Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?

Hello @jesfactsmon. I live in British Columbia, Canada, so Marijuana is recently legal in my province. However, since I'm a resident of a seniors' home, we're not allowed to smoke Marijuana, or indeed to smoke at all, in or near this facility. I'm bipolar, so have been prescribed both Cymbalta and Gabapentin, and possibly Lyrica, in the past that was prior to my GCA, Diabetes, IBD, and neuropathy, and am now unable to take meds. of that type due to bad reactions (like your wife). As my doc told me, CBD oil was just about my last alternative, since prescription meds. are now out the question. I had an enlightening conversation with my pharmacist yesterday,
when I brought up my concern about Eliquis and CBD Oil. While she concurred that Eliquis is metabolized by CYP450, then CBD Oil would act as an additional bloodthinner and therefore not recommended to do both because of extensive bleeding and/or liver enzyme problems. While she cautioned me about using both, she said that because CBD helps me with my severe insomnia and anxiety, it may be worth the risk for my health's sake. She advised I would have to monitor myself for extensive bleeding, black or tarry stools, bowel pain, etc., but that it would be my own decision to continue the CBD with Eliquis. Such a dilemma, but I'm comforted by that opinion.
Besides the neuropathy, I've been suffering for some time with intense itching all over my body. Research has shown me various reasons; liver disease, kidney disease, IBD, certain cancers. I've exhausted the possibility of skin or food allergens by process of elimination. I plan to call my
No. 1 specialist on Monday to ask for a complete lab workup. I've never been that bold before but I'm feeling pretty desperate what with all these issues.
Thanks for your ear, Hank. I sometimes feel like I'm out on a raft in the ocean with nobody answering my SOS!
Best to you and your wife,
Laurie

@artist01
Thanks for your response Laurie. I am sorry to hear about the itch problem. There is a discussion here started by Chris, here is the link in case you want to take a look:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-do-you-do-for-neuropathy-itch/
Linda (my wife) gets itchy as well. Often it's her feet but sometimes all over. When it is localized to the feet she has found Aveeno anti itch cream to be the one thing that calms the itch (we get it at Walmart). If she gets a particularly excruciating bout of it she puts it on and it will usually calm it down. The only thing she does when it strikes all over is ride it out. She does occasionally give in to a scratch here and there but tries very hard not to. If she uses kratom that will usually take care of all of her different pain issues, which primarily are PN, headache, tinnitus and fibromyalgia. Kratom give complete relief but also comes with the price of making her somewhat sedated. Great if you want to go to sleep but not so good for the daytime. If you are interested in kratom, there is plenty of info available and I can tell you a good pure brand to buy. Let me know.
BTW, we love Canada abd used to visit Vancouver sometimes when we lived in Portland, Oregon. Beautiful country up in BC. As far as marijuana, is the medical variety available there? You can buy the kind you do not have to smoke, I think. Best, Hank

I do not think misery loves company,but your neuropathy journeys connect us with encouragement and insight,thank you! I have had those shots between my toes,no relief but a jump in pain during the injections! I have no advice or suggestions for any burn control,cramping,electrical jolts or any new reaction to idiopathetic neuropathy. I will always be on the train to finding some relief,as we all are. For today I will eat ice cream a healthy diet can't be balanced without ice cream!

Hello Rachel my story is lengthy as well. I have been though many testing and have come up with no diagnosis. Unknown cause for my Perpheral Neuropathy. Cut a long story cut, I take lyrica for some of the shocking pain we experience. It's a living nightmare. I started in my late twenties and its become unbearable at 50 and I'm now 56 yrs old.

Regards Helen Holland.

Hi Hank. Thanks again for your response. I haven't heard about Kratom and would be pleased if you'd tell me of a pure brand and where to buy it. Also, I'm sure we can get medical marijuana in Canada, but I thought that's what CBD Oil is. Didn't know there was a type you didn't have to smoke. More of your info on that would be appreciated.
I'll check out the link you sent me regarding the itch problem. Its SO extreme now.
Thanks for loving my great country of Canada. I love it too! Best, Laurie

@artist01
Hi Laurie, I found a website that describes a variety of types on medical marijuana available, including edible. Here is that link:
https://themedicalcannabiscommunity.org/articles/blog/going-smokeless-consuming-cannabis-without-combustion/
Here is another that offers edible MJ: https://www.sonomapatientgroup.com/uncategorized/the-benefits-of-smokeless-cannabis-getting-started-with-edibles/
We have no experience with smokeless marijuana. Hopefully another member can give you some insights on it.
In regards to kratom, another member named Lori, @lorirenee1 (who is an excellent resource for info) , turned me on to a good, pure, and trustworthy brand, Etha Naturals, link here:
https://ethanaturals.com/
Lori recommended the pill form of kratom, which is just pure kratom, no additives, and that is what I bought for Linda, who has mostly used the ones for pain (they also have ones for sleep, energy, focus, etc.). She has liked the Maeng Da and the Full Spectrum products especially, and again, only the pill form. I am sure Lori will be happy to give you more particulars, she has used kratom extensively.
Best, Hank

@artist01
Hi Laurie, I found a website that describes a variety of types on medical marijuana available, including edible. Here is that link:
https://themedicalcannabiscommunity.org/articles/blog/going-smokeless-consuming-cannabis-without-combustion/
Here is another that offers edible MJ: https://www.sonomapatientgroup.com/uncategorized/the-benefits-of-smokeless-cannabis-getting-started-with-edibles/
We have no experience with smokeless marijuana. Hopefully another member can give you some insights on it.
In regards to kratom, another member named Lori, @lorirenee1 (who is an excellent resource for info) , turned me on to a good, pure, and trustworthy brand, Etha Naturals, link here:
https://ethanaturals.com/
Lori recommended the pill form of kratom, which is just pure kratom, no additives, and that is what I bought for Linda, who has mostly used the ones for pain (they also have ones for sleep, energy, focus, etc.). She has liked the Maeng Da and the Full Spectrum products especially, and again, only the pill form. I am sure Lori will be happy to give you more particulars, she has used kratom extensively.
Best, Hank

Hello again, Hank. I've checked the sites you've sent me re: smokeless MJ and kratom. I had tried the edibles previously but had to stop due to taking bloodthinners, with the concern my specialist had over that conflict of unregulated amount in the edibles, which might cause too much thinning of the blood. AND, they made me feel high! I felt like I was levitating during the few hours it was in my system. I'm so medication-sensitive that it just isn't for me, even though I so wanted it to work.
I researched the kratom online, ending with the Mayo Clinic site, which I trust implicitly. And, no thanks, also too scarey for me to try. Mayo has a good article, mayoclinic.org.art-20402171, "Kratom Unsafe and Ineffective- Mayo Clinic". I know it's good for many, (including Lori and your wife, Linda), but I have so much trouble with meds, etc., that I don't dare try it. I very much appreciate your going to bat for me though, Hank. I really do. Best, Laurie

@artist01 Hi, If you are on blood thinners, do not take Kratom, as it also, can thin the blood. Also know, that there are many very positive medical reviews about Kratom, besides the negative Mayo review. It is definitely a medication like any other, and must be used with caution. LoriRenee1