What do you do for Neuropathy itch?

Hi Hank, Chris, do you think a tens unit could achieve the same result? Just wondering. Helen

@artscaping
Hi Chris, did you ever happen to try a massage/vibration unit on your itchy hand/arm? In case not, I do think there is a chance (perhaps small) that it might help, especially if you put on the compression sleeve right afterward (or do it with it on). I'm not referring to the sonicare idea (expensive if you do not have one to experiment with), but rather a different smallish unit which my wife Linda also uses.

Here is the Amazon link to it:
https://www.amazon.com/Uniclife-Massager-Portable-Shoulders-Operated/dp/B018U6Q1V2/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Uniclife+Mini+Penguin+Massager%2CPortable+Massage%2C+Neck%2C+Shoulders+and+Back%2C+Battery+Operated%2C+White&qid=1607787462&sr=8-1
Maybe you already have something similar, but the vibrations this thing puts out are pretty strong & deep for its size and cost. I probably seem like I am beating a dead horse here, but I just think this might help your hand/arm itch areas if you have not tried it. I just feel so much compassion for you with this. I know how difficult it has been watching my wife suffer with it..

Best, Hank

PS: I promise this will be the last time I will bring this idea up unsolicited on Connect. I don't want to seem tedious. 😊

Good afternoon @bjbednarz. Thanks for explaining the dosage differences in results for Nortriptyline. I know less than nothing about pharmacology. However, I sure have been the subject of some mix-ups. I wondered if I should share my recent one. It is based just on my evaluation of body sensations after topical application of CBD:THC. Actually @helennicola, this might strike a bell with you. I have tried over the years to moderate my need for Rx medications and use only Medical Cannabis. I have found that for the itch......a rich THC dosage increases the sensation (itch). One with a rich CBD dosage has the effect of reducing or soothing the itch. This is true with the tincture as well as the topical. When I think back to the feelings of heightened perception at art shows and concerts......(when I was a wild child) this seemed somewhat similar.

I don't have an answer.....did you discuss this experience with your clinician before you set up your own pharmacy? (Just teasing you @bjbednarz ). @helennicola.....do you have any thoughts and experiences with the P&B balm?

May you both have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

Hi, Helen @helennicola and Hank (@fesfactsman........do you use tens unit, Helen? I used a tens unit for my back (35 yrs ago). It wasn't much good then but I was close to the tolerance limit for surgery. Maybe I should try it again. Think they might have improved in 35 years...huh? Please make a recommendation and I will let Santa know it is on my list.

May you have peace and ease.
Chris

Greetings Hank, @jesfactsman. I checked out the Penguin Massager. I love penguins and their waddle so I ordered it. How does Linda use it? Does it have more than one setting? I guess I better wait till it gets here. Thanks for the suggestion. You try so very hard to fix, cure, help everyone, Hank. Remember.......everyone is different. I am a nature person.....organic, healthy food, natural medications, excercise, and for the brain, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. I am innately hesitant about miracle machines or other extraneous utensils.

You are not beating a dead horse here.....you are just dealing with an "old" farm girl. I am, however, interested in what works for Linda as she travels along her own path. Do you ever think that maybe we sometimes jump on every possibility and change horses in
midstream too frequently? Some of these medications take days and weeks for the body to become comfortable with its reactions to the introduction of something new. And then some medications or other aids wear out their usefulness because we, as patients, are physically and mentally changing.

May you be safe and protected.
May Linda be safe and protected.
Chris

Wow....that is a surprise.....the ups and downs of the itch intensity controlled by a medication like Nortriptyline at 10 mg. I took that medication when I was first diagnosed with SFN (small fiber neuropathy). My bedtime dose was 50 mg and I truly believe it saved me from thoughts and deeds that were not in my best interests. I tapered off it last year because I felt that I was mentally in a much better place. I also substituted a night time tincture dose of medical cannabis.

I am really struggling right now......the itch starts at my finger tips with redness and inflammation (scratching) and then moves on up the back of my hand to the wrist and then on up to the elbow. It doesn’t seem like anything is helping except compression. So I wear compression sleeves and have just ordered compression gloves. I also have a dermatology appointment in January. She has seen the Harvard article so we will continue with our coping methodology.

Thank you for following up with me. I am very interested in your progress and hope you will continue our exchange.

May you have peace and contentment. (Please).
Chris

How do you get medical cannabis? Is it different than what you can get over-the-counter.

Good evening @bjbednarz, Medical cannabis is dispersed from dispensaries where US Federal Law permits the sale of marijuana for an approved list of conditions. The product is from the cannabis or marijuana plant not from hemp. All products are produced under regulated conditions with controlled methods. Pain clinics and approved dispensaries offer patient education and assist with the selection of appropriate dosages and types of distribution. You can be pretty darn sure that you will receive a consistently performing product.

Where do you live? I will be happy to check out options for you. I use medical cannabis to calm myself when the "itch" is paying a visit. The topical and tincture I find most helpful for the neuropathic itch is one that is CBD rich not THC rich. That is often contrary to what some folks think. It is my experience however and may be a helpful hint.

May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris

Thank you for the information. The reason I ask about what you use is because I bought some CBD oil. It says pure hemp extract, THC free, 300mg per bottle. I put it in a little juice and took it internally for a while. I saw no change of any kind. But before I knew I was to take it internally, I rubbed some on a few itchy places, and the itching stopped, immediately. It only lasts a few hours, but, oh my goodness, some relief. I don't know anything about this kind of thing. I don't know if it's bad for me. The oil is messy, and I wonder if there is a better method of applying. It just blows my mind how quickly it stops the itching. What do you think? Oh, I live in Texas.