Neuropathy Relief Centers: Is the price worth it?
I've been suffering from peripheral neuropathy for the past 5 years. Started in the toes of my right foot and has been steadily rising up to my thigh. The numbness, tingling and burning sensations have been driving me crazy. And now my balance is getting so bad I'm careful not to fall over. Even driving is becoming difficult as I can barely feel the foot pedals. All doctors have told me that there is no cure and that it will just get worse with age. They prescribed Gabapentin and my neurologist suggested spinal injections which I do not wish to pursue. 1'll soon be 75.
Now I've recently come across a Neuropathy and Chronic Pain Center in Connecticut which claims an 80% success rate with their patients. They use SANEXAS and other electrical stimulation devices. However they do not accept insurance and patients have to pay in advance out of pocket. The price tag is hefty: over $6,000 for 16 sessions. Does this sound outrageous or reasonable? Any opinions would be welcomed!
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Hi I suffer with Progressive Peripheral Neuropathy as well I have all of the same symptoms but mines happened overnight and it was from the waist down no feeling at all. I definitely stopped driving for that same reason afraid I would not be able to feel the pedals and I have been prescribed Gabapentin also. My balance is off its hard for me to walk, stand, and balance myself but I still push my way through. If I had the money and could afford it I would personally give anything to have the use of my legs back properly, unfortunately there is no Neurological Clinics close and the ones that were closed after Covid. So I have just gotten closer to God and started praying very hard each day and that is how I make it through every day of my life. I pray that this had blessed your heart and helped you in the way that you needed.
So sorry for your sufferings. I'll pray for both of us.
Thank you so much I will continue to keep us both in prayer as well. 🙏❤️🙏❤️
Your story is a lot like mine… and please stop driving, I know you can’t feel the car pedals, so please, protect yourself!
I am 82 and mine started in both feet about the same age as yours did. I have always thought that mine was an extension of restless leg syndrome which I have had since I was in my 20s. Mine has progressed up both of my legs up past, just passed, my knees. I have seen advertisements for the same type of procedure in the San Francisco Bay area where I live. I would quite frankly pay the money and try it out if I could afford it myself. This is not a fun thing to deal with every day.
Claims of high success rates coupled with high uninsured costs would cause me to do a deep internet dive into the organization. Before jumping in, be sure to read as much as possible about it. How long have they been around,,, who are the people in charge... who are the medical people... is only 16 sessions,,, is it only $6000,,, are there any actual patients' comments... have they had any legal or regulatory proceedings... etc...? It may be great breakthrough. But if it sounds like it's too good to be true, it probably is.
I would add that you should do as much medical research as you can. Try to read articles about the specific therapies they offer. Even if you can't completely understand the technical literature, you can read the "conclusion" or "summary: sections, which will give you an idea of the content. You can also discuss these treatments with your neurologist, or, if you don't have one, show the articles you found to your family physician, and ask them what they think.
I agree that this therapy sounds too good to be true, and is very expensive, and probably unproven. However, these are just guesses, as I haven't researched this particular treatment.
Often, people will establish specialized "clinics" to treat difficult diseases that have no good standard medical treatment because the patients are frustrated and suffering, and often lose faith in their doctors. The clinics are sometimes even staffed by actual medical people, but this doesn't prove anything. Even some doctors and nurses are not immune to trying to make a quick buck off people's suffering.
I too have PN, and have tried some unproven therapies and gadgets in the past, so I understand your desperation. The only thing I have found to be very helpful is an adjustment in my attitude. Try to eliminate the fear, anger, and anticipation of it getting worse in the future. I know, a tall order.
The full price for 16 sessions was quoted to me a month ago at $6,989.00. I was told I would get a discounted price of $6,290.10 if I signed up within 30 days which ends tomorrow, June 2. I've read many patient testimonials which praise this center (The Hartford Neuropathy & Chronic Pain Center, located in Plainville, Ct). They utilize electrical cell signaling treatment (EcST) with the SANEXAS machine and a LED device and they pride themselves on being honest and translucent, claiming 80% success rates.
Why is there a promotional discount if you sign up for it sooner?
Is it professional for a medical center offer a 30-day discount?
How credible are the praises?
I agree with @jeffrapp that you have to be proactive and be your own best medical advocate.
Ultimately the decision is yours and yours alone.
Thank you for your response Judy. I'm tempted to go for it.
I'm in California. Sanexas is covered by Medicare (24 treatments). So double-check with Medicare to see if it's covered. The place where I went to did the injections with the treatment. Unfortunately, I had a reaction to the injections. They wouldn't let me continue without them. Sanexas was helping me with the neuropathy in my feet.
I'd check to see if there are other neuro clinics in your area. Go to the Sanexas website. I believe you can find a clinic there.