Anyone here dealing with peripheral neuropathy?
Anyone here dealing with peripheral neuropathy?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Anyone here dealing with peripheral neuropathy?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Thanks for the info, John. I've read quite a bit on SFSN, and my symptoms are identical to everything I read on the disorder. I have no difficulty walking or moving around. Besides the gabapentin, I also take a number of supplements, including B12. That really helped the worst of the pins-and-needles and electric shock-like symptoms to dissipate when I had a flare-up a couple years ago. The only other issue I have is painful, sometimes disabling cramps in my feet and legs, mostly at night while at rest. But I think that might be a separate disorder from the neuropathy. I've heard from doctors that a lot of us "older folks" (I'm 67) have the problem, especially in the evening. It's pathetic that no one in the medical community can offer any help to the millions of people who have these problems. For me, the cramps are worse than the neuropathy. I've tried OTC creams and lotions, taking Hyland's pills, stretching exercises in the evening, massage, and even drinking pickle juice. Any other thoughts on how to combat the nighttime cramps?
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4 ReactionsI'm wondering if it might be as simple as not being hydrated? I've heard others in the neuropathy group talk about nighttime leg cramps when they don't drink enough water. My wife gets them some nights and I will get up and get her a glass of water and then they go away after a few minutes. She also a picture of health which I am not...:-(
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3 ReactionsI drink lots of water throughout the day. The cramps seem to be a delayed reaction to exercise, of all things. The less exercise I get, the less I have cramps in the evening. Even simple walking is bothersome sometimes, but never while I'm walking. Cramping always occurs several hours later. I've read a little about this reaction, but I don't think it's very common.
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3 ReactionsI was taught this by a Vietnamese Dr.: Put on long, thick sox. And if sox only reach mid calf the cramp will go away under the sock and remain above the sock.
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2 ReactionsDo you think it could be low magnesium and or potassium levels? There is a lot of discussion in my neuropathy group about this causing some leg cramping along with hydrating. I drink a lot of the Zico no sugar added coconut water which has about 9g of sugar per 8 fluid oz - 45 calories. It has 440 mg of potassium and about 4% of of daily dosage of magnesium. I've been told that magnesium and potassium kind of go hand and foot together. I'm guessing this is probably not the cause since you sound like you are managing your diet really well now.
The other quirky item I've heard from folks that have leg cramps is to put a bar of white soap (Ivory) between the sheets when you go to bed. Sounds dubious to me but I'm a born skeptic. I will see if I can find any more info on the leg cramping - but if anyone else is reading this and knows of something please let us know what is working for you to prevent/relieve the leg cramps.
John
I'm guessing you have tried pretty much all of the over the counter stuff for the cramps. Another one that multiple people are using in my group are Hyland's Leg Cramp tablets. They also have a PM version and an ointment. I've only had the bad leg cramps a few times in the past during the night and I've always been able to get up, get some water and stretch the leg to help with the cramp.
Strangely enough, my leg cramps happen most often when I awaken in AM and do the in-bed stretch. This stretch seems to be a bit out of my control and while I can stop it, it seems to have a mind of its own -- this is when the cramps hit on the outside of my ankle and in my feet. I can't tolerate gabapentin but do take Vit B12 (oral supplement). Feet are most comfortable when cold (icy cold!). I notice when I don't drink enough water, the cramps are more severe. I have the type of PN where my feet are hyper-sensitive - feel everything - even bathmat causes discomfort. I've had this level of discomfort since chemo 6 years ago. It never improved but did get more severe. I've kind of divorced myself from traditional testing as it seems painful with no indication that the tests will result in help... so I take my tylenol, keep my feet cold, and alternate between swearing and praying.
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3 ReactionsBEWARE OF ANY STEM CELL CLAIMS! A LADY I KNEW SEVERAL YEARS AGO SPENT ABOUT A YEAR IN THE TIJUANA AREA OF MEXICO WHERE SHE SPENT AT LEAST $10,000 FOR STEM CELL OPERATIONS FOR HEART AND LATER HER ARTHRITIC KNEES. ALL $$ DOWN THE TOILET!! LATER SHE WENT TO UTAH FOR OTHER QUACKS.
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2 Reactionsvit. B12 and maybe B6 is what U should try.
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2 ReactionsAmen to being aware of all the scams out there - more discussion here on scams and how to avoid:
http://mayocl.in/2gcdDNt
John