What helps the symptoms of Small Fiber Neuropathy?

Margie,
I have experienced peripheral neuropathy for 8 years and there is no know cause for it. I have been tested extensively.

I was blessed to be able to see an expert Neurologist who specializes and does research in peripheral neuropathy at a major university medical center near my home. He told me that the only supplement that is backed by scientific research to help peripheral neuropathy is Alpha Lipoic Acid. It is used in Europe. He said it does not help all people, but it helped me. My pain is gone, but my numbness remains in my feet only. My neuropathy has not progressed - it is stable- and there is some evidence that my nerves are starting to regenerate! It also helped my brother with the pain and he has severe peripheral neuropathy. I buy Alpha lipoic Acid on Amazon made in the US by Superior Labs. Discuss with your doctor to see if it is right for you.

I decided to reduce my statin dose after talking with my Cardiologist. Personally, I think the statin contributed to my peripheral neuropathy because is listed as a side effect. My brother did the same.

I follow a low carbohydrate diet that is approved by my physician to keep my blood sugar in good control so I won’t get Type 2 diabetes like other family members.

My Neurologist also advised me to do daily aerobic exercise approved by my Cardiologist. I do light indoor aerobics, yoga for balance training, and exercises from my physical therapist for strength training. My balance and strength have improved with daily training in my home. I put on my favorite music and do my exercises, sometimes with oxygen and sometimes without.

I have significant cardiac and lung issues, but my overall health and ability to adapt, enjoy life with less pain, and without pain medication, feels great. Each day I improve and I am so grateful . I don’t let the difficult days discourage me.

I wish you the best in finding something that works for you. Small changes overtime can make a difference.

Margie,
I have experienced peripheral neuropathy for 8 years and there is no know cause for it. I have been tested extensively.

I was blessed to be able to see an expert Neurologist who specializes and does research in peripheral neuropathy at a major university medical center near my home. He told me that the only supplement that is backed by scientific research to help peripheral neuropathy is Alpha Lipoic Acid. It is used in Europe. He said it does not help all people, but it helped me. My pain is gone, but my numbness remains in my feet only. My neuropathy has not progressed - it is stable- and there is some evidence that my nerves are starting to regenerate! It also helped my brother with the pain and he has severe peripheral neuropathy. I buy Alpha lipoic Acid on Amazon made in the US by Superior Labs. Discuss with your doctor to see if it is right for you.

I decided to reduce my statin dose after talking with my Cardiologist. Personally, I think the statin contributed to my peripheral neuropathy because is listed as a side effect. My brother did the same.

I follow a low carbohydrate diet that is approved by my physician to keep my blood sugar in good control so I won’t get Type 2 diabetes like other family members.

My Neurologist also advised me to do daily aerobic exercise approved by my Cardiologist. I do light indoor aerobics, yoga for balance training, and exercises from my physical therapist for strength training. My balance and strength have improved with daily training in my home. I put on my favorite music and do my exercises, sometimes with oxygen and sometimes without.

I have significant cardiac and lung issues, but my overall health and ability to adapt, enjoy life with less pain, and without pain medication, feels great. Each day I improve and I am so grateful . I don’t let the difficult days discourage me.

I wish you the best in finding something that works for you. Small changes overtime can make a difference.

I am curious if anyone with SFN has more intense symptoms in one foot/leg than the other. My left foot/ankle is much worse than the right making walking challenging. If it is the same for you, how do you compensate for the difference? Thanks.

I am curious if anyone with SFN has more intense symptoms in one foot/leg than the other. My left foot/ankle is much worse than the right making walking challenging. If it is the same for you, how do you compensate for the difference? Thanks.

I am curious if anyone with SFN has more intense symptoms in one foot/leg than the other. My left foot/ankle is much worse than the right making walking challenging. If it is the same for you, how do you compensate for the difference? Thanks.

Good morning @retired123. That is an interesting question. Have you had an injury or other medical procedure on your left foot/ankle? I guess I don't have much difference until someone like you makes me aware of it. Thank you and I will be careful about how I walk and support my left foot and ankle. I broke that ankle when I was in high school in a roller-skating accident. By the time I was in college it was extremely painful and annoying. Surgery was the only solution. The ankle had been set by an orthopedic specialist in another city where I was visiting friends. He told my parents it was a difficult break and needed longer care. When I returned home, our family doctor refused to talk to the ortho or request the images. He took off the cast and told me to walk on it.

Now jump ahead to my sophomore year in college. I went to the health center and they discovered that the ligaments and tendons had rubbed against the edges of the bone break and been torn and shredded. So into surgery I went and a plastic leash was put around the connective tissues. I hobbled around with crutches until it healed. There were two good outcomes. 1. I have never had any problem with that ankle and have been a trekker all my life. 2. My lab partner in Human Anatomy was an impressive wide receiver and I was attracted to football players.

So now to your question. Yes, now that you mention it, the left ankle with the injury is much tighter than the right ankle. What little discomfort exists is noticeably different than the other ankle. That was 60 years ago and I am just realizing that some of these old injuries and ailments hang around.

When you mention that walking is challenging, is your left ankle more numb or painful?

May you be free, protected and safe from inner and outer harm.
Chris

Hi, if you don’t mind me asking, what happened when Ambien was suddenly stopped? It’s those warnings that come with some meds that makes me reluctant to try them. Thanks!