Quote:
Originally Posted by APJH
Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum; was recently diagnosed with Small Fiber Neuropathy and today found out I tested negative for just about every potential cause (autoimmune diseases, diabetes, HIV, hepatitis, etc.).
It's good news, but I'm very confused, frustrated and anxious.
First off, let me say, my neurologist is fantastic--one of the top in his field at a fine hospital (NYU). He is extremely thorough and I trust his opinion.
I am a 40-yr-old female, in good health, about 20 lbs. overweight, but in reasonably good shape (worked out 3x a week until 2 months ago) and fairly healthy diet (no fast food or soda; lots of veggies, whole grains, lean meat).
A few years ago, I began experiencing numbness, tingling and burning in my feet. In 2011, I finally had an EMG & MRI. Results showed nothing. Then, earlier this year, the tingling and numbness turned to PAIN, so I had another MRI--this time it showed nerve damage & edema in both feet/ankles. Skin biopsies on ankle & hip showed Small Fiber Neuropathy.
I started on 300mg gabapentin in late April, now up to 1200mg. But it doesn't help w/ the pain and it makes me drowsy and foggy. I also have blurred vision, shortness of breath and short-term memory loss. And I feel physically exhausted ALL day (I walk with a cane & take the subway to work each day--lots of stairs!).
Now, my doc suggests I try Cymbalta, but I want to read more about it first. Also, he did say my B12 was slightly low, so I'll start taking 1000mcg a day.
Though I have my share of stress and anxiety, I'm happily married, have a good job, 2 cats and close-knit family. I'm generally a happy person, but after 2 months of pain and limited mobility, I'm sad, listless and indifferent. Part of it is not being able to exercise--that's my stress relief. Also, living in NYC, I'm used to walking EVERYWHERE and I miss it terribly. Now, I'm depressed most of the time. I feel like I'm missing out on everything, but at the same time, I don't want to take part in anything because I can't enjoy it.
I'm also horribly sad and frustrated because, after months of tests, we have not determined any cause for my pain and immobility. I'm overwhelmed by the notion that this pain could just continue indefinitely.
So that's my story. I'm considering acupuncture, homeopathic or dietary remedies (other than B12). I wonder if Cymbalta would help with depression or make it worse? Any advice or suggestions would be helpful!
Thanks for listening and be well...
APJH
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All the symptoms you are complaining are the same side effects my sister-in-law had from the gabapentin. She had come down with Shingles; but that was the least of her problems. The big problem was the gabapentin/neurontin (generic). The doctor also wanted to put her on Cymbalta as well. My sister-in-law is not married 76 and lives alone. Thank God my husband listened to my pleading to get her off the gabapentin and not to let her take the Cymbalta.
For a while, we were very concerned about her memory problems and she also was quite unbalanced when walking.,living along was very worrisome. Since she is off the gabapentin, as well as other meds the doctor had prescribed, She is back to her old self again.
Some time ago, I was on the Cymbalta for a week. All I did was want to lay down and got even more depressed. I had doctor stop the Cymbalta; especially when I told my surgeon, who did my fusion, this pain specialist put me on this. I get migraines and at times, take Imitrex. Cymbalta warns especially about people using migraine meds that this can be lethal. My surgeon actually called the pain doctor to inform him that I should not be on this.
I have throid disease and take synthroid. You really should see an endocrinologist. I started with hyperthroid disease about 15 years ago, and eventually went into low throid. I remain hypothroid (low throid). I see my endocrinologist every 4 to 6 moonths and get my blood tested for my throid.
I have PN and am now under the care of a different Pain Specialist. Unfortunately, I have had spine fusion, along with the edema and burning of the feet and ankles and I do take Oxycontin every 6 hrs. and Oxycodone (percocet) for breakthru pain. I don't like being on a narcotic; but it helps get me thru the day. Fortunately, this does not affect my memory or make me too sleepy. In fact, because of the pain when laying down, I do take Ambien CR every night as well.
I hope you can get meds adjusted to a place where you can tolerate the pain. You may need to see a Pain Specialist as well as an endocrinologist.
Gerry