Small Fiber Neuropathy, Pain + Seeking Solutions

Hello @forest2005, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @amandajro and others. I was also diagnosed at Rochester Mayo in 2016 with idiopathic small fiber PN but I don't have pain just numbness. I got the same answer from the neurologist that my previous doctors told me, that is there is no drugs or topicals that will help with the numbness. That is when I started my own search to find something that helps and how I found Connect. There is another discussion where members including myself have shared what helps them that you might want to read through while you wait for other members to respond here.

Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/

You mentioned needing a hip replacement. I had my right knee replaced about 2 years ago and I'm concerned about my right hip also. My wife has told me many times since I was in my early 50s that I walked like an old man and I'm 77 soon to be 78 now 🙂 I've focused on losing some weight and exercising more to build my strength. You may also be interested in the following discussion:

Strength training: How-to video collection: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/strength-training-how-to-video-collection/

Have you already had a hip replaced?

Hello @forest2005 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for sharing your story with the community. From reading your post, it is clear the pain seems to be the greatest struggle. Because of that, and your interest in seeking new ways to care for your SFN, you will notice I have updated the title of your post to allow more members to find your post and share their experiences on pain and seeking solutions.

Members such as @maryflorida @steeldove @rwinney @artscaping and @johnbishop all have shared about their journey with SFN and may have additional information on new studies and medicine.

What are you currently doing for your pain management?

Would anyone be wiling to share your experience with using CBD or CBG oil along with gabapentin. I have not tried but was wondering if using this may help with not having to increase my current gabapentin dosage which is giving me a 50-60% reduction in burning pain but I am only on for less than 30 days. I did tell my doctor I was using CBD cream in localized spots, with short term effect but my burning is entire body front and back so looking for systemic solution but without THC. Thank you in advance.

My experience is with THC/CBD tincture (40:60 I think). I was taking it with Gabapentin (200-300 mg at night typically; both medically prescribed) due to severe cramps caused by liver disease. I found the combination worked well to calm the pain, relax me, and help me sleep. I’ve since had a liver transplant, but now suffer various neuropathy symptoms, severe muscle and joint pain, sharp nerve pains in my legs and feet, etc. Unfortunately both CBD and THC conflict with one of my anti rejection drugs, or I’d definitely continue with the combination, as it worked better for me than just the Gabapentin.

Hello @forest2005 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for sharing your story with the community. From reading your post, it is clear the pain seems to be the greatest struggle. Because of that, and your interest in seeking new ways to care for your SFN, you will notice I have updated the title of your post to allow more members to find your post and share their experiences on pain and seeking solutions.

Members such as @maryflorida @steeldove @rwinney @artscaping and @johnbishop all have shared about their journey with SFN and may have additional information on new studies and medicine.

What are you currently doing for your pain management?

Hello @forest2005, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @amandajro and others. I was also diagnosed at Rochester Mayo in 2016 with idiopathic small fiber PN but I don't have pain just numbness. I got the same answer from the neurologist that my previous doctors told me, that is there is no drugs or topicals that will help with the numbness. That is when I started my own search to find something that helps and how I found Connect. There is another discussion where members including myself have shared what helps them that you might want to read through while you wait for other members to respond here.

Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/

You mentioned needing a hip replacement. I had my right knee replaced about 2 years ago and I'm concerned about my right hip also. My wife has told me many times since I was in my early 50s that I walked like an old man and I'm 77 soon to be 78 now 🙂 I've focused on losing some weight and exercising more to build my strength. You may also be interested in the following discussion:

Strength training: How-to video collection: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/strength-training-how-to-video-collection/

Have you already had a hip replaced?