Here is more information on neuropathy from a pharmacist's perspective ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Kby8kvUpKvg.html. We also encourage you to share what you have found to work or not work for you. Take care!
I HAVE SEVERE SPINAL STENOSIS AMONGST MANY OTHER BONE ALIMENTS. I HAD WORN A TENS UNIT JUST TO FUNCTION 24/7 A LOT OF THE TIME. MY NERVES EVENTUALLY WENT NUMB FROM WEARING IT FOR DECADES, NOW MY SKIN IS SENSITIVE WHEREAS THE TENS AT A LOW SETTING WILL BURN MY SKIN, CAUSE SMALL BLISTERS AND OF COURSE WHEN YOU HAVE FLUID FILLED BLISTERS, THAT DOESN'T DO WELL WITH ELECTRICITY LOL ITS LIKE ELECTRIFYING THEM. OUCH. I ALSO FOR MANY YEARS WORE LIDOCANE PATCHES. IT ALL HELPED ME, BUT NOW I CAN'T WEAR THE TENS MUCH AT ALL, AS ITS IRRITATING. THANKS FOR YOUR CHANNEL. :) WILL TRY THOSE OOT EXERCISES, AS MY SENSATION TO MY LEGS HAS BEEN GONE FOR MANY YEARS BUT I FEEL LIKE MY TENDONS IN MY CALVES AND FEET ARE DRAWING TIGHTER. IS THAT POSSIBLE?
Neurontin:did NOTHING. As a nurse, this used to be solely used for epilepsy patients Lidocaine pad: A joke Tens unit: a temporary distractant. 3 things that saved my life 1.Cilostil / Pletal for circulation PAIN Management 2.VOLTAREN Gel [[now OTC) 3.Kratom Kratom Kratom The End
@@gmaw23beauties37 WELL THE TENS ALLOWED ME TO FUNCTION, AND IT DID WORK. THINK MINE WAS A BIT DIFFERENT. ARE YOU TALKING PRESCRIPTIONS HERE? I'LL NEVER GO BACK ON PILLS. ILL CHECK THEM OUT. THANKS
I don't have pain neuropathy. I have numbness neuropathy. I don't have diabetes. I believe my foot numbness is from excessive hiking in shoes that didn't have enough padding and I hurt the nerve. The nerves on the right foot are creating numbness from the big toe to the second to last toe and it extends up above the ankle. I thought it was generating from an old foot injury. Then I thought it was generating from stenosis because the left foot is starting with some numbness in the middle toes and into the ball of the foot. Finally, I've come to the conclusion it's from just using bad shoes with the mistaken thought that all the mobility from trail hiking with flexible shoes, would aid in bone articulation and movement. Could you do a video on peripheral neuropathy from sports injuries? I've watched two of your videos in both seen to be aimed at diabetics. My blood pressure is 120 over 80, I weigh 144 lb, I don't have anything related to diabetes.
Wifey was hospitalized 2 years ago for PN. Was unable to walk without assistance. Doctor said she would be wheelchair ♿️ bound in perpetuity. She is taking 300 mg three times a day. PT and OT have helped tremendously so has the gabapentin. Wheelchairs are donated and she can walk around the house. Stairs are not safe though. Dr. does not understand how she got better. We went heavy on B vitamin supplements and alpha lipoid acid. Don’t give up if you’re diagnosed with PN.
@@aeanderson8491 More than likely it is Alpha Lipoic Acid and Benfotiamine which is a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1. Both these supplements taken at a dose of 300mg three times a day will help reduce or even remove the pain associated with PN. Over time, these supplements will reverse the nerve damage. Check out Dr. Berg on RU-vid regarding this issue.
After a serious car accident that caused multiple injuries from concussion to herniated discs, I was prescribed GABApentin as needed. I tried not to take it very much, but did take it to sleep the night before an important appointment. I definitely went to sleep and slept through the night for the first time in awhile. However, when I woke up, I had a hard time focusing my eyes. That was very scary and a deal breaker for me when I realized the medication could affect my eye sight. I never took it again. Overall it has been a long road to recovery for me from the accident but I did get through it and topical creams (like biofreeze), professional massage and reflexology, PT, OT, and most recently aquatic PT were key. In addition, I try to stay hydrated and also started taking some vitamins. You can heal and now sixteen years after that car crash, I feel better than ever. Thank you Bob and Brad for imparting wisdom and encouragement. I also really appreciate that you share a bit about your own struggles. The longer I live, the more I realize that we all have to face challenges, yet sometimes when you’re in the midst of something unexpected, it can feel as if you are the only one. It’s good to know we are not alone.
I'm a Type 1 Diabetic and had painful neuropathy in my feet. My endo recommended gabapentin so I tried it. Worst thing about it was it made me feel "dopey". Hated it! Saw in the diabetic community about alpha lipoic acid vitamins. Supposedly approved for intravenous treatment in Germany. Started taking the vitamins and within a week the pain was gone! Still take it 18 years later, four 300 mg pills per day and have no pain at all.
I’ve found that my diet impacts the amount of PN I experience. Sugar is the worst. Within 30 minutes of consuming sugar my neuropathy ramps up significantly.
I am a massage therapist and have had progressive idiopathic peripheral neuropathy for a few years. I refuse to take any prescription medication for anything. so, what works for me is Graston massage (by myself or my wife), alpha lipoic acid, biofreeze or prossagge warm therapy, PT once a month and the YMCA 5 times a week with sauna (18 minutes for HPB), a quick dive in cold pool, E-gym and lots of stretching! Ok, good luck and God Bless all...
So appreciate your insights, thank you! I’m terrified of the GABA, that was the only thing my “doc” offered, and that on a phone in consult. He said that’s all he knows for PN. How can that guy be licensed to practice medicine?
Swimming 3-4 times a week works- the hydrostatic pressure helps reduce the swelling and discoloration in my ankles due to peripheral neuropathy. Best wishes to Bob.
Suffered with neuropathy in my torso and back for 2 1/2 years. Gabapentin did not work for me. Amitriptyline does. Built dosage up gradually. I’m doing pretty well on 30 mg. right now. Able to exercise regularly, which makes me feel better. 👍
Hi Susan…..Gabapenton/Lyrica gave me terrible cramps. Amitriptyline/Ender helps me. My whole back is encased in metal because the surgeon messed up, not once but 4 times. Two legs are partially numb, I have a walker & stick. Fibromyalgia doesn’t help. Thank goodness I have a quirky sense of humour.
Another one using Amitriptyline. 30mg too but mine takes the whole left side mainly intercostal and calves. Getting worse for no apparent reason. Will probably have to up the dosage. What helps is using Tiger balm cream + hot pads. At least it helps me get some sleep. Hope you get better too ❤️
Amitriptyline tried 1st…nope. Gabapentin…nope. Last is Neurontin..yes yes yes. 200 mg 3 times a day. If I am late or miss a dose I pay terribly in pain. I also do the push pedal and the circular motion. That helps. My neuropathy was the result of planter fasciitis surgery that got an infection in my cast. Caused adhesions. I would of rather dealt with planter fasciitis then the hell I go through. I now easily fall because no balance. Sometimes I can’t tell if my covers are covering my feet.
My doctor told me to try tonic water that contains Quinine. I found it works fast and amazingly well! I drink the sugar free version. I mix it with Sprite (the non-sugar free). Sprite makes the flavor more tolerable and doesn't have caffeine. I drink this mix with my dinner because the neuropathy comes on at night. I was stunned how well it worked because the neuropathy was very very intense. Now, I sleep through the night.
Thank you so much, you have no idea how many times you two have been such a blessing. I recommend you to everyone. I was able to avoid back surgery as a result of your sight. Thank you so very much.
Thanks for the report on PN. Have been suffering with this condition for many years. When it progressed to the point of intolerance, I saw a neurologist. He did all the nerve exams And diagnosed small fiber PN. Used Gabapentin for a long time with no relief. Burning sensation interrupted sleep. Decided to wet socks and put them in the freezer until they got nice and icy, but not rock hard. Wore the cold socks to bed to help overcome the pain and allow sleep. Temporary respite, but helpful. Alpha lipoic acid and Lyrica are the combined regimen now. The orefabalin started at 25 mg BID and has increased slowly to 150 mg twice a day. No miracle changes, but I always wonder how much worse I would feel without these meds in my system.
Glad your regimen helps. After years of doing similar things, I ended up on Methadone. I hate having to take an opioid, but I would have no life without it.
B-Complex took care of my husbands peripheral neuropathy, in the form of nutritional yeast as well as a supplement. Thank you for all of your wonderful information that is helping so many people. God bless!
What kind of B complex did he take, how much, how long before he had results? I’m eating brewers yeast, but can’t find any info about how much to consume daily.
@@michellewelch6013 I use Garden of Life because it is not synthetic, and we use about a tablespoon of nutritional yeast on foods that taste good with cheese. It took a week before he was free from pain.
Sudden onset of PN in shins and feet, couldn't sleep due to pain. After 2 days went to Dr. and was prescribed 100mg gabapentin daily. Great pain relief, wore off by noon, but pain and numbness was minimal. After 5 days of medication i was having side effects; crying, obsession, and urinary incontenance. Quit taking it and started alternative medical treatment of PT exercises, acupuncture, red light laser, and massage therapy. Also Quit drinking alcohol. Now my symptoms are mild and I sleep through the night.
One thing I would recommend is to track your foot pain over time. I rate mine between 1-5 every day. That can help you decide if a treatment is helping or not.
I have peripheral nephropathy of the left foot and lover left leg due to a damaged nerved at L4/L5, this after have disc decompression surgery. This takes the form of constant tingling as if the foot were asleep. This constant tingling feeling becomes very distracting and I spoke to my podiatrist about it. He recommended using a lidocaine cream on the foot and leg. I have found that this solution helps significantly. I use the Blu-emu lidocaine cream several time a day and it has made a big difference for my problem.
My tingling started from L4-L5 problem too. Managed care took too long to get it treated so I have permanent nerve damage coming down side of leg, across top of foot to the big toe which is always completely numb. Have been on Gabapentin which lessens the pain but I'm interested in what you use. I think I'm going to try it.
I find that bio freeze helps . My Mama suffers from neuropathy for 30+ yrs. She is on neurotin 300 mg. ; it helps a little. Breaks my heart to see her suffer so 💔
Great topic! I have PN and none of the usual reasons for it. ie no diabetes, no chemo, no vitamin deficiency etc. i used Lyrica and then gabapentin for years but both seemed to become ineffective over time. I am now medication free. The best thing I’ve tried recently is taking Alpha Lipoic Acid. Doesn’t take away the numbness but has greatly reduced the stabbing pains. I’m also experimenting with infrared. Not sure yet on that one as I’m not very consistent with it.
Hello B & B, thank you for covering this topic , I have had PN in both feet , due to , inability to walk with miniscus tear in 1 leg and Ruptured patella in the other ! So ! after 18 months of exercising, now walking daily four dogs , lots of activity , its soo much better ! BUT !! I have recently started to use Red vine leaf cream , to help circulation with spider veins !!!! Today my legs feel lighter ? not so heavy it really is starting to work ! I am also going to take the tablet form. ALSO I walk backwards 500 steps a day !!! As far as the pain killers, my daughter described the feeling of being in another space when she took them ... she is off all medicines as such , but if she is in a lot of pain she does take a dose of amatriptiline. She is 49 had 3 spinal operations including the cage thing , but is now swimming and feeling her life is hers after 5 years) Me I am 71, we both take magnesium /pottasium etc, well good luck , try the red vine leaf cream , twice daily all over legs and feet ! under the foot as well magic xxxx
I have spondylolisthesis , stenosis and mild scoliosis along with facet arthritis all in L1 to L5. Gabapentin made me unable to think , barely function and did not really help my nerve pain. My daughter said she thought I was getting Dementia! I weaned off and have my brain back. I do excercises, use a far infrared pad every evening, full back ice pack for 15 minutes a few times a day and a NeuroMD corrective therapy device morning and evening. Sounds like a lot but really isn’t. I do have to take 800 mg ibuprofen if I overdo and strain my back too much but not on a regular basis. I will do anything to avoid steroid injections or surgery! Love that I found you two and hang in there Bob!
Gabapentine worked well for a while, but then became too harsh on my stomach after a couple of months. Amitriptyline was the scariest medicine I ever took. I took Amitriptyline at night, but woke up in the morning paralyzed for about 3 hours afterwards. Pregabalin (Lyrica) worked well for me. Tens was helpful for me.
I have neuropathy I tried for a long time with Gabapenin, I was never able to take more than 200mg within a nasty headache. The doctors wanted me to take up to 1000mg, but never happened. I do take Amitriptyline nightly, because it makes me really tired. Thank you for all the information.
I take Gabapentin for neuropathy since I got neuropathy while taking A-C chemotherapy for breast cancer. Since I take Arimidex for cancer even now, Arimidex causes hot flashes, and Gabapentin helps with this, too. For hot flashes, I also use Cooling pillows (Big Lots) Cooling Bamboo bedclothes (Bamboo Bay on Amazon, Vet owned and operated 👍) A cooling pad (there are several on Amazon. I got the least expensive and it works well) And a fan to circulate air. Personally, I am cool with Gabapentin/Neurontin. I went from feeling like I was walking on sharp little rocks to more like fish tank gravel, and now it feels like I walk on sand. Gabapentin made so much of a difference! I also take it as a medicine to help with my Bipolar Disorder.
-Gabapentin works for me I have been taking it for years after years of back pain & 3 back surgeries. If I forget to take it on time the stinging tingling pain starts to come back. -Aspercream Lidocaine helps too I just massage it on to my legs. -Treatment from a Pain Management Specialist, mine is an MD with a Anesthesiaolgist background. She knows & understands medications especially Opiates. She helped me get off of Hydrocodone. The excercises she taught me, plus PT excercises & some that I learned from watching Bob & Brad too have all helped me the most. Thank You Bob & Brad. Elaine
For my neuropathy I take... Magnesium, B complex, COQ10, omega 3 fatty acids, R lipoic acid, and GABA. I really wish there was a magic pill. All of the prescription medications I tried didn't completely work and had side effects, so I resorted to supplement treatment instead.
I am not a doctor, but lecithin rebuilds the nerve sheath 1 inch per month. Since you are already using Eastern medicine, may I August you add lecithin! Good luck and may you be blessed with pain free days ahead!
Thank you. I just massaged the heck out of the foot that has PN and it helped immediately! I'd been afraid to do that. I'm going to do the affected wrist and hand next! Other things that have absolutely helped me are: (1) a small glass of water with apple cider vinegar and raw honey (1 spoon of each into the water -- I use warm water so the honey melts) -- take it every day. This is an old, old folk remedy that really makes a difference, and (2) I use Boirone Arnicare FootCream or Magsoothium CBD cream, either "calming" or "cooling", at night to manage the pain. This has helped me get my sleep from 2 hours to 4 hours before the body screams me awake -- a huge difference. I was skeptical about the apple cider vinegar remedy, then I finally tried it and couldn't believe the difference! Swelling and pain both went down withing a couple of days of starting that.
Aspercreme(SP) w/lidocaine for "pins and needles" in my feet, suggested by neurologist. I also got good results from Sanexas (similar to tens) combined with dry needling from a PT. Walking maybe the single best thing I've done. I found out that some of my signs might be coming from severely degenerated disc disease, so the sanexas pads were applied to my lower back. Edited: I forgot, I used to have a "Thumper" (had two of them.) The Thumper has two foot shaped pads with nubs. These pads have a fulcrum in the middle. Power makes these pads seesaw up and down in a forceful manner, performing an incredible foot massage that is deep enough to stimulate the nerve endings. Expensive, but worth it.
My pain stems from degenerative disc disease also! I have 5 ruptured discs in my lower back S1-L5 and in my neck, not sure if the exact location. I also try acupuncture and Reiki, both help, but not long term! I purchased a Hypervolt massager and OMGOSH, it helps a lot! I just had to learn not to over use it or it would cause massive inflammation!
Gabapenten is a nope for me due to cognitive symptoms. Just couldn’t think straight and found myself doing absent minded things like turning in the water and forgetting to turn it off and flooding the bathroom.
I am 81 mostly vegetarian . I had minor numbness and tingling in my toes several years ago. I did some research & tried sublingual B-12. The tingling permanently disappeared the next day. A year ago, I was given Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) for a possible gram negative bacteria. Two-three weeks later, my feet and lower legs had a purple reddish color up to my knees. That has regressed to splotchy reddish purple feet and ankles. The Cipro has made the very minor essential tremors ten times worse. Also several totally new autonomic nervous system side effect such as burning eyes. Neurologist trying to blame it on diabetes despite 5.8 H1Ac results.
There is a black box warning on that class of drugs. I only know because my coworker has nerve damage from it. (Her left leg is not fully recovered recovered. That doctor owes you more than an apology.
I recently bought a Bob and Brad massage gun which I use on my legs and feet. It seems to be helping my tingly feet, especially at night. I have found that meditation can help as well. I took amitriptyline and I found I didn’t know what day it was when I woke in the morning. It made me very groggy. I also took Gabapentin which upset my stomach. Similar to Gabapentin is Pregabalin which I tried but it made me very sleepy and my stomach was hard and bloated. None of the medications helped.
I’m just experiencing this today! Grateful for this information. My PN a appears to be related to my type 2 diabetes but no effort to diagnose it yet. I have to wait two months to see my GP. Good grief! Currently I’m doing intermittent fasting, not eating for 32 hours, then two low carb meals within 14 hours, then back to 34 hours no food. I definitely feel a difference when off food, less tingling. Wish I could just not eat but that’s not how intermittent fasting works. I’m losing weight, seeing a drop to nearly normal blood sugar readings. Praying for a miracle of healing. Either way I’m off carbs for life. My info comes from Dr. Jason Fungs book, The Diabetes Code. Wish I had known this info a decade or two ago.
I have lumbar stenosis with referred leg pain and PN in both feet. I’ve taken gabapentin for nearly two years and it has made a significant difference in my quality of life. I can walk the dogs and take care of my other animals and the garden. I still have PN but it’s now manageable. Thanks for your very helpful video on PN. I’m going to try the exercises that you demonstrated.
I use gabapentin. I use pretty high dose, 1200-1800 mg daily and I take in the evening....my PN kicks in almost the same time every day around 4:30pm. I don't know why, neither does my doctor. Maybe it's related to my circadian cycle or something. Side effects tend to be balance issues and I have to be careful with taking such a high dosage b/c it can affect my work the next day....I can cause me to have brain fog, slower thinking ..... I've heard some people stop taking it b/c it sort of mimics dementia. I'm 60 yrs old and love the content on this channel. Keep up the great work !!!!
Gabapentin has worked for my PN but on 600-900mg per day.. 900 is max p/d here in Oz. Best I've found is Gabapentin abd THC oil, have a TENS since 15 now 44 its the only thing that had kept me alive and not ending it with nerve pain . With the PN I've got a TENS / EMS did ems daily for 18 months to help stimulate nerve growth after a 33 day induced coma and medical staff not checking my size 13 feet! *lawsuit pending currently* Thanks for doing these exercises have used your other vids to build up and stabilize my left patella and help re core too.. Even got my 72yr old mother to do some exersises of your videos to help her get back on her feet (liberally).. Thanks Bob & Brad!
I have a patient with PN who was prescribed Gabapentin. It makes her very sleepy with very little pain relief. She responds best to manual treatment using Biofreeze, BLE therex, and cryotherapy.
Gabapetin and I got along fine. No side affects and it was the reason why I could do physical therapy. I have spinal stinosis with fireworks down my leg and any movement was so painfuli coudn't do anything. BTW love you guys!
Great presentation... I came across your youtube casts a year ago... and you ARE my go-to place for Anything dealing with joints or back... MERCY BUCKETS Bob and Brad :)
thanks for this vudeo...been suffering from peripheral neuropathy and dropfoot since my laminnectomy+laminotomy due to herniated disc. Ive used TENs plus 1500mg of meticobalamin.. and tons of foot exercise
Hello from Canada 🇨🇦 I have tried both Gabapentin and Lyrica and found it to be unhelpful. I experienced all of the side effects and none of the benefits. I have a wireless TENS machine from Ireliev that has been life altering. I can wear it throughout the day without getting tangled up and tripping. I look forward to trying your recommended ankle exercises before bed as falling asleep is usually the toughest part of PN. Thanks for everything Bob & Brad ! I'm a huge fan and always appreciate your videos ❤️
Gabapentin helps the most for me. I've had peripheral neuropathy since 2016. My doctor also prescribes me Cymbalta and Folbee (Folic Acid with B vitamins). Cannabis helps take the edge off at night so I can sleep.
I suffer from peripheral neuropathy in the middle of my back since 2018 when two vertebrae fractured and smashed. Gabapentin worked for me, amitriptyline didn’t. Now I use cannabis oil (approved in my country, Argentina) and it works wonderfully.
Been on Gabapentin for years for occipital neuropathy- very helpful; not so much for foot and leg neuropathy. Used Aleve Tens unit for back pain & fibromyalgia - very helpful; mildly helpful for foot & leg neuropathy. This video was great - love you guys! from NJ
You two are gems and I appreciate all your help. Bob’’s speech is getting better I think. So Gabapentin did not work for me and I felt very drugged. Amitriptyline worked but 10 years later, i switched to Cymbalta and that is the one that helped the most as it is an anti-depressant too but worked the best for my mood and pain. ❤️🇨🇦🙏
Seeking advice. 8 years ago I sustained an injury that fractured my fibula and an inner bone on my ankle. 13 screws and a plate put me back together. Im having numbness in my foot and it’s affecting my walk. I believe you call it foot drop.A nerve conduction test revealed significant nerve distress. I’ve had tons of PT appointments yet I continue to have issues. No one has mentioned perineal nerve damage. Who should I consult? Surgeon that put me together? Back doc? Shrink?
I was "re-diagnosed" with mild P. N on Thursday. About 30 years ago, I hada nerve-conduction study and was diagnosed with S.P.N. The specialist told me the inflammation of the nerve sheaf would reduce but it would never be normal. Then, about 15 years ago, another specialist did a test and said I didn't have P.N. at all. I was doubtful of his diagnosis. Anyway, this last Thursday, I saw a neurologist and movement disorder specialist. He was very thorough. I have received a clinical diagnosis of mild PN. I'm still to have a nerve conduction study, an MRI and a raft of blood tests.
Thank you for this! I have PN probably because of Lyme disease. I have had success taking 300mg of Gabapentin to help me sleep. I also have been hugely helped by acupuncture and avoiding sugar, most caffeine and gluten. After a year of these treatments I still have the buzzing/tingling in my legs but the stabbing little pains and muscle twitching are largely gone.
I have PN from 2 rare autoimmune diseases. I can't use gabapentin because of terrible side effects ex* nightmares, extreme mood swings, nausea, headaches , fatigue, etc. I'll try these exercises & pray the feeling comes back to my feet & for the burning, tingling to leave.
I have PN that has gotten significantly worse over the years as newer back, hip, and knee problems have developed. Back when I was having problems just getting my legs comfortable, I was on Amiteiptyline and that didn't seem to help much. Then I was put on Gabapentin (600 mg 3 x per day). This helped for a few years, but got to where it just wasn't enough. Then switched me to Pregabalin (Lyrica) and added Duloxatine to the arsenal . I have had significant relief with this combination for a while, but recently it has started getting pretty bad again. Mind you, through all of this, I have also been on Oxycodone for pain relief 😌 Most recently, I have purchased a machine called "REVITIVE " , which was developed by physical therapists and vascular surgeons. I have found that when I'm able to follow their recommended regimen, my legs and feet feel better 😁
I have PN and have to take Gabapentin. It was a hard road in the beginning with the side effects and I even quit it for almost a year. However I realized o had to have it. I talked to my MD about the side effects and asked if I could slowly turrets up. That worked well for me. I still experience some side effects but they are tolerable. Fatigue, foggy brain, forgetfulness and just feeling disconnected we’re the side effects. I will say that I also use the electro stimulation therapy snd lidoderm patches but the gabapentin is key. You will adjust in time and experience less and less side effects. I took 100 mg at bedtime for 3 months and then increased to 200mg and so on. I’m now on a 300 mg up to 4 times a day. I work as a mastectomy fitter with no complications.
I have been taking Gabapentin for a couple of years, I ran out and didn’t get my refill for 4 days and I was in a lot of pain those days. I use a combination of essential oils with coconut oil and CBD oil, that helps when I massage it on my feet almost immediately.
Lots of people who have commented here said they use B complex vitamins. I wonder how much B6 is in those formulas. I started taking a supplement called FibroResponse for fibromyalgia, which had 40 mg B6 per serving. I told my doctor I was experiencing mild peripheral neuropathy. She ordered a B6 blood test. The top of the normal range is 125. My test came back at 420.2! My doctor told me to stop taking the supplement because she said the B6 could cause permanent nerve damage. Since I've stopped it, I'm feeling less peripheral neuropathy. I just want others to be aware that B6 can CAUSE peripheral neuropathy or make it worse.
I wondered the same thing, having also experienced this. B6 levels of 1070, it was in a Magnesium supplement I was taking for a tendon injury. The neuropathy was intense, could hardly walk. A relief to discover the B6 issue, but a scary experience. 2 years on, mostly recovered, but with some lasting issues. Hope you continue to improve.
I really think that my feet problems were started by about 40 mg. daily of B6 (pyridoxine) in a B complex supplement. I am not diabetic and had never had any similar problems until taking the B6. I have never had the usually described symptoms of peripheral neuropathy of tingling or burning. The sensation of the muscles in each forefoot being squeezed has gradually increased over the past 5 years until now my feet feel like they are being squeezed in a vise. I am grateful that, though uncomfortable and affecting my mobility, I would not actually describe this as pain. I have tried PN supplements containing Alpha-Lipoic acid, but I could not feel any improvement after many months. I have been using your foot massager frequently since May and also an infrared light pad, which I hope will help improve my circulation and reduce these symptoms. Praying for you, Bob!
Gabapentin didn’t work for me at all. It put me into a complete daze all day & did not help with nerve pain at all. It killed any cognitive abilities while on it so it became dangerous for me to be on it. Worked up to pretty high doses. TENS therapy was helpful for me snd tons of PT.
I’ve been on lots of meds for over a decade (car accident). I’ve been told I have chronic pain, nerve pain, fibro, ect. I also have insomnia but am also often drowsy, and just exhausted with little energy, slow thinking often. When I do fall asleep, I could sleep forever, but am still tired when I wake up. Because I’m on so many meds, I haven’t been able to figure out which side effects are related to which, or if it’s just my own issue. After reading comments, I’m thinking I will try stopping the Gabapentin to see. How long do you think it would take for me to see if I get more energy? I want to see if the drowsiness is related to Gabapentin.
I had the same experience with Gabapentin. I now only take one 300 mg capsule about 30 minutes before bedtime and sleep like a baby without any brain fog Don’t stop gaba cold turkey, wean off over a week or 10 days
In order for Capsaicin cream to be effective it must be applied three times a day. It will not work on an as needed basis. It will also take a week of routine application for it to start being effective. The burning will dissipate within the week.
Since 2005 CMT California: I do this and it doesn't bother my knee. No one else should do it if their knee is bothered by bending it and reaching your fingers to your foot, or for that matter experience any pain (such as back, neck etc) other than digging into a really bad knot in your foot and that's the hurt good pain, and there are a handful at least of other conditions that would preclude you from doing this or anything else I would advise that you do without checking with your doctor first. Easy foot self massage is lie on your side bend your top knee up towards your chest and make a hook with your fingers reach down so your fingers hook into the bottom of your foot and lean back. Your arm goes straight and you just hold the hook and it pulls right into your foot. Also remember to move fluid towards your heart versus pushing fluid into your toes. What part of the foot or ankle does not like to be given some love. Make sure your doctor's or therapist know what you're finding there and how your feet are feeling. Pay attention to how much better they feel when you give them some love. 🙏
Capsation cream caused me the worst night of my life. I don't know why, but with my diagnosis of PN I have often topical sensitivity. From the moment I put that on or at least 30 seconds after, I knew I was in for the ride of my life because it was going to take hours to get that out of me. It was a bad bad rough scene. So go easy if anything try a little patch.
Something that wasn't mentioned that works in 10 to 15 minutes is Alpha Lipoic Acid. I use the brand Nutricost from Amazon. 600 mg capsules. At the onset of this horrible affliction, I take 3-5 capsules. It has never failed to remove the symptom, extremely quickly. If you are like me in your response, you will thank God you tried this. I used to take it daily, now I only use it when the neuropathy comes. For me its only occasional, but maddening if it happens. If you try it and it works please comment so others can find relief from this horrific condition.
Gabapentin is a Nerve Block, Tramadol is a pain pill & they both make me very sleepy. I have used Voltaren gel, Salonpas, Epsom Salt Rub, Pain-A-Trate, Biofreeze, Cold as Ice w/Hemp, Capsaicin cream, & Veterinary Liniment. Out of all these, Salon-pas works best for 8 hours.
I have PN from Guillain Barre syndrome in my hands and feet. I was lucky to get the use of my hands back, however, my feet have not recovered. I also had PN from knee replacement surgery. I have been on 600 mgs Gabapentin 4 X's a day for the last 5 years as I have degenerative disc disease in my spine. L4-5-S1 fused, L2-L3 are now bone on bone and there is something going on in my thorasic and all the discs in my neck are deteriorating, there are a couple of herniated discs along with stenosis. For my spine I have used a TENS unit with some success. Aspercreame with lidocaine for pain and muscle spasms. I find that it helps when applied to my feet. I have arthritis in feet as well as PN and the Aspercreame helps both. Tried Voltaren/Capsaicin cream and it didn't help much. I have had surgery on both my feet for arthritis and I use a rice bag heated in the microwave helps the pain as well. I tuck my feet under it at the foot of the bed and when the pain is excruciating my feet get ice cold it helps. I was on opioids for pain however due to the "CRISIS" and my neurologist was forced to retire I was taken off of the one thing that actually tamped down the pain. Now opioids are only available to cancer patients. Chronic pain is a living breathing hell that steals the breath out of you but there are things that we can do to help ourselves. Thanks to Bob and Brad for the many awesome videos with great information and suggestions that can help. 😘❤❤❤😊
I have a friend who has been on a pain meds for around 15 years for her back. They made her get off of her morphine which she used for her breakthrough pain. But she still gets her like Norco the Tylenol/codeine. The medical people.... who ever has decided they know best... said she could not be on 2 short acting pain meds. So guess what they allowed her for long with her Norco !!?? Fentanyl patch!! 😟 Her personalty changed and she was having trouble functioning daily things. That shit is dangerous!! Then she was told she would have to get off of the patch. I had told her months before that she should. So she was cutting them down smaller. The weaning off was hard it took her few months and she did have withdrawals. But she did it!! I was so proud of her.🥰 her pain meds are controlled in the dr office. She has to see him often and has to get her from the office monthly.
@@judymcgowan2881 Great news about her getting off fentanyl. I am happy to hear that she is at least able to get something for her pain. It just makes me so mad that those of us that have been on pain meds without abusing them are now treated like a criminal. Whereas the one's abusing opioids can now go and get high using clean needles or whatever and have a nurse there to administer narcan if they overdose and all at taxpayer expense. There is something very wrong with our medical community.
@@HugsXO that is my friend also. She does not abuse the meds. But has to do the check ins. And feels like they think she is going to or something. The they say like pain management.🤨 I hope you find something to help you and a doctor that treats you well.🙏💕
Amitriptyline works for me but makes you feel tired and sedated. I can’t function as effectively as need to for work. Have tried cycling more to increase the circulation and it is working. Avoid medication if you can. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Putting a plug in for my favorite topical product: Grace Harbor makes MSM Pain Relief cream, great for feet, hands. Also cold CLAY WRAPS, and then a hot epsom salt foot soak...ahhh!!
IPN on both legs, feet, hands, and arms. I use gabby and it’s okay at 300mg3x daily. I use a topical prescription 3x a day which helps. I can’t take anti d due to side effects. Looking into PT now but therapist used electricity and I will not go again to him. 😢. Had to stop him in tears. Meeting with neuro again next month.
Gabapentin put me in the ED with an anaphylactic reaction. TENS helped some, lidocaine helped with localized pain from inflammation not really PN. I’ve been working on some PT and it helps more than anything else, especially McKenzie method. Centralizing pain through PT has been the key to managing my nerve and back pain.
I have neuropathy from my transplant meds. I was put on Gabapentin. Howevrr about 13 years ago when I fell and broke my kneecap, elbow and upper arm. I took it for a few months. It did help but I found myself getting depressed. Two yrs ago after abdominal reconstruction for hernias I took it again because I’m not allowed Motrin and Percocet makes me sick! Again I felt down. Truthfully it helps a little. Takes edge off but I would not recommend it.
Gabapentin is a psychoactive medicine used to treat Bipolar Disorder, and that might be the problem. Bipolar Disorder often needs 2-3 medicines at a time and balanced for the person. Tell your doctor all this and your symptoms and ask how it can be remedied, or if another medicine can be prescribed either in place of or in tandem with your current one.
I’ve had severe neuropathy for 2 years in the majority of my body. Ive taken 1800 mg a day of gabapentin which is what I’ve been told by every doctor is the max. It helps settle the burning and tingling but it by no means is a cure. My legs are deader than ever and ny arms are following suit. I appreciate the relief from that pain but I’m still a bit of a lump most of the time. But I can get around with just a cane now because of it and I can assure you that’s better than being in pain AND not walking
But I’ll tell you know if you forget to take a pill get ready for a bad couple of days. I remember all 4 times I’ve forgotten to take just one of three of my 600 mg and I was rendered useless and writhing the whole time
My Rheumatoid Arthritis has caused sacroiliitis which has given me PN in my right leg due to nerve impingement in my pelvis. I have been using Gabapentin 300mg for years for the RA pain, but I don't feel it's done anything for the PN since I still struggle with it. The Gabapentin's usefulness is for sleeping. However, if I don't get 7-8 hours sleep after taking it I'm a walking zombie the next day and find it really hard to function. I've taken Amiptriptyline in the past for migraines and it also had a profound sedative effect. I no longer use it because my headaches have advanced to the point I need more help. For the PN, I used to see a great PT who used massage on my leg and foot and put me on her TENS unit for an extended time at each session. That was really helpful. Chiropractic adjustments also have helped in the past to fix misalignments. I apparently have one leg that becomes shorter than the other over time. The adjustments have helped to release the pinched nerve.
I have CRPS in my toe/foot. And can’t swallow tablets. I had to crush Amitriptyline it was discussing and gave me the worst dry mouth, So I came off it. Capsaicin was horrendous, and it burned something terrible; I couldn’t walk, sleep, shower or handle touch whilst on it. My pain was 10/10, and using that cream took it 20/10. I gave up at 4 weeks and just couldn’t survive any longer on it. I will never use that again.
I've had PN for 20 years (the idiopathic type, not diabetic). I've tried a lot of things, but only gabapentin helps me, although it has to be a high dose, so I can take it only at night. It has a sedative effect for me, and helps me sleep. Without it, I wouldn't sleep at all, as my case is very, very painful. I once tried amitriptyline, but for me, the sedative effect was extreme even at low dosage, so I couldn't do it. One thing that I've found to be essential is to get a lot of sleep. If I stay up too late or get up too early, the PN is much worse. Another thing I avoid for the most part is a Jacuzzi, as the hot water makes the PN pain much worse for me.
Agreed on the hot water, at first they were concerned about M.S. Amitriptyline knocked me out for days, even in the lowest does. I must sleep at least 12 hours or my pain is their the roof. My NP is from degenerative disc disease and a car accident that injured my neck! Hugs and may you have pain free days in the future!
My husband has been diagnosed with moderate P.N. He has been using oregano oil on his feet and taking oregano soft gels orally. He reports that his P.N. is almost completely relieved. He's been doing this for about 6 months.
I think I've tried everything under the sun. Gabepentin was no help, nor was this electrical thing called the Rebuilder or a tens unit. Nor was accupuncture, B 12, alpha lipoic acid, compression socks, or the exercises to enhance circulation(i.e. ankle pumps or circles). The things that seem to have helped the most have been foot massage (manually, with a massage gun and with a floor model) ,and a lot of walking, particularly on grass barefoot. Also helpful are some shoe inserts with a lot of bumps made by Naboso that stimulate the bottoms of your feet when you walk. I think they help most if you wear minimalist shoes and without socks. I believe my PN was diabetes 2 induced since my A1C had gotten into the diabetic range. I guess the good thing about it was my quest to rid myself of the PN led me to a good proactive MD who told me I should change my diet to a low carb one and exercise everyday. I did and still do (almost religiously), dropped from 207 to 140 lbs and my A1C dropped back to 5.4 -- it was about a 2 year process. So it has really been a positive life changing experience for me. So I'm no longer diabetic (at least A1C wise) and I feel great otherwise, but the numbness in my feet has lingered.
There are several reasons that I don't want to take medication such has been mentioned. Recently a chemotherapy patient heard about taking gabapentin topically. Crush it and blend with skin cream and appy to the site of discomfort. I am going to try this tonight for the first time. Hoping it works because I am tired of being tired all the time.
I have diagnosed peripheral neuropathy. Prescription amitriptyline. I got it swapped to nortriptyline due to side effects of being too drowsy next day. Great vid
I took gabapentin (100 mg nightly) for 3 years for severe neuropathy that started at feet and progressed up my legs to my thighs, hands and forearms...as of January 2022 I have not taken gabapentin I do nightly massage on feet which helps, using biofreeze, icy hot, aspercreme, Vicks or products with lidocaine, frankincense and myrrh (homeopathic rubbing oil) and use compression socks....sometimes, I squeeze my feet and try reflexology Wearing socks to bed helps...using thick booties/heavily cushioned slipper socks eased pain I'm better as the neuropathy is now contained only in my feet and hands without the gabapentin...if I am having an episode, while on my back, my knees are drawn upward with the soles of feet flat on the matress-it seems to lessen the symptoms and I am able to fall asleep I also exercise legs with a stationary cycle (Cubii), walk my dog daily (1/2 + mile), yoga and leg exercises. Three years ago I couldn't walk more than 10 feet or scale a step or stairs, was unable to sleep from the intense symptoms, tried soaking feet...did anything to relieve symptoms... So much better now and keep up my routine. Good luck everyone!
Gabapentin worked well for the burning I got in my toes and fingers, not alot for sciatica or nerve pain in muscles which it was originally prescribed for
I use Carbamazepine 100 mg (chewable) for PN. Attacked by "dentist" whom I sued. I'm not comfortable taking this regularly because it is an anti-seizure drug which isn't my issue. But it does take away the PN in my nerve of my jaw plus other nerve issues from shingles. Luckily it works well after a day or so of use, then after it resolves the pain, I can sometimes go a month without needing to use it till then. A note on the patch. A much less toxic alternative that's been around for over a century is Tiger Balm. I don't feel safe using any of the patches as you suggested.
For anyone trying a cream, be sure to be familiar with any toxicity to pets (e.g., if a cat or dog licks the area where it has been applied). Best thing to do is check with your vet. My vet tells me that some topical creams are quite toxic to pets.
Thank you for the advice! Sometimes we overlook these things. Last week there was an article about a dad who was accidentally giving his son hormones through a cream that he applied to himself and then when he would carry his baby it was transferring. His baby had pubic hair, larger than normal penis and prominent jaw features. They finally figured it out, but it had been quite a while and they are not sure if the long term affects! I appreciate the reminder!
@@sallyshipwreck4315 wow, really! I never watched that, I had an issue with the main actor. But from what I understand, they got a lot of their content from real issues, like Law and Order!
Have a friend that has been on Gaba for 18 years. Works for the excruciating nerve pain but has had a real bad effect on her ability to do engineering stuff at work. She said her IQ went from like 160 to 140, so from super genius to just regular genius ;) 🤯
Actually I have found help for PN using Benfotiamine and Horse chestnut. I also eat a keto diet for my diabetes. The Benfotiamine actually helps to lower blood sugar. My PN gets worse if I eat any sugar or starch.
This year I was diagnosed with mold illness. I believe that is behind my PN. I take benfotiamine and use Magnesium Plus to help my feet calm down so I can sleep. Detoxing the mold mycotoxins will be the best help!
