Ideas for pain relief from Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)

Posted by somisgirl @somisgirl, Sep 6, 2019

I just wanted to pass along some ideas for those of you with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. I am a 60-year-old female in excellent health other than the onset of this about a year ago. I do not have diabetes or any other detectable health issues.
I started some new things a few weeks ago and this week I have had some remarkable relief. I am not sure if what I have done is why, or which thing might have helped, but still wanted to pass this along just to give some of you some things to try.

I wear compression socks. This seems to help with the pain and pressure I feel in my feet and ankles.
I started taking Evening of Primrose oil twice a day.
I have cut my caffeine intake by at least two-thirds and now drink mostly green or black tea. I had heard that caffeine could irritate nerves...worth a shot.
I exercise, which I have been doing for over 20 years. I think it improves circulation which I think really helps with nerve health.
I added niacin. I will aid in blood flow, also good for circulation.
I use a cream called DMSO which i put on my feet and ankles in the morning (numbs the pain)

I don't know if any of this could be helpful for you or not, But I seem greatly improved recently......I have tried everything and am always looking for new things to try in order to function with this awful condition.
I am still taking 600mg of Gabapentin 3 times a day and 20 mg Citalopram once a day and have been for 9 months. I do not take any other medications.

Blessings to all of you and I hope there is a cure some day. I intend to keep looking for solutions that do not require medications!

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

@frattmaa

I don’t use creams but I take THC gummies and it help tremendously.

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The THC Gummies are over-the-counter? Where can I get them?

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@jesus1970

The THC Gummies are over-the-counter? Where can I get them?

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Welcome @jesus1970, While we wait for @frattmaa to respond to your question I thought I would share this link on the topic with you.

-- Cannabis Edibles Are Not as Safe as People Think - Healthline:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/cannabis-edibles-health-risks

Are you able to share a little more about your diagnosis and symptoms? Do you have small fiber neuropathy?

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@jesus1970

The THC Gummies are over-the-counter? Where can I get them?

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You can buy them at a Cannabis shop. It’s illegal to have them sent by mail. Some states have not legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. If it’s not legal in your state you can’t get them.
I cut my 10mg gummy’s into 4 and take every 4 hours. At night I take 10mg to help with pain and sleep.

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@johnbishop

Welcome @jesus1970, While we wait for @frattmaa to respond to your question I thought I would share this link on the topic with you.

-- Cannabis Edibles Are Not as Safe as People Think - Healthline:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/cannabis-edibles-health-risks

Are you able to share a little more about your diagnosis and symptoms? Do you have small fiber neuropathy?

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THC or CBD gummy’s are like any medication you have to treat them just like you would any medication.

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Congrats on finding ways to mediate your nerve pain! I have found that it's essential to "think outside the box" of traditional medicine and find what works best for you!
I have SFN, as well as Erythromelalgia, in my feet and lower legs. No contributing health issues. I tried gabapentin when first diagnosed but couldn't tolerate the side effects. I've been on pregabalin 150mg 2x a day for several years and it has given me some relief. Also on a supplement called Nerve Renew which is a proprietary blend including B vitamins and Alpha Lipoic Acid.
I can't use compression socks because of the EM. Have used DMSO, and 5% lidocaine cream. And CBD tinctures. Pretty much tried everything I can find to date!
This week my dermatologist is going to use laser therapy on my feet and legs to try and alleviate the painful heat & discomfort from the EM. We'll see how that goes!

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@frattmaa

THC or CBD gummy’s are like any medication you have to treat them just like you would any medication.

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Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with peripheral small fiber neuropathy in 2019. The cause was excess of Vitamin B6. It is in my feet and lower legs. Of course I quit taking the vitamin supplement that had a high level of B6. I have been able to control the pain with Alpha-Lipoic Acid 1200 mg per day taken in the morning, and Benfotiamine 150 mg per day taken before dinner, and CBD only salve every night on my feet. The tingling, burning is always worst at night and the CBD keeps my feet calm and comfortable most nights. I know for sure this all works because I have gone off for a few days and had the burning sensations return; and after 2 days of the routine I am back to good. I have tried several brands of CBD and also tried a CBD/THC combo. The one that works best for me is CBD only, made by Charlotte's Web, available for mail order online.
Also, I recommend icing the bottom of your feet in the evening before bedtime. Some days I need to do this because the day's activities made my feet hot and burning. Amazing how good the ice feels and how quickly it calms those burning nerves.

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I found this study on low dose naltrexone.
Thinking of trying it.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34014028/
Has to be compounded and prescribed accordingly.
Not a big deal since Rx compounding companies are rising up.

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@frattmaa

You can buy them at a Cannabis shop. It’s illegal to have them sent by mail. Some states have not legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. If it’s not legal in your state you can’t get them.
I cut my 10mg gummy’s into 4 and take every 4 hours. At night I take 10mg to help with pain and sleep.

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Good evening @frattmaa and @jesus1970, I just want to make sure I understand your information. Regarding the mailing of medical cannabis products. Crossing a state line is illegal for medical cannabis products when one of the states has not legalized medical cannabis.

For example, Papa and Barkley is located in CA. They have two websites: http://www.papaandbarleycbd.com only sells and ships CBD products with less than that very small percentage of THC. These can be shipped anywhere

The second website, http://www.papaandbarkley.com sells products with psychoactive THC to dispensaries and to buyers within the state of CA.

And just a note.....I actually started with gummies 10 years ago. I found their content to be rather inconsistent.....sort of like brownies. However, they worked for me until I became more knowledgeable and began to use tinctures.

Chris

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@lsh4

Hello everyone, I was diagnosed with peripheral small fiber neuropathy in 2019. The cause was excess of Vitamin B6. It is in my feet and lower legs. Of course I quit taking the vitamin supplement that had a high level of B6. I have been able to control the pain with Alpha-Lipoic Acid 1200 mg per day taken in the morning, and Benfotiamine 150 mg per day taken before dinner, and CBD only salve every night on my feet. The tingling, burning is always worst at night and the CBD keeps my feet calm and comfortable most nights. I know for sure this all works because I have gone off for a few days and had the burning sensations return; and after 2 days of the routine I am back to good. I have tried several brands of CBD and also tried a CBD/THC combo. The one that works best for me is CBD only, made by Charlotte's Web, available for mail order online.
Also, I recommend icing the bottom of your feet in the evening before bedtime. Some days I need to do this because the day's activities made my feet hot and burning. Amazing how good the ice feels and how quickly it calms those burning nerves.

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Hello!
CBD only salve? No tinctures?

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