Neuropathy: Anyone have any experience with gabapentin?

Posted by sjhedcon @sjhedcon, Mar 21, 2020

I have loss of feeling in my feet and tingling sensation. My doctor prescribed gabapentin. I read the side effects and decided not to take this med.
Anyone have any experience with gabapentin?

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@martame

I tried gabapentin and it did not work for me and I had bad side effects. I have small fiber neuropathy and amitriptyline is the only thing that has helped so far.

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For me,the side effect were not worth it.

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@wascaly

Oh, yes - I took Gabapentin for many years, with absolutely ZERO results. I finally just stopped - these docs always assume you have pain; however, I had no pain, just debilitating numbness, which only added to my balance problems. I wish there was SOMETHING (reasonably priced, of course) for this problem I’ve had for years!
I might mention I’ve tried 2x to come to Mayo for help for my constant pain for 18 years from multiple spinal surgeries (scoliosis). They refused to see me. Since Mayo never provided a reason for their outright denial of my care, I can only assume all my imagining, with all my nuts and bolts, spooked them.
Very, very disappointing for an almost 74-yr old woman!

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Good evening @wascaly. Oh, my dear, I understand your disappointment about the Mayo admission issue. I had to try three times myself. Here is my sequence in case you might find it helpful.
1st.....I applied in writing by myself.
2nd...My PCP sent a referral.
3rd....I followed the process used for an email application. The admissions office representative replied within the hours listed and chatted about my issues. During that conversation, I stated that I was looking for a consultation about my osteoporosis side effects and inability to handle the increasing lack of bone building. That seemed to work for me.
4th....My new endocrinologist was very helpful and made referrals for exercises and additional tests.

Here is another option. Mayo Clinic has a partnership relationship with a number of other hospitals. That means that a staff member at Mayo will review your test results and daily life concerns with your PCP or other medical professional.

If you wish to make a new admission attempt, let me know, and I will ensure that you have the correct documents.

May you be safe, protected, and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris

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in reply @sjhedcon While gabapentin is indeed a good drug, it has dangerous and long lasting side effects, per my doctor and pharmacist. When I began taking it for a short time, I began to feel suicidal, making the most elaborate plans and that sort of thing, and immediately stopped taking the drug. The benefits did not outweigh the side effects, in my opinion. This is my experience. I often wish I could take it, as it was very helpful in terms of the pain, but have decided to opt out. Best to you

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@artscaping

Good evening @wascaly. Oh, my dear, I understand your disappointment about the Mayo admission issue. I had to try three times myself. Here is my sequence in case you might find it helpful.
1st.....I applied in writing by myself.
2nd...My PCP sent a referral.
3rd....I followed the process used for an email application. The admissions office representative replied within the hours listed and chatted about my issues. During that conversation, I stated that I was looking for a consultation about my osteoporosis side effects and inability to handle the increasing lack of bone building. That seemed to work for me.
4th....My new endocrinologist was very helpful and made referrals for exercises and additional tests.

Here is another option. Mayo Clinic has a partnership relationship with a number of other hospitals. That means that a staff member at Mayo will review your test results and daily life concerns with your PCP or other medical professional.

If you wish to make a new admission attempt, let me know, and I will ensure that you have the correct documents.

May you be safe, protected, and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris

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Thank you so much for your suggestions. Actually, I’d given up, but now with the procedures you mentioned, I have hope.
To be honest, I’m also dealing with my husband who’s sinking fast with Alzheimer’s. We have recently moved to be closer to my son for support. There is a huge VA service center where my son lives so I’m also trying to juggle my husband’s care with my own. We’re currently staying with him and his family until our house sells. As much as I appreciate their hospitality, it’s just not an ideal situation, as you can guess.
Again, I thank you for responding to my post, as well as the steps you took to finally be seen. I wish you good health and, to be sure, I will try the procedures you shared.
Thank you!

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@wascaly

Thank you so much for your suggestions. Actually, I’d given up, but now with the procedures you mentioned, I have hope.
To be honest, I’m also dealing with my husband who’s sinking fast with Alzheimer’s. We have recently moved to be closer to my son for support. There is a huge VA service center where my son lives so I’m also trying to juggle my husband’s care with my own. We’re currently staying with him and his family until our house sells. As much as I appreciate their hospitality, it’s just not an ideal situation, as you can guess.
Again, I thank you for responding to my post, as well as the steps you took to finally be seen. I wish you good health and, to be sure, I will try the procedures you shared.
Thank you!

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Good afternoon, @wascaly; thanks for your response. My father had Alzheimer's and we all tried to help my mother get a break once in a while. When it was my turn I had to make sure he didn't turn off the refrigerator because of the noise it made when it turned on. He also had a habit of turning off the pilot lights on the Bunson burner stove. When it was my turn to give my Mom a break, I quickly understood why she needed one. When she was there by herself and needed a break, she would draw a bath for him and fill it with toy boats. He loved them.

So take things a day at a time and when you are ready......just click on "Request an Appointment" on the sidebar of your screen. That is the one I used and found responsive and successful.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

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Hi, Chris - Alzheimer’s seems to be rampant these days - I wish I knew a way to actually prevent it, but I suppose if there was anything one could do, it’d be worldwide news!
Very sad about your Dad, but also extremely caring for you and your family to give your mom a break. My son and daughter in law are much all I have to help me. Last Feb ‘23, I fell in the shower (of all places), and broke my hip in three places. Ever since then, I’ve been on a walker. The surgeon did NOT do a hip replacement (which later on, he admitted he should have done). I still get very angry even thinking about it. Before all that, even with all my spine surgeries, I worked out lifting weights and doing cardio. Needless to say, since we’ve been staying with my son, I haven’t set foot in a gym. I miss it very much.
Don’t have a clue what the future will hold for either my husband or I. I do a LOT of praying, and it’s a comfort to me. I do believe my hope is in the Lord, and try to keep my faith strong. Some days, it’s not easy.
I wish you and your awesome family the best. I like to think better days are ahead!

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I guess I am one of the fortunate ones because I do not experience any side effects from this drug. It has been very beneficial for me so I would maybe try it and see how it works for you.

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yes.. had to quit as it made me so tired all day..

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I can not take it. Gab makes me feel spacey. Can't tell if I'm coming or going🤔😜

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I take 4 gabba daily due to neuropathy Before gabba my nights were not good Had terrible pain flareups. Now my feet serm to be just numb but I can handle that
My neurologist and an ER Dr both.advised me to.take them
Very few side effects other than a bit.of a runny nose and sneezing
Take Care !!

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