have a flare up of symptoms.
I have the atypical form of Celiac Disease with its extra-intestinal manifestations - which include neuropathy in my case. They now think I may have had Celiac Disease, undiagnosed, for two decades. Doctors often fail to screen for Celiac Disease because many still think of Celiac Disease as primarily having gut symptoms only. They are now realizing most cases of Celiac Disease take the form mine has. With raising awareness most doctors will think to screen people presenting as I do - but for now, most people who have Celiac Disease do not realize that they have it. I read that 85% of cases are undiagnosed.
If you do decide to be screened, don't stop eating gluten. You need to be eating gluten for the testing to be accurate. It is incredibly hard to avoid all gluten. It is in everything - fillers, extenders, thickeners, preservatives, as well as anything that contains wheat, rye, barely. There is also cross-contamination to deal with in order to avoid gluten. So, make sure you get tested first - and if you do have Celiac Disease - get a nutritionist to help you. Most of all, remember that the diet gets easier.

@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

I don't know if this will help anyone or not, but you might consider being tested for Celiac Disease.
I was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy. My neurologist recognized that Celiac Disease could be the culprit. Sure enough, my SFN is largely in remission now - unless I get exposed to gluten - then I have a flare up of symptoms.
I have the atypical form of Celiac Disease with its extra-intestinal manifestations - which include neuropathy in my case. They now think I may have had Celiac Disease, undiagnosed, for two decades. Doctors often fail to screen for Celiac Disease because many still think of Celiac Disease as primarily having gut symptoms only. They are now realizing most cases of Celiac Disease take the form mine has. With raising awareness most doctors will think to screen people presenting as I do - but for now, most people who have Celiac Disease do not realize that they have it. I read that 85% of cases are undiagnosed.
If you do decide to be screened, don't stop eating gluten. You need to be eating gluten for the testing to be accurate. It is incredibly hard to avoid all gluten. It is in everything - fillers, extenders, thickeners, preservatives, as well as anything that contains wheat, rye, barely. There is also cross-contamination to deal with in order to avoid gluten. So, make sure you get tested first - and if you do have Celiac Disease - get a nutritionist to help you. Most of all, remember that the diet gets easier.