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Old 11-10-2013, 12:17 AM
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Dr. Smith Dr. Smith is offline
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
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10 yr Member
Dr. Smith Dr. Smith is offline
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
Dr. Smith's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Lost in Space
Posts: 3,515
10 yr Member
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Hi IllPn, Welcome.

I don't know if I have any answers for you—maybe some observations that may lead you to some answers.

One of the most important things I've learned here is that everyone is different, and with PN having over 100 possible causes, peoples' symptoms, responses to various treatments, meds, and supplements can be different as well. There are also psychological aspects; being aware of them, and that they happen to most/all of us (as well as physical symptoms) can help us cope with PN.

Because there are so many causes and types of neuropathy, some can spread more quickly than others.

Because of some of the symptoms and experiences you describe,, I think you may have more than just PN going on—or perhaps multiple causes.

The fact that some of your symptoms come and go—and are not constant—is encouraging; that damage may be treatable or even reversible to some extent.

Quote:
The dr wants me to have an MRI on the neck to see if herniated a disk but then she said they would do spinal injections. I have had one before and scared to do this again after hearing what could be lifetime of pain if done wrong.
I think an MRI is a good idea to find out if anything—and what—is going on with your spine. As far as the injections, I don't know if what you are describing is diagnostic or therapeutic, but you have the right to refuse any treatments. If they are merely a contrast agent for the MRI, those are very well tolerated by most patients, with a very low frequency of adverse reactions. Some agents can be administered orally instead of intravenously.

MRI contrast agent

MRI Contrast Agents and Adverse Reactions

I think supplements are a good idea, but best done adding one at a time (rather than a "shotgun approach") to determine what works and what doesn't. I take a low dose (10 mg.) of amitriptyline at night to help me sleep, but other than that, control my PN symptoms with supplements (R-Lipoic Acid, B-12, B-5, in particular; other folks here use what works for them).

It may take a while to absorb all the information available on this site, and while you will have many more questions as you learn, many of the answers can be found too. For example, you ask about other meds that can address the pain besides antidepressants. You mentioned Lyrica, so you may already know about antiseizure meds, but here is a thread about DRUGS (RX) ~~ Used for Treating Peripheral Neuropathy: and much more can be found in the PN Tips, Resources, Supplements & Other Treatments sub-forum. I would also encourage you to make use of google (e.g. medications for peripheral neuropathy) and other resources here, in the sub-forum, and elsewhere. Google is our friend.

Again welcome, and best wishes.

Doc
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Dr. Zachary Smith
Oh, the pain... THE PAIN...

Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE.
All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor.
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