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.

@fala

Every word of HELP is appreciated. If I get ONE new idea for pain relief, I am grateful. Thanks for putting your helpful ideas out there for us.

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This is what I take for pain;
Gabapentin
Clonazepam
Morphine
Valium
Medical marijuana gummy’s
Kratom
Citalopram

My guess it that all of us are using one or many of the listed pain relievers. Medical Marijuana and Kratom are natural. I also use some essential oils like Frankincense, Copaiba, Bergamot, On Guard and DDR Prime.

I am not suggesting or recommending anything. I’m just listing what helps my insane pain.

I hope this helps.

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@frattmaa

This is what I take for pain;
Gabapentin
Clonazepam
Morphine
Valium
Medical marijuana gummy’s
Kratom
Citalopram

My guess it that all of us are using one or many of the listed pain relievers. Medical Marijuana and Kratom are natural. I also use some essential oils like Frankincense, Copaiba, Bergamot, On Guard and DDR Prime.

I am not suggesting or recommending anything. I’m just listing what helps my insane pain.

I hope this helps.

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I take clonazepam every night and get restful sleep for 7 hours. The only thing I have found in over 10 years of pain. Recommended by neurologist.

Good luck to all in finding what works for you.

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@hotfeet

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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I was put on 3mg low-dose naltrexone one week ago. Will let you know about any positive changes. Yes, it was done at a Compounding Pharmacy with a prescription from my doctor of Internal Medicine here in the Lehigh Valley in the state of Pennsylvania I suppose you already know this drug is used in very large doses for Alcoholics. I DO NOT DRINK at all. So it is definitely being used off-label for inflammation and pain.
Good Luck,
Vicki

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I have severe SFN over the entire body for a good 9 years probably contracted through vitamin deficiencies. The pain is excruciating. I've been on 60mg Duloxetine and 100% pain free. I've even managed to reduce it for 1,5 years to 30mg! It was a life-saver! After that I stopped medication belieiving I was healed only to see it return after six weeks. I started duloxetine again on 60mg and two months ago it all returned. Either my condition got worse or I developed tolerance to duloxetine. I am now additionally on pregabalin but the side effects are terrible. The worst is respiratory depression and enormous fatigue.

I have now started (added) 4x400mg daily of PEA tablets. Fingers crossed this will work. I want to get rid of pregabalin.

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@joemb

I have severe SFN over the entire body for a good 9 years probably contracted through vitamin deficiencies. The pain is excruciating. I've been on 60mg Duloxetine and 100% pain free. I've even managed to reduce it for 1,5 years to 30mg! It was a life-saver! After that I stopped medication belieiving I was healed only to see it return after six weeks. I started duloxetine again on 60mg and two months ago it all returned. Either my condition got worse or I developed tolerance to duloxetine. I am now additionally on pregabalin but the side effects are terrible. The worst is respiratory depression and enormous fatigue.

I have now started (added) 4x400mg daily of PEA tablets. Fingers crossed this will work. I want to get rid of pregabalin.

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Welcome @joemb, Sorry to hear your neuropathy has gotten worse after you seemed to be doing better. Since you mentioned you started with PEA tablets I thought you might like to take a look at the following discussion:
--- Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA): Anyone had success?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pea-success/

You mentioned that you thought your SFN might be due to vitamin deficiencies. Have you been tested for vitamin deficiencies?

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Hi @johnbishop, thanks. By the time I was tested I had corrected the deficiencies. I had an eating disorder for years unfortunately.

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@lioness

@rwinney I also have some missed essential oils for my neuropathy and this gives me relieve for quite a while longer then the pain pill I take .

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What essential oils do you use for your neuropathy?

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@lym

What essential oils do you use for your neuropathy?

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@rwinney I use Lavender and Peppermint equal drops on roller with oil to fill up Almond oil I use Hope this helps

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@lioness

@rwinney I use Lavender and Peppermint equal drops on roller with oil to fill up Almond oil I use Hope this helps

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Thank you!! I will give it a try.

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