Vasodilators and PN
 

Due to my Scleroderma (SD), I have been Rx'd two different vasodilators to help with Raynauds and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). It appeared that the first one, Nifedapine caused me fluid retention in my legs and so I was later Rx'd Sildenafil (Viagra). Fortunately, I have not had any PAH issues. Never the less, due to the ridiculous co-pay expense of Sildenafil I did not fill the Rx for quit a while. During the winter, when the Raynauds was pretty bad I started experimenting with Sildenafil which is also marketed as Ravatio for PAH and women primarily (it is exactly the same thing as Viagra).

Anyway, what I have found is very interesting at least in my case. My PN improved to the point I could walk barefoot on hard surfaces. Apparently, the Sildenafil improves the blood flow for the nerves. My SD expert doctor wants me to take 50 mg twice daily for my PN. I hope that this Rx is thought to enable enough blood flow to my nerves to heal my PN. However, I am leary of this Rx mainly because I am worried about the possible side effect of fluid retention.

Any comments from anyone?

Thanks,

Randy

Yes, I think much of the "pain" we get is circulatory. I used the amino acid arginine and citrulline this winter, because my feet seemed colder than usual. (this room does not have a heated area beneath it and on computer my feet were turning white.).

Arginine and citrulline are useful for increasing nitric acid (like Viagra does).

http://www.nobelprizewinning.com/
Dr. Ignarro also has a website:
http://www.drignarro.com/

I found however, that the arginine must have been activating my shingles pain, as I had alot of issues in my upper back and right arm, where I had my outbreak several years ago. So then I started lysine to counter that, and then it got warmer and I just stopped using them because my feet are not cold anymore!

But I'll probably do them again next winter. I am hoping the ribose will help some and maybe I won't feel the cold as much as last winter. :confused:

I have wondered the same thing....only with autonomic issues, the possibility of hypotension arises. That said, I am on low dose Diltiazem and holding my own. I often wonder if oxygen administration even at night would be another possibility? I agree, I believe a LOT of this pain is circulatory.