Hopeless and Discouraged, again! Seeking any advice.

Posted by annregister @annregister, Apr 26, 2023

I was diagnosed with sensorimotor Polyneuropathy and small fiber neuropathy. I have tried everything, with really bad side affects. Just today….I went to pain management (1st time) and I was told that it looks like I’ve tried all the “go to” medications. What they suggested was to lose weight, exercise, get my diabetes under control. Well….my primary Dr. took me off of my diabetic meds because he said I had my A1C under control and I would love to get back to my life….walking three miles a day, chasing and teaching first graders, and driving. So now what????? I am out on disability through work but that only last a year. I’m so stressed out. I’m in extreme pain 24/7, in my hands and feet. I don’t know where to go to from here. Why won’t drs. listen instead of making us feel like it’s our fault that we’re sick and in pain? Any advice???? I will listen and try just about anything at this point.

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You might have heard this one before. I take CBD orally, and put THC ointment on my feet every night and morning. It is the best pain reliever I have tried since being diagnosed in 2016. My Medical Doctor was the one who referred me to the Cannabis Doctor. Here is the difficulty with that info. It took me two years of trial and error to find the correct CBD "strength " for me. So, it has "worked", (which means lessened my pain) for 4 years. Now my pain has increased, so I have to look to increase my CBD strength. I am not interested in getting "high", CBD does NOT provide that if it is "Medical". I am lucky my State allows those products in Dispensaries... pricey, but worth it!! That's my 2 cents worth. Best of luck to all!

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@26sabrina

I am on Qutenza and I am getting great relief. Still a little tingling but no pain or burning. I am am able to get to sleep. I am confident in suggesting it.

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My pain doc suggested this treatment, but it terrifies me. My feet burn so badly, putting something on them that burns seems counterintuitive. The skin on my feet is also very red, thin & cracked. Not sure if I could handle any more damage. Doc says he has had good results from it though.

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@cher27

My pain doc suggested this treatment, but it terrifies me. My feet burn so badly, putting something on them that burns seems counterintuitive. The skin on my feet is also very red, thin & cracked. Not sure if I could handle any more damage. Doc says he has had good results from it though.

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I,too, had burning but the burning during the application is different. They also apply an anesthetic before the medication and after the time it is cleansed. The slight burning sensation diminishes after a few hours then you should notice a relief from your neuropathic pain.

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@illac

Hello my name is Illa and believe me I have been there and am still there at times. I don’t have diabetes but I am obese. I got Progressive Neuropathy just out of the blue I believe that it was a medication but of course the Dr.s would never admit to that. I have problems walking, standing and basically getting around in general. It has been extremely stressful so I truly understand but for me getting closer to God and staying prayerful has been my only hope. I promise that has been the only thing that has been and still is pulling me through. I was told there was nothing they could do and sent home after several test and that’s where I was left. However I am not healed but Mentally I am trusting God and trying to rebuild my life . I truly hope and pray that this will make a difference for you as well.

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Thank you for sharing.

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@fala

You might have heard this one before. I take CBD orally, and put THC ointment on my feet every night and morning. It is the best pain reliever I have tried since being diagnosed in 2016. My Medical Doctor was the one who referred me to the Cannabis Doctor. Here is the difficulty with that info. It took me two years of trial and error to find the correct CBD "strength " for me. So, it has "worked", (which means lessened my pain) for 4 years. Now my pain has increased, so I have to look to increase my CBD strength. I am not interested in getting "high", CBD does NOT provide that if it is "Medical". I am lucky my State allows those products in Dispensaries... pricey, but worth it!! That's my 2 cents worth. Best of luck to all!

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Doesn't the THC ointment get you high? I understand the CBD doesn't, but the THC concerns me. Thanks.

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Never give up is my favorite motivational poster. 🙂

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@cher27

Doesn't the THC ointment get you high? I understand the CBD doesn't, but the THC concerns me. Thanks.

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Great question! Cannabis-infused (THC-infused) lotion does not make you high. Cannabis does not produce its psychoactive or intoxicating effects through local applications, so people can safely get relief from cannabis lotion without getting high. Additionally, one would not fail a drug test as tropicals do not reach your bloodstream.

There is clear science to explain this. Instead of binding with receptors in the brain and causing a "high" (which is experienced when THC is inhaled, for example), cannabis topicals bind with local cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. For that reason, topicals only affect the area where they’re applied. As a result, one shouldn't expect to get any heady or cerebral effects from cannabis-infused topicals; however, experience supports it works wonders for pain. The soothing effects of cannabinoids works on joints and muscles as well as the skin itself. Psoriasis, dermatitis, itching & acne are just a few skin conditions THC topical products may help treat.

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@kittywompass

Great question! Cannabis-infused (THC-infused) lotion does not make you high. Cannabis does not produce its psychoactive or intoxicating effects through local applications, so people can safely get relief from cannabis lotion without getting high. Additionally, one would not fail a drug test as tropicals do not reach your bloodstream.

There is clear science to explain this. Instead of binding with receptors in the brain and causing a "high" (which is experienced when THC is inhaled, for example), cannabis topicals bind with local cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. For that reason, topicals only affect the area where they’re applied. As a result, one shouldn't expect to get any heady or cerebral effects from cannabis-infused topicals; however, experience supports it works wonders for pain. The soothing effects of cannabinoids works on joints and muscles as well as the skin itself. Psoriasis, dermatitis, itching & acne are just a few skin conditions THC topical products may help treat.

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Welcome Christine @kittywompass, Thanks for sharing such an easy to understand explanation that helps members who may be a little confused on Cannabis infused (THC-infused) lotions and how they work. I haven't tried the CBD with THC for my feet but I only have numbness and a little tingling with my neuropathy. I have used CBD oil to help keep my feet from drying out which I think probably has minor traces of THC.

Thank you for filling out your member profile. It does give hope to others to know they are not alone with chronic pain and other conditions. Do you have any other tips on what helps you get through the day with chronic pain?

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There's a special type of PT that's specific for neuro disorders - not all PT's can do it. Ask your Dr about it. I'm starting it tomorrow; my neuro is big on it. Also, Gabapentin helps me some but doesn't work for everyone.
I have to reflect on this group even though I know it will be offensive to most - but it worked for me:
1. Stop blaming Dr's
2. Stop making pain your identity - get therapy to learn how to re-frame your experiences. Look for a DBT therapist. DBT will help you be in charge of yourself. No kidding, it works.
3. Instead of being victimized by pain (& I'm talking about suffering in addition to pain - I know - I live w/ it too. I'm one of you. I understand) DBT therapy can change your relationship w/pain. Sounds weird, doesn't it? But it's legit & it works!
Chronic pain sucks but it doesn't need to take your life away.....there's something TO DO about it.
4. Be willing to give it up! Submit yourself to DBT & changing not just pain, but your life itself. The depression that goes along w/pain sucks our energy out - just try this - be willing & open. Take charge! Worked for me!

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@looloobelly

There's a special type of PT that's specific for neuro disorders - not all PT's can do it. Ask your Dr about it. I'm starting it tomorrow; my neuro is big on it. Also, Gabapentin helps me some but doesn't work for everyone.
I have to reflect on this group even though I know it will be offensive to most - but it worked for me:
1. Stop blaming Dr's
2. Stop making pain your identity - get therapy to learn how to re-frame your experiences. Look for a DBT therapist. DBT will help you be in charge of yourself. No kidding, it works.
3. Instead of being victimized by pain (& I'm talking about suffering in addition to pain - I know - I live w/ it too. I'm one of you. I understand) DBT therapy can change your relationship w/pain. Sounds weird, doesn't it? But it's legit & it works!
Chronic pain sucks but it doesn't need to take your life away.....there's something TO DO about it.
4. Be willing to give it up! Submit yourself to DBT & changing not just pain, but your life itself. The depression that goes along w/pain sucks our energy out - just try this - be willing & open. Take charge! Worked for me!

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I’m not good with acronyms. What’s DBT?

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