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If Peripheral Neuropathy is affecting your sex life, what can you do?...
The other day I was telling the doctor treating me for my Peripheral Neuropathy that I was dumping the Lyrica she had prescribed in favor of an all natural approach mostly based on herbs, hence the study on the effects of Capsaicin/Menthol and now the TPR 20 cream...
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...303#post665303 I also told her about the herbal remedy I had found to be very effective in combating the negative effects that PN often has on one's sex life - due to loss of sensitivity preventing an orgasm and/or inability to achieve an erection - so that she could pass on the information on to her patients... Then, it finally occurred to me that I should share this bit of good news here, as some of the ingredients in the remedy also have positive effects on the neuro-muscular system... Just curious, before I go further: are any posters/readers interested in this subject?... |
Yes, continue. There is no rule against it either.
We have a men's health forum too you might copy your post to there as well. Yohimbine ( may raise blood pressures tho) Horny Goat Weed arginine (amino acid) These are the 3 most commonly found in male enhancement products. |
I have often bought products from Iherb that sported glowing recommendations from a large number of users and which did nothing at all for me...
This left me wondering about the quality of these testimonials, that is until I came across this product where the recommendations, if anything, are somewhat understated: here are the ingredients... - Yohimbe extract (2% total alkaloids)(bark) 450 mg yohimbine hydrochloride is the standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription medicine in the United States, and has been shown in human studies to be effective in the treatment of male impotence. - Ashwagandha extract (5:1)(root) 300 mg This herb is considered an adaptogen that work to normalize physiological function, benefits the neuroendocrine system and helps with sexual vitality. Several firms have taken out patents to treat various ailments, including arthritis... - Damiana (Turnera diffusa) powder (leaf) 150 mg This herbal supplement is reputed to help with Fibromyalgia, energy, emphysema, low estrogen, frigidity, hot flashes, impotency, infertility, menopause, Parkinson's disease, PMS, inflammation of prostate, Lou Gehrig's disease, and more dealing with reproductive organs in both males and females. Apparently, it can also be smoked, producing effects similar to those of marijuana, as damianin has certain effects on the central nervous system.... - Eleuthero extract (0.8% eleutherosides)(root) 150 mg Taken regularly, it enhances immune function, decreases cortisol levels and inflammatory response, and it promotes improved cognitive and physical performance - Epimedium (Epimedium sagittatum)(Horny Goat Weed) extract (8:1)(aerial) 150 mg Its active components, Icariin is purported to work by increasing levels of nitric oxide, which relax smooth muscle: its effects are similar to those of sildenafil (Viagra) or vardenafil (Levitra)... - Muira Puama powder (root) 150 mg In Brazilian herbal medicine, muira puama still is a highly-regarded sexual stimulant with a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac. It is used to treat central nervous system disorders and paralysis (Beri-Beri), dyspepsia, menstrual disturbances, chronic rheumatism (applied topically), sexual impotency, and for nerve pain... - Tribulus extract (40% saponins)(plant) 150 mg Sex drive booster, it is also used as an aphrodisiac, diuretic and nervine in Indian medicine... - Ginkgo extract (24% flavone glycosides, 6% terpene lactones)(leaf) 30 mg Ginkgo extract may have three effects on the human body: improvement in blood flow (including microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; protection against oxidative cell damage from free radicals; and blockage of many of the effects of platelet-activating factor (platelet aggregation, blood clotting)[36] that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory and central nervous system disorders. - Bioperine Complex 6 mg Bioperine is added in the formula to facilitate absorption... These are just glimpses at the respective properties of the ingredients, which should be researched in more details, including side effects by those interested... Quote:
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So what is the name of this product, and have you used it yet?
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I would not recommend it, had I not used the product for several weeks... It's called Yohimbe-Plus by Irwin Naturals and is sold at Iherb for $14.46 for 120 soft gels... http://www.iherb.com/Irwin-Naturals-...Gels/3166?at=0 I take one per day every day for maintenance and 3 on the days I plan to have sex, averaging probably around a dozen soft gels per week, which amounts to about a 10 weeks supply in a single bottle: very cost effective for those on a budget!... Here are the glowing testimonials and for once, I can really vouch for them... http://www.iherb.com/Irwin-Naturals-...Gels/3166?at=0 Yes, the Yohimbe is supposed to raise blood pressure, but I monitor mine daily before going to bed and it stays in the 130 over 75 range... I takes a few days for Yohimbe-Plus to build up in the system but it works great for both sexes, apparently... |
Hmmmm :eek::rolleyes: !!
I'm skeptical :(. Replace the Lyrica with this, and have positive pain & sx relief results? Really :confused: ? I doubt it :cool:- unless you take a minimum dose.... like 25mg 2x day. (Which means you barely needed it, in the first place) BTW - I don't know what your age is, but after a certain age, sex is not the most important thing in life. |
Yes, I am getting a little confused too.
The title of this thread is ---Neuropathy affecting your sex life-- And the supplement is targeting erectile dysfunction, but the statement in the first post says, Seagem is refusing Lyrica for this supplement. Lyrica is for pain, and these ingredients may not have much effect on pain transmission at all. Taking yohimbine daily can raise blood pressure. So that needs to be monitored. The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is loss of circulation. That is why arginine (the amino acid) works well for this problem men face as they age. 1 gram of arginine daily with its cousin, Citrulline 1 gram can enhance blood flow to the penis and really make a difference. (this is how Viagra works--Viagra is a PGE1 releasor, which dilates blood vessels). |
The pain prevention aspects of Lyrica (and its cousin Neurontin)
is a bit different than just pain medications, per se. A pain medication, dulls or diminishes pain, even to the point of non-existence, by covering up the pain sensations. They do not affect, neurologically. Lyrica relieves pain by relieving neuro symptoms. If the pain is a jabbing symptom, it eliminates the jab, not the pain from the jab. You don't minimally feel the jab, (but it doesn't bother you anymore) you don't get jabs, in the first place. There are certain types of PN pain that are not symptomatic and that Lyrica won't affect. That is why a pain killer, is used-in conjunction with the Lyrica (an opiate or synthetic, like Tramadol), a 'cocktail' of meds, as it were. Together they work, usually better than either standing alone, to alleviate both the sx, and the pains. As far as sex is concerned, if the Lyrica is doing what it is supposed to do, but s/e are evident- a supplement such as MrsD suggests, would be more in order- rather than the discontinuation of an effective med. |
There is really no need to be confused in this case...
I had a phone conversation with my doctor where I told her I was dumping the Lyrica she had prescribed in favor of topical application of pain management cream or patches and the taking of a number of herbal anti-inflammatory products... Then, in conclusion, I said: "by the way, I came across this nifty Yohimbe-Plus product that has restored sensitivity where it had been lost, as a result of PN - and your patients may benefit by it, if they have similar problems..." There obviously is no direct connection between Lyrica and Yohimbe-Plus: however, the fact that some of its ingredients show a beneficial effect by 'canceling' the damage caused by PN to the nerves 'driving' the sexual organs, may justify additional studies, as they could potentially help with the restoration of other nervous functions... Quote:
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I just don't know how to respond to this?
Essentially because when one has severe PN they're thinking about ***?
Maybe I AM on the wrong planet? Because PN pain usually puts one out of any sensory 'circles' and thus you don't FEEL! Am I confusing things here? That first: You have PN PAIN [And not in the Penis?] and Secondly that you are having some difficulty in the latter area? Do check out this forum on our boards... it's not neuropathically related, but, maybe better related to your problems: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum114.html Just click on the 'blue'.... for good stuff there. I hope you find just what you need, that helps you. Truly, and keep hopeing for whatever? - j |
It really depends on what nerves have been affected by the Peripheral Neuropathy and what triggered it...
In my case, it was not a progressive event, but happened within 4 days of a bad sacrum adjustment when my feet started to burn like hell and sexual functions also became affected, all in the same time frame... Because this is clearly a PN related issue, I thought it would make more sense to keep the thread where it is, in the PN niche... Quote:
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If you are offering advice to us, thank you !
*edit* Being in pain from PN, is so overwhelming that one can think of little else, especially not sex, until the pain problem is solved. For some of us, we have searched long & hard and fired many doctors to get to the point of relief where we can lead 'normal' lives. Many of us cannot, but we try very hard. For some of us this has been a quest of years, not weeks or months, to find the right meds & supplements. We come here for advice, comraderie & support. We are leery of 'snake oil' remedies and their testimonials. So if you have come here to give your advice, thank you - again. But do not be surprised at the disbelief, we've been around the block a few times. |
This is from the iherb link:
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Yohimbine: from http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetCo...chunkiid=21892 (iherb's link to the Natural Pharmacy) Quote:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...HIMBE&source=2 Tribulus has these warnings about regular use and prostate health: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...+VINE&source=3 But it might be the Tribulus and prostate effects. There is a warning concerning Ashwagandha extract and the thyroid. I wonder why this is in this product, in fact. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...ANDHA&source=0 Since this product increases the immune system, it would not be a good choice for PNers with immune mediated PN. This herb is typically contraindicated for MS and MG. I could not find which ingredient is not approved by the State of California at this time. It is a good idea to research herbal products before taking them. Herbs can be complex, and act as drugs, and interact with other drugs you may be taking. Research the manufacturer and make sure the herbs are tested for impurities before they are used to make any product. China and India have had reports of contaminated products over the years. Lead is the usual culprit, but China has been known to lace their herbal extracts with REAL drugs! So beware of Chinese sourced products. |
*edit*
So far, I have discussed, Zostrix, Salonpas patches, Capzasin, Biofreeze, TPR 20 and Yohimbe-Plus as products I was testing for my PN or that I tried and could recommend: can you see a common link/manufacturer there?... I have also mentioned Iherb, as have many others, because they have the most user-friendly Website, excellent prices and the cost of delivery by DHL to the Caribbean, where I live, is discounted some 70%: $10.00 for a 5 pounds package was the latest... I have also stated that my pain was in the 5 to 7 range, which allows me to function fairly well, except when it comes to standing up and walking for more than a few minutes. As long as I remain mostly seated and use topical pain management, the pain is bearable, but I am looking for a solution based on natural products to allow me to resume traveling... I like a little color to liven up my posts and emphasize certain points: sorry if I still have a youthful spirit and like sex, in spite of 14 years of Peripheral Neuropathy and having turned 64 this past 15th June... I have come here to learn about pain management and share whatever I have learned in the process, that might be useful to others, hence the test on the Menthol/Capsaicin cream, for instance... *edit* Quote:
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Thanks for reviewing in some details the potential contra indications and side effects of these herbs...
The formulators of Yohimbe-Plus had a wide range of herbs and plants with broadly similar actions on the sex organs from which they could have chosen, so as to eliminate those that have potential side effects: for nstance, Catuaba would make a good substitute for Yohimbe. Most of these plants are found in South America, particularly in the Amazon, according to the Rain Tree database... http://www.rain-tree.com/plist.htm Before the post was edited for copyright issues, I had pasted a short description of the properties of each plant to avoid cluttering the post and save reading time. The first 5 plants are all libido enhancers and are linked to their detailed description in the Rain Tree database, a site well worth a visit... - Catuaba: http://www.rain-tree.com/catuaba.htm - Suma: http://www.rain-tree.com/suma.htm - Chuchuhuasi: http://www.rain-tree.com/chuchuhuasi.htm - Maca: http://www.rain-tree.com/maca.htm - Velvet Bean Plant: http://www.rain-tree.com/velvetbean.htm The last 2 plants are included in this list for their properties to relieve pain and inflammation: - Pau D'Arco: http://www.rain-tree.com/paudarco.htm - Copaiba: http://www.rain-tree.com/copaiba.htm Finally, if you still use sugar substitutes, such as Aspartame (a Google search on Aspartame + cancer is very instructive...), I suggest checking out: - Stevia: http://www.rain-tree.com/stevia.htm Interestingly, many of these libido enhancing plants also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, including the ability to mitigate pain and inflammation... Quote:
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Have you ever tried the Duragesic Patch (generic is Fentanyl Transdermal System - a tad cheaper) for your pain? Worked for me after it was titrated.
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Not yet, but it has a much better rating of 3.9 on the "Ask a Patient" Website, compared to 2.7 for Lyrica, which I stopped taking after 2 weeks, even though it did a decent job of managing the pain...
Duragesic: http://www.askapatient.com/viewratin...name=DURAGESIC Lyrica: http://www.askapatient.com/viewratin...23&name=LYRICA Reading patients reports is really what decided me to dump it, rather than sit it through and hope that the vision blurring, bloating, weight gain, water retention in feet and other sundry side effects would eventually go away... Of course, the doctor argued that these reports are weighted to the negative side, which is likely correct, but they're still very relevant when medicines are compared to each other with a point system and the same bias... Please, tell me more how it worked for you and how the "titration" was done... Quote:
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Seagem, I've had painful sensory PN since 1988 with moderate to severe pain at the 7 to 9+ levels on the Mankoski pain scale. These levels of pain are horrific and I don't know how I maintained my sanity for all those years. I'm affected from the shoulders to fingertips and from my hips to toes. The worst of the pain is from mid calf to toes in both legs and the pain in those areas are constant 24/7 without letup. I tried all the meds the Neuros rxed without success...later including Lyrica.
Finally, in Jan 02 my PCP (of all people) asked if anyone had tried me on the Duragesic Patch and my answer was no. So, on 9 Jan 02 we started the 50 strength patch and the result was minimal. On 4-10-02 we went to the 75 strength patch and for the first time I felt some relief but not enough so on 11-18-02 we raised it to the 100 strength patch and within 48 hours my pain was reduced to the 2 - 4 level! After all those years the 2 to 4 pain level was, to me, being almost pain free and my life literally changed as a result of this med and the titration by my doctor. However, the pain began to rise so on 1-19-07 we raised the patch strength to 125mcg changing them ever 72 hours and again the pain dropped back to the 2 to 4 levels and on 4-27-07 we began changing the 125 strength patches (1 100 strength patch and 1 25 strength patch) every 48 hours...and my pain levels are still at the 2 to 4 range and this is where I remain today!. So, for me, the titration of this medication coupled with the patience and understanding of my Internist has been my salvation from the worst of this damnable pain. It's still at the 2 to 4 level but it's been so many years now I pay little or no attention to it. The fentanyl in these patches is a strong narcotic but I have tolerated it well and I am not addicted. Dependent, yes but not addicted and there is a huge difference in the two. My head is clear, my hands are steady, and I have full control of all my faculties. I drive my car without incident - have made several cross country trips and I drove every mile of them. I walk most every day for a mile or two with only the use of my cane and consider myself extremely fortunate. I am now 78 years old and will stay on this medication till I die or something better comes along...maybe a cure? (I'm not holding my breath. LoL) |
This may sound odd but, being on a mixture of lyrica and neurontin has increased`my libido:confused:
My dosage is around 900mg neurontin at the moment , have been titrating between the 2 and have found neurontin a bit more user friendly. My pain scale is around 2-3 on this dose. I think the chemical reaction can either inc or decr Libido depending on the person. Eg Tiger woods used a powerful sleeping tablet to enhance his libido, how on earth did that work? ive tried it for sleep and has horrible side effects. Nortyplyine was the worst, had no interest so stopped that one. When I was in hospital they put me straight on 300mg lyrica and 25 mg Nortriptoyline. I couldnt feel a thing at all, totally pain free and could of played a round in the world cup however it also disconnected whatever sends the signal from the brain to penis :eek: Obviously age ( im 50 ) nerve damage and dosage will effect sex life. Im a bit fortunate living in Thailand as you dont need a precription for any nerve drugs here, also 100mg viagra gel original from the chemist is $1 a sachel if needed |
Woww Dan, this is some serious pain you have had to overcome: have you found out what triggered the Neuropathy and is it worsened when drinking alcoholic beverages?...
I ask because I have recently given up drinking a few daily glasses of wine but I'm still not sure it makes any difference... I see that you have had a good 4 years run without upping the strength of the patch and that the pain is responding well to small increases in strength and/or to the shortening of the application time... By all accounts I have read so far, Fentanyl seems to give the best results for the least amounts of side effects and I will certainly bear that in mind if my PN pain develops to the extent of yours... Btw, how large is the patch and where do you usually apply it?... Quote:
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It sounds like we should all be buying our meds in Thailand at such low prices: I wonder if they have online pharmacies like in Mexico or Canada...
What was your pain level and its nature when you were put on 300mg Lyrica and 25 mg Nortriptoyline?... Any other side effects, aside from the nerve 'disconnection' between brain and penis?... Btw, there are 2 separate types of nerves going to the penis that can be affected selectively or in combination: those that trigger and sustain an erection and those that provide sensitivity... I have experienced the same type of 'disconnection' - due to PN, not to meds, however - and, somehow the Yohimbe-Plus not only restored both connections but even improved on them substantially: I wish I knew how it does it, as I feel there may be numerous other potential applications... Quote:
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I'm sorry IF I seem dull? But when and how did your PN start?
I'm very interested in how you have come to your conclusions...especially as they seem to be absent of any clinical medical testing or results as you have presented your issues. Can you present any acceptable medical testing or results? I certainly would appreciate it as would my partner. Somehow being numb up beyond the butt [and progressing?] makes such discussions moot at times? I'd sure like some hope in this quarter..... -j
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