Neuropathy Medications

How often do you do the dry needling? Peggy

I've been taking gabapentin and lyrica for a couple of years. No discernible side affects. I did therapy for a few years in the 80's and worked through all my childhood issues. I'm okay with the fact that we all die some day, I will too. I'm not okay with living in relentlessly accelerating pain. I take as little medicine as I can - just enough to numb the pain enough so I can ignore it and live my life for awhile longer.

People on this Mayo Clinic Support Group have helped me tremendously with seeing the big picture of Neuropathy: its symptoms, remedies, and where we end up. My "pain specialist" also helps. He actually listens to me and prescribes meds to help what I'm concerned about. Some doctors read from their computer and digress into side issues that their computer tells them are important. One of them began our first and last appointment by telling me that he wanted me to gain 10 pounds. I told him that my weight is perfect for my bone structure and I didn't come in to have my figure critiqued - and I left. He was a gastroenterologist recommended by another doctor who thought that colon cancer screening was what every patient should have regardless of their symptoms, complaints, or requests for help.

I have had to remind some "health care providers" that the Hippocratic Oath begins: "First, Do No Harm". Peggy

My sessions (if I remember correctly) lasted about 45 min. 2X week but I would guess it depends on the issue(s) being treated. If you google “dry needling treatment for neuropathy” you may be able to pull up numerous reports. Helen

@bustrbrwn22, I'm sorry you still have not been able to get help with your pain. You mentioned in another discussion that you were trying to get an appointment at Mayo Clinic. You have also mentioned that your pain seems to be related to Sciatica. Your previous posts mentioned having already tried cortisone injections, accupuncture, dry needling, physical therapy, myofascial massage, TENS, chiropractor and you were looking for supplements. Here are two older articles that I'm not sure you've seen. They mention some of the things you've already tried.

Pain from Sciatica Can Range from Mild to Intense:
-- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pain-from-sciatica-can-range-from-mild-to-intense/
Mayo Clinic Q and A: Sciatica Treatment Options:
-- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-sciatica-treatment-options/

Has your doctor been able to diagnose what is causing the pain? Also, were you able to contact Mayo Clinic for an appointment?

Oh Hank thanks for asking. They termed my condition something like lateral neuropathy I think. I applied at Mayo but now have to try and get all medical info sent there. That is quite a feat! Oh and my top front crown popped off last night and I’m in too much pain to get to dentist. Sorry for whining.

I did have short term success with dry needling in my buttocks area from the sciatica pain. I forget that for 9 years I only sat on one cheek when I went to the bathroom. The next day I had the best natural bowel cleanse ever. The pain eventually returned but not to the point where I had to sit on only one cheek. It was 1 hour of quiet screaming, painful, but worth it I guess it is painful only if you do have an issue with muscles that are severely knotted rather than straightly striated. I will do again eventually.

@sunnyflower Oh your family sees it Sunny, how could they not? From the sounds of it, your family loves you deeply and you are their shining light, a bright spot, and they may be in denial of reality to protect themselves from your truth. Not everyone is wired for compassion and empathy. Maybe it's time you speak up and ask for more support, in a nice way. My husband once said, if you need my help, just ask for it. Sometimes we have to stop wishing they just knew what to do and say, and just ask or share our innermost feelings and concerns. There should be no shame in our game if we are kind, courteous and sincere. All the best to you kind lady.

Rachel

@sunnyflower
Sunny. First I want to say that I am sorry about this reaction from your daughters. I am getting to where people's (some people's) reactions to things are so bizarre to me that I have actually quit being dumbfounded any more. Trying to understand people is like trying to figure out neuropathy. I.E. IMPOSSIBLE. And none of what I am going to say is intended to be about your family specifically because I do not know them therefore it would not be appropriate to comment on them.

OK, with that boiler plate disclaimer out of the way, here is my feedback. Some people are important in your life because they are supposed to be. I view family as people you have a duty toward, a duty assigned to you by You Know Who. You love them, they are given to you to love. But you might not understand them. Heck in some cases you might not even like them! I definitely do not understand some in my family. You can try, but that is it. You might never figure out why they are the way they are.

My advice to you would be to try to get solace from those that DO understand. I think you have found a raft of them here on Connect. Maybe you have a few people who you are close to in real life as well. (Not that Connect isn't real, but you know what I men). Lean on your Real friends and the Connect friends you are starting to make. We do understand. I read your posts to Linda sometimes, and I am so stupefied at what you have to deal with. I mean really floored. I remember when you listed those 3 extremely rare conditions you have, wow, that was an eye-opener. I wish you would print your complete list and post it here, I'd like to see and have a copy.

You can't control how others think, not even family. You are fortunate to have your Faith, that is so so so so (is that enough sos?) powerful, and many do not get to have that in their own life. It is a gift for YOU. Sunny, you have been a godsend to this blog and I, for one, and so happy you appeared!

Best, Hank