Ideas for pain relief from Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)

Posted by somisgirl @somisgirl, Sep 6, 2019

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!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

@darlingtondoll

I hope you have success with your trip to Mayo.

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Thanks a bunch Jane! 🌺

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@rwinney

Good morning everyone-

I have good news to share! Today I'm feeling hopeful because I applied for the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic 3 week pain rehabilitation program.

There have been some worthy posts that peeked my interest but, I wasnt ready to commit. Yesterday, and lately, I've been feeling extremely hopeless. When that happens the moment has to hit me, and I will search very hard for hope.

I watched the video on Mayo's site explaining Central Sensitization and saw my exact blueprint from eyes to head to neuropathy to irregulation, pain and torment. It was indeed an emotional validation of my entire bodies dysfunction and debilitation. I strongly recommend watching if you are looking to think out of the box.

My concern over cost and ability hold me back alot in this life. It's just my nature. Truth is, as my husband reassures me, I am very fortunate to have an incredible support system from my family.

So, Y O L O....you only live once.
And for the record, this is NOT living!

I will remain optimistic that my insurance is accepted and I am accepted. We (my family and I) can cover added expense and I can will myself to physically make it happen.

I will not settle, can not settle and today I hope I have provided inspiration to anyone who is able or willing to think and feel the same.

Be well-
Rachel

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Rachel are used to live around the Jacksonville mayo clinic and it’s pretty nice I hope you get to go and I hope it helps let me know if you need any referrals to anything because I have friends in that area maybe I can help you save some money or something

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@birdierobin

Rachel are used to live around the Jacksonville mayo clinic and it’s pretty nice I hope you get to go and I hope it helps let me know if you need any referrals to anything because I have friends in that area maybe I can help you save some money or something

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@birdierobin - you are the sweetest. That's very nice and I appreciate it. I was just discussing the logistics with my husband earlier. It looks like I could schedule around the beginning of May. I made good progress today. Mayo does not mess around. I learned this last April when I first applied. I may not have gotten accepted to see doctors but they are very efficient, polite and have their stuff together!

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I wanted to share with everybody that I’ve been taking alpha lipoic acid for a few weeks and I have almost no burning in my arms anymore.

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@rwinney

@birdierobin - you are the sweetest. That's very nice and I appreciate it. I was just discussing the logistics with my husband earlier. It looks like I could schedule around the beginning of May. I made good progress today. Mayo does not mess around. I learned this last April when I first applied. I may not have gotten accepted to see doctors but they are very efficient, polite and have their stuff together!

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Wonderful news please keep me posted I’ll see what I can do to help your family going to need a place to stay in that area and for how long?

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@swartzki

I wanted to share with everybody that I’ve been taking alpha lipoic acid for a few weeks and I have almost no burning in my arms anymore.

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That’s wonderful swartz!!!

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@swartzki

I wanted to share with everybody that I’ve been taking alpha lipoic acid for a few weeks and I have almost no burning in my arms anymore.

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@swartzi, that is great news! Do you take R-Ala and what dosage and brand may I ask? I have been taking it for 2 yrs. now and I definitely think it helps me. Helen

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@helennicola

@swartzi, that is great news! Do you take R-Ala and what dosage and brand may I ask? I have been taking it for 2 yrs. now and I definitely think it helps me. Helen

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It’s bluebonnet brand. Alpha lipoic acid. 300 mg. I’ve heard people mention R-ala but forgive my ignorance: I don’t know what the R is for. (Wish it could grow hair). 😔

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@swartzki

I wanted to share with everybody that I’ve been taking alpha lipoic acid for a few weeks and I have almost no burning in my arms anymore.

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@swartzki
Wonderful!

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@swartzki

It’s bluebonnet brand. Alpha lipoic acid. 300 mg. I’ve heard people mention R-ala but forgive my ignorance: I don’t know what the R is for. (Wish it could grow hair). 😔

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The R-ALA is the kind you want. Most over the counter less expensive 🙁 doesn’t do much for you.

https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/lipoic-acid
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