Hi folks:

I just discovered this forum. Looks way more active than another one I joined.

Have had PN for well over 5 years. It came on slowly, so I didn't get concerned until 3 or 4 years ago. I diagnosed myself (lots of good medical sites out there), but my doctor (Kaiser) wanted to go through the usual diabetes, etc.

Finally got the correct diagnosis and then started down the path of what meds to use.

Gabapentin for about 16 months or so. Neurologist switched me to nortriptyline and had horrible side effects (anyone experienced panic attacks??). Took myself off of it (and switched neurologists because first one was non-responsive) and got a scrip for Lyrica. Just about 4 weeks into it and close to target dose (6/day); too soon to tell if it will be helpful.

I use medical marijuana -- indica strain is pretty good (and there was a University in Toronto that published marijuana/neuropathy test results showing 30% reporting improvement). I get my best results from vaporizing.

Took a very good pain management class (8 weeks/2 hours a week) from Kaiser. Find that soaking in warm water is helpful (with epsom salts -- something about the manganese).

Exercise in the afternoon/evening is not easy -- but I discovered aqua-aerobics (actually my wife discovered it) and can always count on my pain dropping at least 2 for a few hours afterwards.

So that's me. I look forward to learning from you.

rscowboy