Small Fiber Neuropathy, Pain + Seeking Solutions

I have had small fiber neuropathy in my feet for several years, and in the past several months it has gotten much worse. A neurologist that I saw told me it is probably caused from having pre-diabetes for years. (I haven't gotten full blown diabetes, but the constant semi-high blood sugar levels could be causing it. The pre-diabetes, along with metabolic syndrome, weight gain, etc. is a result of being on a certain mental health medications for 12 years.) The neurologist suggested medication, but I'm allergic to so many meds and can't take others because of interactions. He also suggested acupuncture and gave me the name of a licensed acupuncturist who has also worked in western medicine. I brought her an article from NIH, which the doctor suggested I do. Here's a link to the article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5733739/

The acupuncturist said she has treated people with neuropathy, and is familiar with SFN. She said that since this is a neurological problem it will take more sessions that most other issues that people see acupuncturists for. I have seen her twice a week for two weeks so far, and I have just started to notice a slight difference in the way that my feet feel. (After having been through so many medical treatments and surgeries and pain management for all sorts of things the past ten years I tend to not trust myself to really know how my body feels, so I might be imagining that I'm getting relief from the SFN.!) It's too early to tell. It will take several more weeks to really know. My insurance doesn't cover acupuncture, so I'm paying $85 per session, which is adding up quickly. I was desperate, as so many of the people who post on here are, so I am willing to try anything. Please check out the article, particularly the case studies. It gave me a lot of hope.

Thank you for sharing! Very interesting article. It is just so pathetic that insurance doesn’t cover acupuncture. I couldn’t afford treatments, which is very frustrating when the only other option seems to be pharmaceuticals. Like you. many of my current meds (anti rejection) conflict with many other drugs and all pharmaceuticals harm your kidneys.

I hope you can find a way to keep getting your treatments. Please let us know how you progress.

Thanks! I'll post in a few weeks to let you all know how it's going. I agree 100% that it is horrible that insurance doesn't cover treatments like acupuncture. (It's funny because they also won't pay for me to get education about diabetes until I actually have been diagnosed with full-fledged diabetes, which I am trying very hard to avoid!!) The neurologist that I saw also recommended that I do any practice that will quiet down my nervous system, like meditation and Tai Chi. A person that I happened to see doing Tai Chi in a local park a few weeks ago mentioned that she learned Tai Chi from watching YouTube videos. The name of the video series is Tai Chi in 5 Minutes a Day - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEOS2zoyQw4 (Hopefully this link will get you there!) The instructor does an excellent job! Take care of yourself and never give up!!

Thanks! I'll post in a few weeks to let you all know how it's going. I agree 100% that it is horrible that insurance doesn't cover treatments like acupuncture. (It's funny because they also won't pay for me to get education about diabetes until I actually have been diagnosed with full-fledged diabetes, which I am trying very hard to avoid!!) The neurologist that I saw also recommended that I do any practice that will quiet down my nervous system, like meditation and Tai Chi. A person that I happened to see doing Tai Chi in a local park a few weeks ago mentioned that she learned Tai Chi from watching YouTube videos. The name of the video series is Tai Chi in 5 Minutes a Day - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEOS2zoyQw4 (Hopefully this link will get you there!) The instructor does an excellent job! Take care of yourself and never give up!!

@johnbishop Thanks for the link! I read the blog post and started watching the video, and it's really good. I'm going watch the rest of it with my husband. I think it will help both of us. I very much appreciate the resource!!

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.