Hello,

My name is Blanca and my husband was diagnosed with PN his leg pain began July 7. We have been in "hell" for lack of a better word. He is a diabetic, has been for the last 7 years. Now PN has appeared and it's been such torture for him. I long to speak to someone who will help me understand how and if this ever gets better. My husband is a strong man and I know he will never give it up he has stayed positive even when the pain is unbearable. I'm the one that feels so helplss in helping him through this.

I just make sure he is watching what he eats, takes his meds for glucose control and help him by rubbing his leg when the pain comes. Which is always towards the late evening and through the night, which I don't understand why. Now Dr. put him on Gralise to help him with the pain and possible healing process. Honestly the first month I didn't see much change, he is now on the second cycle and in the last two days I have actually seen him sleep through the night, so I'm hopeful.... Thank you all for listening and I do apologize for the long post...I have so many questions and concerns.

I'm really sorry I have no answers, but I know someone will. You're very caring and that counts a LOT believe me .. Stay strong. X

Yes, neuropathy is a big pain in the wherever it is, but there are things that can be tried and coping strategies that may help.

Obviously, there are pharmaceuticals that can help to relieve the pain, many of them in the anti-convulsant (i.e., Neurontin, Lyrica) and anti-depressant (i.e., Elavil) categories, as well as vitamin/mineral supplements that can be tried (i.e., B12, Lipoic acid, Magnesium). Good blood sugar control is a must, or course.

You should come on over to the peripheral neuropathy board and take a look at the discussions there (if you haven't already):

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html

Thank you for your kind words...

Glenn is absolutely right!

First up you should get some quality (not oxide form) magnesium supplements and try those. You can do the new lotion instead, from Morton's. Morton's Epsom lotion.... at WalMart.

Rub it into his painful areas. This might help alot.

Benfotiamine ( a form of B1) and R-lipoic acid also help diabetics quite a bit.

Here is our PN forum link:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html
See you there.

Welcome!

Your husband is very fortunate in that he has such a caring wife. You've sure come to the right place to get support from those who really understand what you both are going through.

You'll be amazed at all the information there is on this very frustrating condition. See you at the PN forum!

It's nice to have you here

Rae

Hello and welcome to Neuro talk. There are lots of different therapies for PN. Your husbands is from diabetic nerve pain. Lyrica is a medication that is prescribed for that type of PN. Also a good doc. that knows something about the "whole" person is important. I see a physiatrist, different than and MD, or a DO. I take supplements. B12 injections over the last year, and several others.
Lidoderm patches also help, bio freeze, another. There are Topical medications, that you rub in which eases the PN too. I have PN to a lesser degree than your husband, and I use all of these therapies. There has been much improvement over the last year.
I know it is hard to watch someone you love suffer. Please keep seeking out a physician that knows more about this than what you are currently being given. There is more help available when you meet the right kind of doctor who thinks outside the box. I hope others here on NT will jump in and offer some ideas too.
You won't be alone here. If you want to post near to where you live, someone on NT may know of a great physician in your area. Don't give up, as there really is hope that he can get some relief. I am here any time to listen. That medication you rub in, I can list the ingredients for you if you would like. It is a compounded medication. ginnie