Congratulations Icehouse,

I'm in my 26th year now. It has become abhorrent to me over time, don't miss it never crave it.

Dave.

GREAT job, y'all! It is truly inspiring to follow along with your progress. I can report that I am doing a little better with the numbness & stiffness. I have been on Benfotiamine and B-12 Methyl. for a little over a year now. I added R-Alpha Lipoic Acid several months ago, as well. Then my joints were starting to feel stiff (maybe because I'm getting older, not necessarily because of the neuropathy ) - so MrsD recommended I take SAM-e each morning which I started about a month ago, and it seems to help. Lots of pills to take - but I don't mind as long as they are helping me.

Since it's recommended that a person takes Benfo & B-12 on an empty stomach, I take one dose around 3:00-4:00am (I always wake up around then to use the bathroom anyway), then take another dose around 8:00am and wait at least half an hour before eating anything. I started that about a month ago and I think the vitamins are "taking" to my body better that way.

I do still have an alcoholic beverage here and there, mainly on weekends. I am VERY careful about the amount I drink and the beverage I have (absolutely NOTHING sugary like wine or a margarita - I pay for it in pain the next day).

Would love to hear how the rest of you are doing - what you're taking, if it's working, how long it's been, etc. Chime in, people!

Oh! One more thing. Have any of you had "neuropathic itch"? Sometimes my fingers or the bottoms of my feet itch, but it feels like it's beneath the skin. There is virtually no way to "scratch" the itch - I just have to wait it out (sometimes it takes a minute, sometimes up to an hour). I recall having that feeling right at the beginning of the onset of my neuropathy; then it disappeared for several months; and now it's back again. Does that mean I am healing (like I'm on the other side of the hill)? I hope????

Hello everyone! It's been too long since I have checked in, glad to see the continuing progress of so many of you. How encouraging!

I have a question: How do you all figure out how much exercise is enough and not too much? This has been frustrating to me, especially since I seem to feel better when I walk, bike, mow the yard, etc., but then (like right now) I seem to 'pay for it' at times with increased foot pain and especially numbness and overall WEIRD sensations. I get really confused and anxious about it. I don't want to make things worse, yet I want to get enough exercise. Anyone have experience with this or have thoughts?

Thanks!

I have had that Wanna, I have no idea if it means much other than these darn things seem to come and go. I don't get it very often, but at times it has been quite annoying. My experience is similar to yours. Sorry I can't add more.

I am on day 2 of trying to quit Tramadol, Wide O, wish i had a good report. I don't , I am in a lot of discomfort. I just posted about exercise before I read this and didn't mention the Tramadol cessation. I hate taking the stuff (I can get by on 100 mgs daily, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much), it makes me moody and I just hate it, but not much point in having serious foot pain to the point that quality of life really suffers. I hope it's a matter of too much exercise, we shall see. I expect you will have a better report however as your sobriety is longer. I hope so!

Oooh, I have not experienced that....and I hope I don't.

Heya, I'm very busy so will reply more in depth later, but one thing I wanted to say. Perhaps you already knew this but just in case: do NOT stop Tramadol cold turkey!!

Seriously, you could get the weirdest reactions if you do. Even if taken for a short while, but especially after a longer period: you have to taper down gradually. Like 50mg when you took 100, then 25mg, then with longer intervals. Process should take about 2 to 3 weeks. I'm not a doc, but I'm pretty sure that stopping abruptly can be dangerous. More later, and apologies if you already knew.

I had heard that Wide O, but wasn't really sure and the info I can find seems inconsistent. But my experience certainly confirms your post!! Thank you.

I had a small cancer scare that involved a camera where the sun doesn't shine (...), but today it turned out I'm 100% clear in that area - apart from one small and benign issue.

Not totally off topic, because that means that the only lasting damage from the alcohol madness (probably) is PN. Due to the preparation of the procedure I was not able to take the tramadol/zaldiar medication for 3 days, and together with the stress I realized I'm not ready to go without pain killers yet. Not a big issue, I have almost no side effects from them apart from a slightly lower (welcome) appetite.

Newstown, I read the full leaflet again, and while cessation isn't "dangerous" as such, heavy side effects are to be expected - as you found out.

I don't want to give medical advice (not a doc) but you might consider talking to your GP about Zaldiar or its equivalent in the US. It's a combination of low dose tramadol and paracetamol (which is under discussion, I know). While the ingredients don't work when taken apart, there is something about the combination that seems to work, for me, and for more pain patients my GP treats. She is a proponent, and does not really see a problem in taking it for the foreseeable future. Just a tip, and make sure you discuss it obviously, and do your research about paracetamol. But the lower dose (37.5mg per pill) might make you less moody?