Small fiber neuropathy

Good Morning…I have elected not to take the anti-depressants to treat my SFN. I have tried all three - Duloxetine brought my pain level down to a steady 5/6 , however, caused severe intestinal problems I could not live with. Of course pain management would prefer I try a new one…right now exhausted from trying to find something to help me get through the day. This is what I have learned about myself. Routine, Meditation , exercise help. None of the supplements have made a difference if I am off or on. So now has I finished the bottles of Lipoic Acid and Magnesium Glycinate - I will NOT refill. I am always ready to try something new and hopeful it works. I let my legs and feet (well whole body) become weak from the pain…and along with that came depression. Once the Orthosurgeon (foot) told me that my feet were structurally sound and that I had great bones…walk and exercise as much as I could. The benefits will out weigh the pain. I started pool exercises - and after 9 weeks, I have developed feet, leg and arm muscles. I actually taught myself to swim again. I am proud of myself. From my neuromuscular doctor he says SFN or Idiopathic Neuropathy - your body does not make enough cortisol. I am still researching that - and cant’ imagine why our medical /pharmaceutical professions haven’t figured that out yet. Exercising is painful- my feet, calves burn/tingle even more - I just do my best to “calm” my nerves down.. Sometimes that’s resting flat on the bed with ice and mediation music, sometimes heat and a good movie while laying down. It’s as if you have to trick your nerves/mind into thinking “calm down”…. Sorry so long. I truly don’t like the side effects from anti depressants, but will never say never. This is a horrible affliction. I wish you well.

Hi Patricia,

I'm so sorry to hear you also deal with SFN. It is an incredibly challenging condition to live with. Chronic pain is no joke. Like you I am also idiopathic with no known cause at moment. I am currently on Lyrica (Pregabalin), Zoloft and LDN. I did not want to take an antidepressant but at the time this started it was critical that I did.The pain was so severe I did not know how I could live with it. Zoloft helped me to deal with it. I am hoping to get off of it at some point because it has caused a great deal of weight gain along with Lyrica. Antidepressants don't work for everyone but I think in critical situations they are a lifesaver even with their side effects. I tried R Alpha Lipoid Acid but it bothered my stomach so I discontinued it. I do take Magnesium Glycinate in liquid form every night as it helps me sleep along with Melatonin. The one thing that has made the biggest impact on my ability to be functional is LDN( Low Dose Naltrexone). If you haven't tried it this might be an option for you? It is a compounded medication so you need a compounding pharmacy to get it. What moved me the most about your message is that you have continued to exercise despite the pain. While I am active I am not exercising the way I should and this is something I really need to follow through with. My doctor says "Movement is medicine" which I truly believe but it is easier said than done when we hurt. Reading your message has reminded me that I need to do it, I need to build a stronger body especially given that neuropathy causes balances issues. The stronger we are the more we can deal with the risk of falling. I hope that you continue to find ways to feel less pain! I agree watching movies is a great way to get things to "calm down". It is great to have this forum so we can connect with others to share our experiences!