Neuropathy

[phoenixmama]

There's a pretty diverse group here...so there's gotta be someone else with it!

Mine is chemo-induced. The pain in my elbows and lower legs is a lot to bear sometimes. If you have it...what works for you to ease the symptoms?

I find that a heating pad helps, but the pain comes back the second I take the heat away. A cocktail helps...one drink in and my legs are fuzzy, therefore no leg pain! Whoot! However, I am a SAHM...so drinking all day long isn't a good option. I'm only 28, and I'll be dealing with this for a long time...maybe forever. *sigh*

 

[debilorrah]

I don't have it, but I love your avatar!

 

[Boyd]

fioricet ........ but don't take it unsupervised till you know how its going to work on you. First time I took it I fell asleep on keyboard

 

[phoenixmama]

Quote:
Thanks!

fioricet ........ but don't take it unsupervised till you know how its going to work on you. First time I took it I fell asleep on keyboard

Thanks for the tip, Boyd! Maybe I'll ask my doc about it. OTC analgesic stuff does nothing for the pain. When I was given percocet from my last surgery, it did the trick...but again, not exactly something I feel comfortable with when I'm home with the kids. Also, I wonder if it helped me feel better just because it makes me so darn loopy. My oncologist seems to kind of shrug off my symptoms. I had a bunch of scans done when the symptoms started since it feels a lot like the bone pain I experienced while on Neupogen. They were all clear (yay!). That seems to be one problem with oncologists. They don't seem to be concerned with long term side effects from chemotherapy. Maybe I should see a neurologist...perhaps I'd have more to go on.​

 

[Boyd]

Quote:
Thanks!

fioricet ........ but don't take it unsupervised till you know how its going to work on you. First time I took it I fell asleep on keyboard

Thanks for the tip, Boyd! Maybe I'll ask my doc about it. OTC analgesic stuff does nothing for the pain. When I was given percocet from my last surgery, it did the trick...but again, not exactly something I feel comfortable with when I'm home with the kids. Also, I wonder if it helped me feel better just because it makes me so darn loopy. My oncologist seems to kind of shrug off my symptoms. I had a bunch of scans done when the symptoms started since it feels a lot like the bone pain I experienced while on Neupogen. They were all clear (yay!). That seems to be one problem with oncologists. They don't seem to be concerned with long term side effects from chemotherapy. Maybe I should see a neurologist...perhaps I'd have more to go on.​

a Neuro would give you a diff. perspective. Fioricet is an old school pain reliever, muscle relaxer, sedative. It has a barbiturate base though, so anyone taking it must exercise extreme caution when taking other prescriptions. It is nowhere near as heavy as percocet or vicoden and after I got used to it I can function normally (although a yawn may escape once in a while)

for me, my body has built up a tolerance to it. I've been on it for 17 years now. I know that sounds crazy and dangerous, but honestly, for me, it works, and I don't take it daily, just when i REALLY REALLY need it. Helps me break the cycle enough and dampens the pain.

 

[Terri O]

You could try Gabapentin. That is the generic name. I have joint pain that has not been diagnosed as neuropathy yet but it seems to do the trick. I have two clients that are elderly and have it and they take Gabapentin too. Good luck! Terri O

 

[heritagebirds]

My husband uses Gabapentin, but might need to try Lyrica...stronger flavor. Good luck

 

[Imp]

Quote:
I second this. I have neuropathy secondary to diabetes, mostly in my feet. I've been on Gabapentin (Neorontin) for several months and it has been a godsend. The pain is reduced by about 80%. The Dr. said it might take up to 6 weeks to work, but I noticed a difference almost immediately. Got my life back. It is an anti-convulsant for epileptics. I have zero side effects from it. You have to take it frequently to keep the levels up in your blood, so my only problem is I forget doses occasionally. Another BYCer took it and had side effects, and won't take it anymore. It is also fairly inexpensive. I just picked up 1 month(90pills) for $15.

Good luck- yeah I know it hurts.

Imp

 

[SillyChicken]

My mom has it. Unknown cause, she doesn't have diabetes nor had any inducing treatements.

I know she takes meds, but not sure what they are. She also wears compression socks and has to wear shoes at all times. She swims to get excersize cause it hurts for her to be on her feet alot.