1. < Neuropathy

Small Fiber Neuropathy: What helps?

Posted by lisadog33 @lisadog33, Mar 28, 2017

I have been diagnosed with Small Fiber Neuropathy. My problem is this. Since before they diagnosed me, I was having other symptoms that I thought were not related including loss of appetite/weight loss, bladder control, bowel control, problem with eyesight at times, tremors, sleep issues among some other things. I was told by my Neurologist that those things are not related to small fiber neuropathy but when I look it up, it says it can affect your autonomic nervous system. What is the truth. I am having a heck of a time with bladder and bowel issues as well as either sleeping through the alarm or not sleeping at all. I hope someone can shed some light on this for me. Thank you.

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

total99 | @total99 | Dec 18, 2021

My experience has been that other symptoms of the type you mentioned came on me along with the small fiber neuropathy.

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Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 18, 2021
In reply to @pogo "have PN in my feet. I am not diabetic but believe my problem came from weight..." + (show)
@pogo

have PN in my feet. I am not diabetic but believe my problem came from weight loss surgery I had in my 20's. I am 73 now. I did a series of treatments using infrared light, vibration & tens unit with pads on feet & calves. However the key was the diet very low carb & low sugar. I had a definite improvement. I have slipped from the diet and need to go back on it. ( another benefit I lost 50 pounds.The infrared light can be purchased thru Amazon the tens unit I would ask your doctor for a script to get a medical grade one

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Welcome @pogo, Thanks for sharing your tips and experience with the diet with low carb and sugar. I've been working on this also along with intermittent fasting to lose more weight. I've also found that it seems to help with my neuropathy. Recently I ran across an article on the topic that you might find interesting.

-- Low-Carb Diets for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://winsantor.com/low-carb-diets-for-peripheral-neuropathy/

Also there is another discussion you might find helpful -- Low-carb healthy fat living. Intermittent fasting. What’s your why?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/low-carb-healthy-fat-living-intermittent-fasting-whats-your-why/

Do you have any pain symptoms with your neuropathy or is it just the numbness and tingling?

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1 reply
pogo | @pogo | Dec 18, 2021
In reply to @pogo "have PN in my feet. I am not diabetic but believe my problem came from weight..." + (show)
@pogo

have PN in my feet. I am not diabetic but believe my problem came from weight loss surgery I had in my 20's. I am 73 now. I did a series of treatments using infrared light, vibration & tens unit with pads on feet & calves. However the key was the diet very low carb & low sugar. I had a definite improvement. I have slipped from the diet and need to go back on it. ( another benefit I lost 50 pounds.The infrared light can be purchased thru Amazon the tens unit I would ask your doctor for a script to get a medical grade one

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I have some shooting pain at times in my feet but not real bad. I still work and on my feet a lot as by time I get off ( usually 10 hour day) my feet tingle. I hate gabapentin but it helps.

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margie1234 | @margie1234 | Dec 19, 2021
In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @pogo, Thanks for sharing your tips and experience with the diet with low carb and..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Welcome @pogo, Thanks for sharing your tips and experience with the diet with low carb and sugar. I've been working on this also along with intermittent fasting to lose more weight. I've also found that it seems to help with my neuropathy. Recently I ran across an article on the topic that you might find interesting.

-- Low-Carb Diets for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://winsantor.com/low-carb-diets-for-peripheral-neuropathy/

Also there is another discussion you might find helpful -- Low-carb healthy fat living. Intermittent fasting. What’s your why?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/low-carb-healthy-fat-living-intermittent-fasting-whats-your-why/

Do you have any pain symptoms with your neuropathy or is it just the numbness and tingling?

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Just the tingling for me in both feet

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retired123 | @retired123 | Dec 19, 2021
In reply to @simina1234 "Red light therapy ( low level laser therapy ) - have a positive impact on nerve..." + (show)
@simina1234

Red light therapy ( low level laser therapy ) - have a positive impact on nerve regeneration ( according to studies ). They improve blood circulation .
Home units are available for sale .

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This is new info for me. Do you know what type of device is used? Handheld, mat or lamp? Thanks.

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 19, 2021
In reply to @retired123 "This is new info for me. Do you know what type of device is used? Handheld,..." + (show)
@retired123

This is new info for me. Do you know what type of device is used? Handheld, mat or lamp? Thanks.

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Here's a site that lists some of the home devices.

A Guide to Cold Lasers for Home Use - ColdLasers.Org: https://www.coldlasers.org/home-equipment/

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Doug K | @dck | Dec 19, 2021

I have idiopathic SFN. It began four years ago. I have found that exercise helps but I'm not sure that the exercises I am doing are tartgeting the problem in the best way. Can anyone point me to the best exercises for the condition?

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1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 19, 2021
In reply to @dck "I have idiopathic SFN. It began four years ago. I have found that exercise helps but..." + (show)
@dck

I have idiopathic SFN. It began four years ago. I have found that exercise helps but I'm not sure that the exercises I am doing are tartgeting the problem in the best way. Can anyone point me to the best exercises for the condition?

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There are a couple of discussions that you might find helpful on the topic...
-- Neuropathy & Exercise: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-exercise/
-- Water Exercise for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/water-exercise-for-peripheral-neuropathy/
-- Peripheral Neuropathy - Stretching and Exercise: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-neuropathy-stretching-and-exercise/

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy had a webnar last year and it's now on YouTube and might provide some suggestions.

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kfrenc04 | @kfrenc04 | Feb 4, 2022
In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hello @lisadog33, I'm truly sorry to learn about your diagnosis; however, as you will see, you've..." + (show)
@kanaazpereira

Hello @lisadog33,

I'm truly sorry to learn about your diagnosis; however, as you will see, you've landed in a great community here. First, I'd like to introduce you to one of our Mentors, @johnbishop who has written extensively about small fiber neuropathy (SFN), and has share his experiences in many of the groups on Connect. If you wish, you can view a few discussions, here:

- Anyone here dealing with peripheral neuropathy? http://mayocl.in/2oeHFAG
- Diagnosed with PMR 2 1/2 years ago. How do I manage the extreme pain? http://mayocl.in/2oeSra7
-Does anyone have a treatment for Neuropathy due to chemo http://mayocl.in/2o96rVU

If you scroll through these discussions, you will see that John has provided some excellent links to resources.
I'd also like to tag @magg @cjkressin @brie87144 @islandhippy @lucille @rabbit10 @emilyanne @medic7054 @fleure @martid @painwarrior, as I'm sure they will have more insight for you.

With regard to your concern about the other symptoms, here's what I found: According to this NIH (National Institutes of Health) page, http://bit.ly/2nyTseH, " some affected individuals have urinary or bowel problems, episodes of rapid heartbeat (palpitations), dry eyes or mouth, or abnormal sweating. They can also experience a sharp drop in blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), which can cause dizziness, blurred vision, or fainting."

Are you taking any medication for pain, @lisadog33? Do your symptoms get worse/better at certain times of the day or night?

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Everything is pretty much constant. I don’t take any meds for this either.

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kfrenc04 | @kfrenc04 | Feb 4, 2022
In reply to @ashlely "I have non diabetic peripheral neuropathy caused by dermatologist injections in legs and feet in 2007,..." + (show)
@ashlely

I have non diabetic peripheral neuropathy caused by dermatologist injections in legs and feet in 2007, pain minimal but numbness bad and freezing feet. Want to tell everyone suffering from cold feet, before winter, to buy Old Friend Sheepskin bootie slippers. Are soft sole, warm and sheepskin soothing for sensitive skin. I wear them to bed and all day. Helps sleep constantly interrupted by feet.

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My feet hurt because they are cold all the time. I actually wear my Ugg boots during the day and that really helps.

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