I will not spell this right, but will give it a go . I have neuropothy in my feet, legs, and hands due to my dieabetes I am told. My mother had this and we used to doubt her pain. This is horrible pain and yet I have very little feeling in my legs and hands. I go to a pain management doctor. I hate having to take so much medication. The feeling I have in my hands is a constant burning. Even with the medication there is very little relief. Would like to find alternative treatments rather than so much medication that helps very little.

A few alternatives--As always with any advice from anyone, Check with your doctor first:
transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS), which uses small amounts of electricity to block pain signals, as well as hypnosis, relaxation training, biofeedback, and acupuncture. Walking regularly or using elastic stockings may also help leg pain.
A problem with pain medication is it actually can increase pain overtime. Taking them can lower your tolerance to pain, causing what use to be tolerable to become intolerable. Most, if not all, can lead to damage to other organs as well. Liver and Kidneys being the most common. Not to mention the added side effects of physical addiction--which will also increase pain.
Unfortuntly once nerves are damaged, at least for now, they can not be repaired. And you are right, the pain is intense.
I am wondering if you are having any problems with eyes, kidneys,or stomach?

I want to stress all the information I post is based on my own readings of research studies and personal experiences both as a nurse and patient.
I would suggest to everyone, but espically diabetics to stay away from sweetners. They can be worse then sugar in long run. I am not a diabetic, but have cut out most sugars and use organic cane sugar when I need to. Your body will actually metabolize it better and quicker, it is less harmful neurologically, and sure taste better.
I will post links and copies of studies I have found. There is so much that it is taking a while to get it organized and shifted through.

Acutally yes, to your questions. I can not see well at all. They have changed my glassed several times the past year and half. My kidneys are a mess. I have had an infection for three months. The anitbotics do not work any longer. I really don't have problems with my stomache thank God.

Annie what a Fantastic Response to Carla's Pain Managment question! :Glasses:

austinannie wrote: A few alternatives--As always with any advice from anyone, Check with your doctor first: transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS), which uses small amounts of electricity to block pain signals, as well as hypnosis, relaxation training, biofeedback, and acupuncture. Walking regularly or using elastic stockings may also help leg pain. A problem with pain medication is it actually can increase pain overtime. Taking them can lower your tolerance to pain, causing what use to be tolerable to become intolerable. Most, if not all, can lead to damage to other organs as well. Liver and Kidneys being the most common. Not to mention the added side effects of physical addiction--which will also increase pain. Unfortuntly once nerves are damaged, at least for now, they can not be repaired. And you are right, the pain is intense. I am wondering if you are having any problems with eyes, kidneys,or stomach?

I have not posted in a while so this is catch up.  I went so downhill the last couple of years.  I had two heart attack, two strokes, and my diabetes was so out of control.  My neuropathy, kidneys, and eyes were such a mess.  Two major changes I made was my diet and changing doctors.  I am seeing a new pain management doctor.  The first thing he did was put me on 200 cal. six times a day.  I also finally got teeth that has enabled me to eat healthy food.  I have degenerative disk disease and have been dealing with that also.  I was down to the point of not getting out of bed.  My new pain management doctor told me he could not fix my problems, but if I would work with him he could manage them.  The second heart attack I had damaged the lower left lobe of my heart so it does not pump well.  You know we all really know what we need to do for ourselves but sometimes it takes a good kick in the butt.  My doctor told me if I did not do as he told me that I would go home and die.  I am now on my way back up the hill.  The breaking down of the diet has finally got my metabolism leveled out.  My blood sugar has gone from 400-500 down to 150-130.  On occasions it has dropped way too low.  I have been able to decrease my insulin.  My neuropathy is better at times but It does not matter, I suck the pain up and stay on my feet.   I am still taking more medication than I should but I am working on that also.  I had to get my attitude right before everything started coming together.  I turned 50 this year and I plan on being around for many years.  

Carla

How are you doing now?  I don't have neuropathy but I have nerve damage from pinched nerves (due to degenerative disc disease) in my neck.  I am helped by a medication called Lyrica.  It is not a narcotic pain medication, which did not help me at all anyway.  There is another one called Neurontin which might also be helpful.  Has your doctor prescribed either of those?

I hope you are feeling better.  Your attitude is good; very encouraging.

All the best to you!

Joyce

Hi Carla :)

 

I'm so sorry that all of this is happening to you. I'm looking at my big 5-0 birthday in a few weeks too. It's just such a pain when our bodies don't want to cooperate with our thoughts.

 

Have you thought about maybe trying some meditation techniques when the pain gets bad to try to let your mind run away from it for a little bit? I know that meditation isn't for everybody, but I like the way that it makes me feel. Maybe you'd like it too?

 

There are lots of different kinds of instructions online on how to do meditation. Everybody is different on what works best for their needs. If you'd like to try this sometime, try a few different sets of instructions until you find one that makes you smile.

 

Have a great Monday! Catherine 

I second Catherine's suggestion about meditation =)

She is absolutely right about there being as many ways to meditate as there are folks who meditate. As a meditation instructor it irks me that there are so many sites insisting that you have to follow a very specific protocol or purchase their mediation products in order to enjoy a satisfying meditation practice that will improve your health and wellness.

As another woman dealing with chronic pain management, I know that sitting for an extended period of time might not sound like a fun idea, but there are still lots of options. You can sit in a comfortable chair, lie on a mat or bed or try walking meditation to see if that works better for you.

Wishing you a pain-free Monday!