Small Fiber Neuropathy:supplements?
 

;) Hi Guys!

I am so glad there is a place here with resources re treating peripheral neuropathy.Wednesday afternoon oral surgery took place to reduce the pain caused by a dental implant (titanium screw) which was so poorly placed in the jawbone that it actually injured sensitive tissue. Now I want to try whatever supplements or treatments which may enhance recovery from small fiber neuropathy.Since I have many allergies, I need to start slow and use caution.
Three different neurologists have agreed that Gabapentin will help.However I am looking for information/studies, others' experiences re the use of Gabapentin in promoting healing of the damaged small fibers.What are the benefits of long-term use of Gabapentin? Does the daily use of the drug help the nervous system recover? Can it hinder healing? My understanding is that neuropathy happens when the nervous system is out of whack due to prolonged exposure to extreme noxious stimuli.So I am looking into whatever supplements or therapy that can assist the whole nervous system in regaining its normal, healthy, pre-injury balance.I guess I am looking for guidance re a list of supplements that have proven helpful. Has anyone researched current studies re therapy (meditation, hypnosis,yoga,etc) that has helped in recovery?Spa therapy, a change of climate??Thanks...Elaine55:D

Gabapentin--
 

--is an anti-seizure medication that acts on the level of the spinal cord to mitigate the propagation of erroneous nerve impulses such as would be produced from damaged nerves; while it may help relieve symptoms it is not going to promote healing of the nerve tissue.

Actual healing comes from proper levels of the nutrients that the body needs to create such tissue. There are many that might prove helpful, but most of us start with Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, essential fatty acids (fish oil, flax oil, and the like) and minerals such as magnesium.

See the podcasts here, several regarding supplements:
http://www.beatingneuropathy.com/

I think the one on magnesium and the one on alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl-l-carnitine are very important.

Also there is an image here titled Nutrients for Neuropathy that I copied from a book I had (let me know if you can't get to these):
https://sites.google.com/site/basicpoke/Home/neuropathy

Personally, alpha-lipoic acid and evening primrose oil help with my pain. Magnesium is a good candidate as well--magnesium citrate for example.

Ron

after trying gabapentin no help, Lyrica terrible side effects, decided to try supplements. started with R- Lipolic acid and Benfotiamine which have greatly improved my pains, didn't eliminate them but made life much better. Was surprised as I thought using over the counter meds, was a bunch of B.S.

Supplements: getting organized what works?
 

Thank you guys:)!

Hearing from you guys is great.Question: how do you organize the information you get re what might work, what is working, what might be helpful later on?
I may be allergic to gabpentin and am trying to lower the dosage.the last few days after surgery were so hard - everything hurt - and I broke out in itchy hives. Apprently some people lose theri allergic symptoms if they continue taking the drug. So many sources claim that gabapentin has fewer side effects than the other drugs...anyway once my life seems more under control I will read up some more and maybe start with something easy. (It is so boring to take pills...without seeing results for many weeks or months?)Thanks and ideas appreciated.:winky:elaine 55

I just make notes in a Word document, see attachment. I ideally would make a note when I change something I'm taking, or just make a note of my condition periodically, and noting anything else significant that's going on.

BTW, I would no longer recommend fish oil or fish for getting Omega-3 fats. Use a plant product like ground flaxseed.
Ron

SFN & Supplements
 

[QUOTE=joecarver;1025580]after trying gabapentin no help, Lyrica terrible side effects, decided to try supplements. started with R- Lipolic acid and Benfotiamine which have greatly improved my pains, didn't eliminate them but made life much better. Was surprised as I thought using over the counter meds, was a bunch of B.S

Hi Joe
Glad to hear your feeling better after using R lipoic Acid and benfotiamine. What kind of neuropathy do you have. What are your symptoms? I sort of gave up on OTC meds too. Do you have Diabetes? Is that why the meds (Supplements) helped you?
How much R Lipoic Acid and B1(Benf) do you take? I tryed lower doses of the R Lipic Acid for my burning skin and feet from SFN ,100 mgs. /day and 150 mgs. Benf for several mos. I didn't get much relief. Were you taking higher doses? (btw I also take 325 lyrica/day, doesnt seem to help much ). :(
Thanks in advance. Any input or suggestions are appreciated.
Marie

Marie I amtaking same amount of the supplements as you tried, 100mg r-lipolic and 150mg of benfotmine. My pained has decreased , but not gone , at a level that I can manage. I was on Lyrica, the last med I tried, had bad side effects and a hard time during withdrawel. Dr. had said some people it helps and some just cannot tolerate it, I was among latter group sadly.

And im not a diabetic, just idopatic

Hi Joe
Thank you for responding. Do you have Idiopathic SfN? Its amazing that you are getting relief with only the R lipoic Acid and Benfotamine. Do you take any other type meds for your pain? I have SFN , over two years it has progressed to my arms, hands, mouth and torso. They called it length-dependent (started in my calves & feet) but I have it widespread now. I take 325 mgs Lyrica, I tolerate it ok but I still have so much pain. I get mostly tingling, buzzing, tightening, lancing pain in my arms, legs and feet. Some-days my skin burns all over including my face and lips. This is a horrible , miserable disease to have. The lyrica does not help as much as it should. How much were you taking and and how long did it take you too withdraw? Withdrawal scares me so much. What kindof Neuropathy do you have and what else do you take for your pain? Do you have the same symptoms I have. Sorry for all the questions. Thanks
Marie