Neuropathy Medications

Posted by sunnyflower @sunnyflower, Aug 28, 2020

Hello, read this artical from the FDA dated January 30th, 2020, about dangers of Gabapentin, Lyrica and other drugs. I thought it worthy of our attention : https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-about-serious-breathing-problems-seizure-and-nerve-pain-medicines-gabapentin-neurontin
Warmest regards, Sunnyflower 🙏

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

@johnbishop

Hi Barry @user_che214927, I'm sure you feel very passionate about the relief you get for your peripheral neuropathy by using Neuroplasticity. There is a lot we still don't know about the brain and it's powers. I'm no expert but I'm not sure I could make a blanket statement about Neuroplasticity being the only answer for relief from the pain and discomfort caused by peripheral neuropathy. I'm not a big fan of some of the medications being used to treat peripheral neuropathy but that is just my personal opinion. If people are able to get relief from their pain caused by nerve damage, it's a good thing for them and I really hope it keeps working for them.

I do feel that Neuroplasticity and the drugs are accomplishing the same thing using different methods but I have no training or medical background so it's just an opinion. I think that Neuroplasticity is "training" the brain to not feel the pain, whereas Gabapentin and other seizure type medications are "tricking" the brain to block the pain signals that are received from the damaged nerves.

I guess the bottom line for me is that if works for you, relieves your pain and it is doing no harm to your body, then it is a good thing and your answer for relief from the pain. If I had pain with my PN, Neuroplasticity would definitely be on my bucket list of things to try even though I think it can be something that is not as easy as it sounds.

G’day my friend from down under!

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@johnbishop Well said John.

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@johnbishop

Hi Barry @user_che214927, I'm sure you feel very passionate about the relief you get for your peripheral neuropathy by using Neuroplasticity. There is a lot we still don't know about the brain and it's powers. I'm no expert but I'm not sure I could make a blanket statement about Neuroplasticity being the only answer for relief from the pain and discomfort caused by peripheral neuropathy. I'm not a big fan of some of the medications being used to treat peripheral neuropathy but that is just my personal opinion. If people are able to get relief from their pain caused by nerve damage, it's a good thing for them and I really hope it keeps working for them.

I do feel that Neuroplasticity and the drugs are accomplishing the same thing using different methods but I have no training or medical background so it's just an opinion. I think that Neuroplasticity is "training" the brain to not feel the pain, whereas Gabapentin and other seizure type medications are "tricking" the brain to block the pain signals that are received from the damaged nerves.

I guess the bottom line for me is that if works for you, relieves your pain and it is doing no harm to your body, then it is a good thing and your answer for relief from the pain. If I had pain with my PN, Neuroplasticity would definitely be on my bucket list of things to try even though I think it can be something that is not as easy as it sounds.

G’day my friend from down under!

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I have researched Neuroplasticity relentlessly, and it's results are accepted by research groups and hospitals worldwide.. It does not retrain the brain, it rebuilds the brain.It is not retraining it.And John , you are right, its not as easy as it sounds, but the rewards are life long.

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@user_che214927

I have researched Neuroplasticity relentlessly, and it's results are accepted by research groups and hospitals worldwide.. It does not retrain the brain, it rebuilds the brain.It is not retraining it.And John , you are right, its not as easy as it sounds, but the rewards are life long.

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If you're interesting in joining Connect members and exploring the conversation on neuroplasticity, see this discussion that Barry started:
– Neuropathy and Brain Neuroplasticity https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/barry-sheales-australia/

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Hi Barry @user_che214927, I believe as John said. There are 2 methods for treating the pain, neuroplasticity and medications. Most people would prefer the latter because of quicker results. Medications can block the receptors to “fool” the brain where as in neuroplasticity the brain is creating new pathways through repetitive action which can take many months. The brain or nervous system is powerful when it comes to adapting and learning new things, e.g. look at evolution and mutations throughout the years.
I also take nil medications and am practicing neuroplasticity by performing daily eye exercises to align my eyes in hopes of someday eliminating my diplopia. I have the time and figured why not, I have nothing to lose. If need be I will schedule strabismus surgery in 15 months, the time wait for the medical insurance coverage to begin. After being consistent for 3 months I have noticed a significant improvement. I do the eye exercises numerous times throughout the day, as much as I can tolerate. I may also start a conscious effort in performing actions to improve my walking......as the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”. To me this is a better method than taking risks with medications and dealing with its side effects. It does take discipline and a lot of hard work but it pays off in the long run. I believed from the time I was a young adult, no matter what life threw at you, to always do your best in trying different ways to resolve issues. One should never second guess their decisions by saying.....”I should have......”.
That is why I research before coming to a conclusion. Once I make a decision I stay with it. This is a lot healthier way to put things behind and move on. I only look back as a learning experience and never have I regretted a decision. Barry, I commend you on your efforts! Keep on practicing. You are never too old to learn. You look great and I am sure even better come January your summertime. Stay healthy. I see Australia is mandating tough curfews to control its covid cases. A job well done during flu season.

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@jesfactsmon

@bustrbrwn22
I am sorry about your situation. It really sucks that many do not have an adequate support system in their lives. I'm glad your husband is paying more attention now. I'm not too familiar with what is available for people who need extra support and I should be. I wonder if, when you don't have a friend to call, you could contact Volunteers of America or some other organization for assistance? I wish you well bustrbrwn22 and hope you get help as you have needs for it. Best, Hank

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Thank you so much Hank. Please keep me on your mind and texting.

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@jimhd

@bustrbrwn22 I'm sorry that you have such severe, unrelenting pain. Most of my pain, from peripheral neuropathy, is in my feet and ankles, and it's worst when I sit down, stand still and lie down. I'm able to do all of the work taking care of our place, for which I'm thankful, but if I overdo I pay for it. But you're certainly in far more pain than I am.

My wife had severe pain from her sciatic nerve last year, and a scan showed that there was a constriction in her spine, squeezing her sciatic nerve. She had surgery for it, with just 3 small incisions, and as soon as she woke from anesthesia, the pain was amazingly better, and in a short time the pain was all gone. I'm having the same problem now, with my spine clenching the nerves to my legs and feet, and I hope that surgery, scheduled for the 24th, will help me as much as it did my wife.

I haven't heard from you if you're considering surgery. It could make a big difference.

How long ago did you have the charcoal treatment? I've never had the experience, but I've been a guest at a facility twice, after failing suicide attempts, the first time for 6 weeks, the second time only 3 days. The staff totally botched my second visit. I should have stayed longer, but I left before they did any permanent harm to me.

Medications can be a challenge when they're needed for both physical pain or diseases and mental health issues. I have medications for depression and anxiety, as well as for neuropathy and arthritis, and I'm really fortunate to have a team of good doctors.

And you're fortunate to have such a supportive husband.

Jim

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Thank you so much for reaching out. I had about 5 gallon charcoal bags administered through a nasal tube. They tell you to keep swapping the vomit and keep it down. The doctor left and said the pills were too digested to save me (about 200 sleeping pills) and I never saw him again. I’ll never forget the nurse saying I was going to make it and pulling pulverized bits of sleeping pills from my vomit.

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@jimhd

@bustrbrwn22 I'm sorry that you have such severe, unrelenting pain. Most of my pain, from peripheral neuropathy, is in my feet and ankles, and it's worst when I sit down, stand still and lie down. I'm able to do all of the work taking care of our place, for which I'm thankful, but if I overdo I pay for it. But you're certainly in far more pain than I am.

My wife had severe pain from her sciatic nerve last year, and a scan showed that there was a constriction in her spine, squeezing her sciatic nerve. She had surgery for it, with just 3 small incisions, and as soon as she woke from anesthesia, the pain was amazingly better, and in a short time the pain was all gone. I'm having the same problem now, with my spine clenching the nerves to my legs and feet, and I hope that surgery, scheduled for the 24th, will help me as much as it did my wife.

I haven't heard from you if you're considering surgery. It could make a big difference.

How long ago did you have the charcoal treatment? I've never had the experience, but I've been a guest at a facility twice, after failing suicide attempts, the first time for 6 weeks, the second time only 3 days. The staff totally botched my second visit. I should have stayed longer, but I left before they did any permanent harm to me.

Medications can be a challenge when they're needed for both physical pain or diseases and mental health issues. I have medications for depression and anxiety, as well as for neuropathy and arthritis, and I'm really fortunate to have a team of good doctors.

And you're fortunate to have such a supportive husband.

Jim

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Can I ask what nerves you and your wife had issues with? Mine is S1

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@pfbacon

How often do you do the dry needling? Peggy

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I haven’t for a couple months but twice a week for 3 weeks

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@helennicola

Anyone ever try dry needling combined with electric stimulation and exercise? I’ve recently read quite a few articles touting the effectiveness of this method similar to acupuncture for neuropathy. There are many physical therapists adept at this. I myself had it done about 5 yrs. ago to relieve leg pain which was successful and a friend had success with neck pain. I also read about a naturopathic oncologist (Dr. Heather Paulson.com)who may have been in an article stating this possibility with regard to post chemo neuropathy. Just FYI. Helen

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Dry needling rocks but if you are in real pain it will be painful because the muscle fibers are so twisted they need to be straightened

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@bustrbrwn22

Thank you so much for reaching out. I had about 5 gallon charcoal bags administered through a nasal tube. They tell you to keep swapping the vomit and keep it down. The doctor left and said the pills were too digested to save me (about 200 sleeping pills) and I never saw him again. I’ll never forget the nurse saying I was going to make it and pulling pulverized bits of sleeping pills from my vomit.

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Hi @bustrbrwn22. Thanks for sharing. What an awful experience! Some doctors can be so insensitive. Doctors don’t insert the nasal tubes because nurses do. I am glad your nurse had a positive attitude. That was a big help to you. Doctors don’t always know everything. That is why I just listen to them and make my own conclusions. Glad to see you are moving on to combat a health issue using Connect. So much can be learned through this chat( and much quicker too) by asking us. We have many experiences and suggestions that may help you. Best of luck to you!

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