Welcome to Connect Laura (@elkcg),
I'm sure it's frustrating looking for some relief from your pain. I also have small fiber peripheral neuropathy and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). I don't have chronic pain but do have the numbness with the neuropathy in my ankles and feet. Can you share what medicines or treatments you have already tried and the type of pain you experience? My PMR does give my a lot of shoulder, arm and hands pain but is controlled well with prednisone.

I too struggle with weight but have been able to more or less get it under control with diet. I found a great book that talks about cellular nutrition - Wahls Protocol by Dr Terry Wahls. She was able to cure her MS symptoms and went from using a wheelchair to riding a bike. I try to do her basic diet and not the paleo and more stricter versions she talks about.

Hoping you will find an answer soon but until then just keep searching and asking questions.

John

Hi John. I think I have been on every medicine. Lyrica, cymbalta, morphine, Vicodin, gabapentine, tons more plus I even did IVIG treatments. I have pain everyday. My body feels like I have the flu everyday. I've even done physical therapy and even went to a therapist because I was having depression issues

Hi Laura, Sounds like you have run the gamut with medications and more trying to find something that helps with the chronic pain. I did the same thing for my small fiber peripheral neuropathy only I don't have the pain just the numbness which the neurologist told me there was nothing that would help - medications or topicals. That's actually what started me on my search for something that helps. I think I tried pretty much every cream and lotion available to see if I could make the numbness go away or just get a little better. I have had it for over 15+ years or at least that's what the neurologist thought.

Last summer I found a closed group on Facebook for peripheral neuropathy that has a solution (list of over the counter supplements) that helps get rid of pain and numbness associated with neuropathy. I don't know if it will help you but I can share how it's helped me. I started taking the supplements last September and at the time I had numbness in both legs and feet from just below the knees down through the toes. By December the numbness was just above my ankles down through the toes. It hasn't changed since then and I'm still taking the supplements/protocol but if it never gets any better I'm OK with it because at least it's not getting worse.

I don't know if it will work for you but it may be worth looking into if you have tried everything else and your doctor is not able to help you. The complete list of the supplements I take can be found here – http://bit.ly/2pLZzey . I would print it out and discuss with your neurologist or primary care doctor to make sure there is nothing that conflicts with anything you are currently taking. Also I would join the closed Facebook group that is referenced and read through all their material. You can search their group using the term #theprotocolworks to bring up stories of all of the individuals who have shared their success. There are many people that share a lot of the same conditions you have and have been able to eventually get off of all pain medications. They have a lot of information to read on the groups page so if you join make sure you read the new member welcome thoroughly as it explains the protocol and what to expect. A side benefit for me is that it has helped me eat healthier and lowered my blood pressure.

Good luck and don't give up!…John

Hello Laura, I would like to add my welcome to John's. I am glad he introduced himself as he is a great resource and advocate for neuropathy related issues.

I would also like to point out that we have some great discussions taking place related to some of the things you listed. Here are a few conversations you may want to join:

- Fibromyalgia pain, http://mayocl.in/2hgUGcv
- Anyone here dealing with peripheral neuropathy? http://mayocl.in/2aWCYXq
- Gastric sleeve, http://mayocl.in/2rIRpIo
- Seroquel for anxiety & PTSD, http://mayocl.in/2iIA5uj

Each of these discussions has members talking about the specific issues you listed and may offer some more insight to your questions.

My dream is to be able to got o the Mayo Clinic and have ever test run, go through detox and get off all my medications and start from scratch. I would love to spend a month at the clinic and just get things figured out plus discuss my gastric sleeve surgery. I just can't afford to be in the hospital that long or even stay at a hotel while being seen. I have this on my vision board. One day I'll make it there! Maybe the Mayo Clinic will magically grand my wish and come save me.

Hello again @elkcg,

If you are wanting to receive a second opinion from Mayo Clinic, I suggest using this link, http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63, and contacting the appointment office. The appointment office will be able to better answer your questions about getting an appointment at Mayo Clinic.

@elkcg Hi Laura, I have fibro, anxiety, depression and other conditions and have been on many medicines and treatments as well. Ten years ago I had gastric bypass. Having the weight loss surgery was the final option for me as traditional weight loss programs did not work because I was fighting a metabolic disorder. There are many people who think weight loss surgery is the easy way out. It is not! Surgery is another tool that helps but only if habits are changed. How familiar are you with the different surgical options? Have you spoken to your doctor yet?
Jen

@elkcg ,, just a thought .. on my MAC/Bronchiectasis Connect .. one of my Members put up a GoFundMe on her Facebook page to go to Mayo Clinic .. it worked for her .. just a thought .. don't have a clue how it works .. but maybe a family member or friend could help you? She DID get to Mayo Clinic! Good Luck! Katherine

I haven't spoken to the doctors that would do my weight loss surgery. My neurologist gave me the name of a great surgeon. I went online and I'm in the process of filling out the huge amounts of paper.

@elkcg

Your med list reads like mine. It's surely frustrating trying to find the right combination. I've been seeing therapists for 15 years for depression, PTSD, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and suicidal ideation, as well as chronic pain from idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. We keep going and searching for what will help us.

Jim