Ideas for pain relief from Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)

Hello @chandyjohn1, Welcome to Connect. I have no medical training or background but I think peripheral neuropathy and small fiber neuropathy have one thing in common - small fiber nerves. I shared a short video by Matthew B Jensen Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Wisconsin that gives a good explanation of how the different neuropathies are diagnosed in an earlier post in this discussion. Here is a link to the post with the video: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ideas-for-pain-from-small-fiber-neuropathy/?pg=8#comment-332835

Have you been diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy?

My latest email from the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy contained a really great source of education information links that I thought I would share with my fellow members.

Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy - e-Catalog of Articles on Peripheral Neuropathy
-- https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/01.29.2020-Website-eCatalog.pdf

I had my first baby in February 2017 and started feeling symptoms (pain, tingling in feet) about 3 months afterward. We’ve done all kinds of blood tests and everything keeps coming back normal. You’ve never seen someone so disappointed at a normal result (except ruling out MS, of course!). I’ve gone to osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapy, done lumbar, neck and brain MRIs — everything looks fine. I’ve been to two different neurologists. They both think it’s probably small fiber neuropathy, though I haven’t done the skin biopsy yet. The pain in my feet is getting much worse and it’s going up both legs. Then this past Saturday, I started feeling it in my hands and arms. Happened kind of quickly and it’s so much more bothersome than the feet and legs. I have a 3 year old, I need my hands. Will there be a day when I can’t feel her lovely, soft skin? Will I not be able to play the piano anymore? I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety and OCD since I was a child. You may imagine the panic I’m feeling now that I’m adding yet another form of torment to my life. I’m 37 years old and I feel like my life is over.

I had my first baby in February 2017 and started feeling symptoms (pain, tingling in feet) about 3 months afterward. We’ve done all kinds of blood tests and everything keeps coming back normal. You’ve never seen someone so disappointed at a normal result (except ruling out MS, of course!). I’ve gone to osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapy, done lumbar, neck and brain MRIs — everything looks fine. I’ve been to two different neurologists. They both think it’s probably small fiber neuropathy, though I haven’t done the skin biopsy yet. The pain in my feet is getting much worse and it’s going up both legs. Then this past Saturday, I started feeling it in my hands and arms. Happened kind of quickly and it’s so much more bothersome than the feet and legs. I have a 3 year old, I need my hands. Will there be a day when I can’t feel her lovely, soft skin? Will I not be able to play the piano anymore? I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety and OCD since I was a child. You may imagine the panic I’m feeling now that I’m adding yet another form of torment to my life. I’m 37 years old and I feel like my life is over.

@carrie4803 Id like to ad my welcome and know you have found a good place as Racheal said . We listen ,we care and we try to help with our own toolbox of tricks to help us. Neuropathy is maddening but there are a lot of things to help you. I have found Epsom Salt soak or on washcloth helps a lot . rubbing in hemp oil also after the E.S. that is one example I can give you . God bless you keep trucking advocate for yourself and don't let neuropathy define who you are .

Hello @carrie4803, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Neuropathy can be the pits, especially when you can't get the answers you need. It also adds to your anxiety and fear of the future. You are not alone in how you feel or with the symptoms you have. The best suggestion I have is to learn as much as you can about your health condition and read the experiences of others who have shared what has helped them here on Connect. I posted my story earlier on Connect here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-here-dealing-with-peripheral-neuropathy/?pg=42#comment-65985

Did your doctor offer any treatments or therapy for your symptoms?

I'm hoping @rwinney, @artscaping, and other members can share what helps them get through the day.

Hello Carrie @carrie4803 and welcome to Connect. Well, you have really spoke loud and clear for us all to hear and understand what you are going through. I'm so happy you found this site.

Unfortunately, neuropathy comes in all shapes and sizes, does not discrimate against sex or age and has a mind of its own for each individual. Mine began at age 46. My babies were just about grown unlike yours. ☹

I feel your pain and confusion and frustration. It's maddening for sure but, there is hope! Hope lies in the fact that neuropathy will not kill us, but make our lives more challenging.

As far as the challenges...they come both physically and mentally as you have experienced. I needed to learn alot about myself through the challenges and find some (even if extremely hard) good to take away.

Listen, we are here for you and will understand when no-one else may. We are are here for you to learn "tricks of the trade". We are here to comfort and support you on your darkest day.

My wish for you is that you have the skin biopsy to lay your mind to rest. Clarity helps the acceptance process. Please fight hard to be your own advocate. Do your research and learn your disease. Help yourself bc you know your body best.

When you have time away from the high demands of being a Mother, investigate the threads and links here. Others life experiences may offer so much more than the internet.

I'm here, we're here! It was brave of you to reach out to us... a great first step. Keep persevering Carrie, your sweet little one needs a strong mommy and you can do this.

All the best to you and please reach out anytime. Hope today is a pleasant one for you. 🌻

Be well -Rachel