Dealing with Peripheral Neuropathy

(Scroll down for an update 3/8/2021)

My personal experience with neuropathy began in the late summer of 2014. I was in my doctor’s office for a check up, and I mentioned that I had foot pains that were awakening me at night. At the time I had a job which required me to stand all day, so I just thought that was the source of my trouble. He said, "Well, we'll deal with the neuropathy next." (At the time I didn't even know what neuropathy was, I looked it up when I got home!)

He informed me that I was a diabetic, and I would have to take metformin every day for the rest of my life to bring my blood glucose level down. So I tried it, but within fifteen minutes I began to have adverse reactions. My stomach hurt, I became disoriented, I developed stabbing pains in the lower half of my body, which I never had before. That night I went to bed right away, and stayed in bed most of the following day.

Thinking it was just something out of the ordinary, I took it again the following day, which was a Monday so I was at work, and in a short time I felt so bad that I didn’t think I’d be able to drive someone else’s vehicle, which was a part of my job at the time.

Coincidentally I had a doctor’s appointment for that night, but my wife advised me to go to a nearby Urgent Care, which I did.

They did not have the necessary equipment to test my reaction, so I kept my early evening doctor’s appointment.

When I told him about my reaction, he berated me! “I’ve prescribed metformin to millions of my patients, and none has ever had the reactions you describe!” I had the jar of pills in my hand, and I said “I don’t care how many patients you’ve had, I know what happened to me, and I refuse to take any more of these.” 

He mumbled something about who’s name was on the wall of his office, and I was mis-advised to go to Urgent Care. That was the last time I ever went to him.

The next week I began to suffer with stabbing pains in my big toes, which I now know is neuropathy. I also began to suffer with pains in my muscles when I did things like going up a ladder, which I also never had before.

I found another doctor, and he advised me that although I never had stabbing pains before in my life, and they started on the very day I took metformin (and continue to today) it was just a coincidence. 

The next doctor prescribed gabapentin, which also made me feel strange.

I asked him about pain treatments, and he said "Well I don't think that pain treatment is the way to deal with neuropathy." I thought if he ever had the pain I'm experiencing every night, he'd head straight to the medicine chest as fast as he could!

I did some research of my own, and found a few things that help. 

Corydalis, a natural herb treatment that’s used in Asia works, so now I take one capsule in the morning so I can work, and another after lunch.

I also learned from a Neuropathy group member about Evening Primrose Oil, that seems to help also. Note the label reads "Three Per Day." Click here to view it on the Walgreen's site.

I’ve tried hemp oil tablets, which you can order here from Amazon, they seem to help. They also seem to help with sleep, but they do not get you high.

I’ve tried a few drops of CBD Oil at bedtime, that seems to help also.

During the winter I apply some Capzasin-HP Cream to my feet, that helps, but you have to wash it off your hands right away, or it will sting the skin on your hands.

When the weather is warmer, I use Aloe Vera gel on my feet at bedtime, which you can pick up anywhere, that seems to help.

If you have a doctor you trust, lucky you!

But if not, you need to do some research, check with other group members, then keep trying until you find something that works for you.

I hope my experiences help you! I'll be adding more information and resources soon, so I'll keep you updated.

UPDATE 3/8/2021

A year and a half ago a neuropathy group member recommended the following supplement regimen to me:

Evening Primrose Oil, 1000 mg, Folic Acid 400 MCG, B-12 Methylcobalamin 5000 mcg, Benfotiamine 300 mg, Alpha Lipoic Acid 200 mg, L-Arginine 1000 mg

And it has worked for me! I no longer have neuropathy pain at night, I don't need any painkillers at night any more.

At my worse, the pains began around 3:00pm and got progressively worse. I screamed out in pain in my bedroom, and even at a store at the self check-out register.

As I started the regimen, that time got later and later, until now I don't have any neuropathy pains at all!

I don't sell any of these supplements, so I have nothing to gain by telling you this, except that it worked for me, and maybe it will work for you.

Read up on these supplements on your own, then think about how they might help you.

I've also moved to a new state, found a new doctor, who recommended cymbalta, which seems to help too.

Please comment on Facebook if you'd like, thanks!

Here are a few other links that might help you:

Dr. Oz on Corydalis

Mayo Clinic on Peripheral Neuropathy

Sometimes there's just no substance that seems to ease the pain, but here's a Facebook link to a beautiful piece of music by neuropathy group member Cheryl Edelman

Please Note: My intent is to share my experiences, gained through trial and error. I am not selling any of these products, nor am I recommending them to you. You should always consult with a qualified healthcare expert before making decisions and taking action regarding your personal health.