I use Biofreeze mostly for burning. It has menthol in it, in a vanishing gel base along with Ilex extract. Ilex is the a holly and herb that is brewed as a tea in S.America and used instead of coffee. It is called Yerba Mate there. As a tea that is consumed orally, it has some minerals, some caffeine related actions, and is a potent antioxidant. I do think that the Biofreeze does work in other ways. Most of the menthol containing products here do not have this action. Biofreeze is often given by chiropractors and physical therapists for other rehab type discomforts. I was introduced to it by a PT when I had therapy for my tendon leg injury. I also use it on my hands and knees.

Biofreeze.......good stuff!!
Also, I use.... Icy Hot
Super Blue stuff is supposed to work pretty well, too.

I have burning feet and I believe it is small fibre neuropathy. I smoked alot of years but quit 6 months ago, but using commit lozenges. Is that better than smoking?

Thanks Rae, that is really what it is, trying to save someone's life.

I have prayed so MUCH for this situation! I'm glad to hear it went well
with the appt. How are you feeling about things now? Do you feel the Dr has a good plan going for you both??

I must say how much i admire you.....every aspect of this battle you and your husband have been up against has touched many hearts.....
your openness about the alcohol is what truly puts a heartfelt twist on this whole situation....IMO..... there is absolutely NOTHING shameful about it, and like you said 'He's a very wonderful and talented man'.......
.........so was my brother.............i hate it that i must use the word 'WAS'.

.....he wasn't the one i referred to waiting for the liver transplant.....but nonetheless.......Neuropathy or ANY pain condition is bad in itself.......
the alcohol.....if everyone would be willing to be open about it.......is the 'silent enemy' in so many cases......
I truly understand where your husband is at....I too, numbed myself via that route some years ago......

Please keep us updated on the progress and how it goes with the appointments. A 'REAL' doctor will see past the person's personal choices and weaknesses and target the medical facts.

Whatever it takes to keep your husband more pain-free, I hope and pray he can get his 'life' back........he's so fortunate to have you.

Always Caring
Rae

mizz mg I also have alcoholic neuropathy. Drank for 30 yrs. Have all the good things that go w/it. Cardiomyopathy, balance problems, neuropathy from the knee down on both legs, no ankle reflexes and the worst is alcoholic Hep C. Take 1600 mg neurotin and 250 mg effexor a day. Tried all of the vitiamins and thiamin, folic acid etc. This didn't help. But don't get discouraged some days are better than others. Neurologists have told me once the nerve damage is done it's irreversible unless caught very quickly. Hopefully, yours is caught in time. As for the health ins. try if possible to get on Medicaid thru your state it will cover all depending on income. Keep your head up and do your best. Hopefully, you will get relief.

mizzmg & cindy t,
I also have alcoholic neuopathy. I've had it for over 12 years, now.
I drank for many years and self-medicated on booze, before I was Dx'd w/PN.
Read the threads called 'sticky' at the top of the topics page.
It is invaluable info for 'newbies'.
Also, take vit B12 in the sub-lingual Methyl cobalamin form (not cyano cobalamin)
at least 1000-2000mcg/day.

Hi nide 44
yours is but just one case. Dr wise young clearly states that Alcoholic PN is totally reversible unless of course you have have been misdiagnosed and there is an underlying issue. From what i read here a lot are misdiagnosed. has anyone else been booze free after the same diagnosis and not regressed ?

Does alcoholic neuropathy get worse even if you don't drink any alcohol and can it spread to other parts of your body.

Hi mrsD.
I am not usually on this site. I had a positive small nerve biopsy test about 1 1/2 years ago and then was diagnosed with RSD so had been on that site for a while. Recently, seen at Hopkins by another RSD specialist who says absolutely not RSD. (after I went through with the ketamine txs thats what I get for putting too much faith in one doctor).
They can not find a reason form my neuropathy(idiopathic) My question is I had an allergic reaction a few years back to Cipro. ER etc.(not anaphylaxtic) could this have caused my neuropathy? I am desperately trying to find a reason for this.
Thanks,
hopeful