Hey gang -

I have another question....in reading the posts on PN it seems that those of you who have PN (not caused by diabetes) still try to control your diet, specifically your sugar levels. I am wondering how restrictive your are with the sugar? I have cut out all sodas, sweet snacks, junk food, etc.

I have gotten worse over the last 3-4 weeks and was wondering if I cut out the starches (bread, potatoes, etc) if I would get come some level of pain relief.

I am taking 900 mg of neurontin 4 times a day, 50 mg of amitriptylene at bedtime and 100 mgs of tramadol every 8 hrs if needed. I can tell you that this isn't helping and I have begun to take the tradamdol much more frequently that 8 hrs apart. I know that many of you have warned me of the tramadol and I am trying to be aware of the dangers but there are some times when I can't bear the pain.....

I do not know if there is a connection or not...I too cut out sugars, no more ice cream, no sugar in my house, fruit in it's own juice, no high fructose corn syrup (which is in so many things), and I am free of nearly all starches. I have celiac disease, and many intolerances...no grains (no wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, soy, or rice), no nightshades...and I too do not drink sodas, and am caffeine free. I can not give up my coffee or tea, but I am happy with decaf.

I have been taking B12 for 4 yrs now...started with 1000mcg of cyancobalamin, then switched to methycobalamin 3000mcg, which I am now taking M-W-F. My hands are much better, I can actually sew again, and my PN has not progressed. My hands had been bad for 10 yrs, so to me, this is an accomplishment, sewing again. My handwritting still suffers, and I may not get that back.

At this time, I am not on any meds.

"I am taking 900 mg of neurontin 4 times a day, 50 mg of amitriptylene at bedtime and 100 mgs of tramadol every 8 hrs if needed. I can tell you that this isn't helping and I have begun to take the tradamdol much more frequently that 8 hrs apart."

That's 3600mgs Neurontin (max Rx)and 400mgs Tramadol (max Rx).
I 've been there & switched to Lyrica (600mgs- 200mgs 3xday-max Rx) & Tramadol (400 mgs day). I also changed my dosage times to
every 6 hours for the Lyrica...... & 100mgs Tramadol -
at 8am (brkfst), 1pm (lunch), 6pm (dinner), & bedtime (midnite).

It worked for me, once I got the schedule and the dosages straight.

Even if it doesn't help with your PN cutting back on sugars and starches is good for you!!!