Periphial Neuropathy

[wendyquat]

Has anyone found ANYTHING that gives relief for periphial neuropathy of the feet? I see many things advertised but my doctor says its just something you have to live with! I'm considering acupuncture and wondering if anyone has gotten relief this method and if so who you might recommend. Thanks

[NotGolfer]

Have you tried Gabapentin?? It's an RX that might help with that.

[SoccerCoach]

I have tried the "clinics" and paid for little to no positive results. The condition is the result of the destruction done to the nerves brought on by diabetes, and perhaps subsequent medications. It can be painful as you know. I myself have found relief by taking a sub lingual vitamin B12. This works for me. It is no cure, however, the relief I get for the Vitamin's cost is wonderful. Before you invest a lot of money, research the contents of the "pain management formulas", you will find the makeup to contain a similar structure to that of B12. I wish you well.

[wendyquat]

I was on gabapentin for a couple of years. Trying Lyrica now. Can't tell much difference.

Been the Vitamin B route. My B12 level was high so Dr told me to cut back. I didn't notice any relief.

Thanks for your answers!

[John_W]

I've been taking Gabapentin since 2005. I use to take one in the morning and one at night and I had no pain. Then a couple of years ago I would get some burning pain next to my little toe on the right foot, so I started taking both pills at night. That worked for a couple of years, but the pain came back regularly.

I told my doctor about the pain and that I was taking 2 at bedtime but that was no longer working. After seeing commercials for Cymbalta and Lyrica I asked if I could take them. He said you can take up to 2700mg of Gabapentin per day. So he said take 2 in the morning, 2 in the evening and 2 at bedtime, that's 1800 mg. I started that dose about a year ago and have not had any pain since.

[Nightengale212]

The VA Clinic internist I work with will prescribe Amytriptyline (Elavil) alone or in conjunction with Gabapentin if Gabapentin fails or the patient can't take Gabapentin. No a huge sucess rate with Amytriptyline, but a small percentage of patients did obtain decreased neuropathic pain using this med.

[fromct]

I have tried acupuncture along with every medication mentioned, plus some, and have gotten no relief. I have neuropathy from Taxol, a drug used in my chemotherapy treatment 11 years ago. A few of my friends who also received Taxol have responded well to gabapentin. Good luck with your search, I hope you find something that works for you.

[wendyquat]

Thanks for all the replies! Guess my doctor is right!

[2newyorkers]

Cymbalta minimizes the symptons.

[Bonnevie]

have you tried capsaicin cr? it comes in two strengths. It's best to start at the lower strength and then if needed move up to the higher strength. it works by depleting a substance at the nerves that send the pain signals. it has to be used several times a day every day. It stings but if used long enough that goes away. It can work, but most people don't have the patience or fortitude to use it for a long enough time. the few patients I dealt with who did use it religiously said it worked well.

[applesoffh]

My husband takes 200mg of Topirimate 3 times a day and said it helps a great deal.

[wendyquat]

I have not tried the capsaicin. I assumed the burning just distracted you from the pain so have used Biofreeze which helps some. But I am hearing you say that it may actually help with continuous use! I'll give ANYTHING a try! I can't take the Cymbalta as it interacts with another medication I take! Thanks for your replies!