NeuroTalk Support Groups - Alcohol induced neuropathy

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- Peripheral Neuropathy (https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral-neuropathy/)

- - Alcohol induced neuropathy (https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral-neuropathy/104096-alcohol-induced-neuropathy.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wide-O (Post 1162201)

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?

That's great news about your exam!! That must be a real relief. I do combine paracetamol (same as acetaminophen, correct? brand name tylenol) with Tramadol as it's my understanding they potentiate each other. I get the 50 mg. dose and break them in half, and take high dose tylenol with it.

Yes, it is no fun getting off of Tram. I will have to have a talk with my GP next time I am in there about alternatives. I haven't even looked into Neurontin , Lyrica or any of that stuff, but that may be an option. The moodiness is manageable, but of course I would rather not take anything, quite honestly. That doesn't seem to be an option for quite a while.

Yes, they are the same thing. Zaldiar is a combination of 325mg acetaminophen and 37.5mg tramadol - so that might give you a guide, but it's good that you are already aware of the mutual reinforcement.

As for Neurontin/Lyrica etc. well, take about moody. ;) FWIW, I tried it, it did nothing for me, they are anti-depressants with all the ups/downs that come with them, and I think they were forbidden in court to continue to say it works for neuropathy. (and cause run-on sentences ;) ) Also: no better result than placebo. That said, you never know, we all seem to react differently, and I know there are people who swear by it/are helped by it. I'm sure Mrs.D. will correct me if necessary?

I do understand the ambition to not take anything, trust me. I want to be as sober as possible too since I didn't only fell for alcohol but also xanax, back then. But tramadol is relatively "benign"; my doc said that if I can manage with it, I should count myself lucky, compared to what some people need to just get by. Somehow that made me feel slightly less worried. In the mean time I keep working to live as healthy as reasonably possible, without becoming a freak, and follow the news for potentially better treatments/medications.

PS: aren't drummers always moody? ;) :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wide-O (Post 1162501)

As a rule, most drummers probably are, as far as I can tell. I did read an article that said they were more intelligent as a group, but I find that extremely unlikely.....I am glad you mentioned your experience with those other meds, I am very leery of them but don't know anyone personally who has taken them. I sure don't like what I read about their side effects. Your doc sounds like a good one, I know mine seems to be a lot more concerned about Tramadol than he was a few years ago. I think many of them share this new found conservatism with it. I had a knee problem , then a back problem, and I have used the stuff as needed for years. I suppose he doesn't want me long term with the Tram, but I get by on about 125 mgs on most days, which seems pretty darned moderate to me.

I had a bout with alcohol and I did have PN at the end of it. It has all but disappeared now. :winky:

I had the same experience as Wiix.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiwi33 (Post 1162750)

I had the same experience as Wiix.

Wiix and kiwi, care to provide any additional details? how long did you have it, how long did you drink, did you take supplements, how long since you abused? stuff like that would be helpful to those of us who don't see the needle move much.

It came upon me about 15 years into drinking. I continued to drink another 5 years even though it was getting worse. When I stopped it took quite a few years to go away, but it did. I have no signs of it now except when my feet get cold or my Potassium/Magnesium are low. A supplement a couple times a week takes care of that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiix (Post 1162809)

Thanks so much, Wiix, very encouraging.

Newstown, my history is essentially the same as Wiix's.

My NP was confined to my hands, with some tremor as a bonus - both have gone away now - I am seven years sober and counting.

I spent some time as a voluntary patient in a private psychiatric hospital, partly being monitored during change-over from one AD to another and partly taking the first steps in dealing with my addiction.

When I was there my psychiatrist (who is the boss of the hospital) prescribed thiamine, which I took for a few years. With his approval (I am now on a "care and maintenance" basis with him), I stopped but make sure that I eat in a healthy way.

I have been sober now close to 25 years.