Back from the doctor
 

Well, so continues the search to see what is causing the neuropathy. The neuro looked into all the meds I am taking and told me to go of zocor for a month as it can make neuropathy worse. I go back in 4 weeks. If there is no improbement he is sending me to the Mayo Clinic. I asked him if it could be small fiber neuropathy and that is a possibility.

I was interested to learn on this forum that low B12 can also cause problems and that metformin can interfer with it. I take avadamet, so maybe that is causing some problems. My goal is to get off that as soon as possible.

I have lived with this neuropathy for so long that I wonder if they will ever find out what is causing it. And if they find out, will there be anything that will help. I know Lyrica helps a little, but it is still spreading. Oh well, things could be a whole lot worse. All I can do is become better informed about what I can do about it myself.

Thanks to all that have posted and left tidbits of knowledge for us new to the site to learn from. Your successes give me hope. It is good to know we are not alone. I guess neuropathy is more widespread than I thought.

Well, getting late. Thanks again.
Elizabeth

zocor caused my neuropathy
 

it used to say it on the box years ago. I took zocor in 1999 and in 3 months i had PN and i still have it. It use to say it could cause PN> Now it says nerve damage.

email me if you want too.

George

Four weeks off? Not going to do much for PN improvement.

One way this happens is that the statin drug blocks the pathway to making cholesterol in the liver. That pathway also makes CoQ-10 which is a nutrient all our cells use to help the mitochondria (energy producing portion).

In order to help recover from any statin damage, taking high dose high absorbable (enhanced and expensive) Co-Q 10 is necessary. Did he advise you to do that? I betcha he didn't.

Now if you are on a statin for a LONG time some of the damage may not be repairable. We just don't know just how much mitochondria can be damaged before they die. I think Acetyl Carnitine also helps with drug/toxin damage, so you may think about that too.

About 40% of patients on metformin, develop lowered B12 levels. This is easier to fix, and less expensive. That you can do yourself. See my B12 thread for more details:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread85103.html

There are other causes of long term progressive PN.
Hereditary causes (no treatments available)
Gluten intolerance from diet... see my new thread here:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread121516.html

If you continue to eat something (or take a drug) that is bothering you, the PN remains and increases.

yup, cant keep doing the same things and expect a different result....

Elizabeth,
You have hit the proverbial nail on the head.
This is the clue to getting a grip on what you can do for yourself.
You have to be your own advocate, as most of the docs
won't have as much info as you will have.
Also, having a doc that will work with you and your research, is a great help. Strive for that type of relationship.