neuropathy?
Joan’s answer here reminded me of a question I have had for awhile. I have
heard about not taking NSAIDS so what do you take when aspirin and tylenol
aren’t working? I do take an aspirin a day for my heart disease, but I also
have pretty painful neuropathy in my hands, feet and legs below the knee.
Some days it doesn’t bother me, but other days I just feel better if I’m on
a pain pill. Right now I occasionally take Ultram (Is that a NSAID?). Not
sure if it is good or not. Is there anyone on the list who has found a way
to deal with neuropathy? I am open to all suggestions. Thanks in advance.
Btw, Joan, I really enjoyed reading your answer about kidney problems. I
have struggled with kidney problems for a long time. Your answer was very
informative. Love, Jeana in Alaska Ü
—– Original Message —–
May 9th, 2005 at 5:15 am
I use Tylenol and I’m on aspirin therapy too. Do your ears ring?
fp
May 9th, 2005 at 2:36 pm
<< Right now I occasionally take Ultram (Is that a NSAID?). >>
No, Ultram is NOT an Nsaid. Ultram is solely a pain reliever, whereas Nsaids
work by reducing inflammation.
My question, though, is what if you have arthritis? We know you can’t take
steroids (one of the best arthritis therapies), so if you can’t take Nsaids,
what’s left?
Patrick
The NC bluegrass pickin’ pumper
May 9th, 2005 at 11:29 pm
I am wondering about tylenol (acetominophen) and its liver toxicity. I was
considering going back to aspirin based products after hearing nasty things
about acetominophen especially in combination with alcohol.
Scott
May 10th, 2005 at 5:38 am
Well I only use it once in a blue moon, guess I have a high pain threshold.
LOL
Are you on aspirin therapy too? Do your ears ring?
fp
May 10th, 2005 at 3:44 pm
Not in constant pain….mostly use pain relievers in combination with
diphenhydramine (pm-formulations) to help sleep a couple of times a week,
while doing weird shifts.
Scott
May 13th, 2005 at 8:43 am
I do take an aspirin a day for my heart disease, but I also
have pretty painful neuropathy in my hands, feet and legs below the knee.
Some days it doesn’t bother me, but other days I just feel better if I’m on
a pain pill. Right now I occasionally take Ultram (Is that a NSAID?). Not
sure if it is good or not. Is there anyone on the list who has found a way
to deal with neuropathy? >>
Hi Jeana:
neuropathy…have the hands checked for carpal tunnel syndrome….I’ve found
though that usine the L-arginine has been working quite well when taken every
day. I would suggest you register on www.medscape.com, and use medline to
research the medications you are taking. It’s really quite easy.
Ultram is a strong drug that can be very habit forming….nice way of saying
addictive.
Yes, we have our creaky days, If you have a tendency to retain fluids, take
a look at your medications and then the foods you eat. how much catsup,
mustard, salt, soy sauce, accent - the food enhancer. All impact on renal
function. I know that’s not the answer you would like, but looking to
alternate therapies….sometimes even acupunture for pain control in many
patients has worked very well. That and just lying down for a power nap can
work well tooo….Joan :))))
May 13th, 2005 at 4:51 pm
Hi Tom (fp):)
too much aspirin can cause tinnitus….ringing in the ears…how much are you
taking? same with Tylenol….dosage has to be watchful…Joan :)))
May 14th, 2005 at 12:59 am
<<
My question, though, is what if you have arthritis? We know you can’t take
steroids (one of the best arthritis therapies), so if you can’t take Nsaids,
what’s left?
Patrick
The NC bluegrass pickin’ pumper >>
Hi Patrick: (neighbor down South)
that’s the catch….I have osteoarthritis in hands , back - have a spinal
deformity
May 14th, 2005 at 9:06 am
alcohol should NOT
May 14th, 2005 at 5:14 pm
again….alcohol can potentiate the effects of many medications….should be
very cautious since there are drug to drug interactions….Joan
May 15th, 2005 at 1:22 am
<< Not in constant pain….mostly use pain relievers in combination with
diphenhydramine (pm-formulations) to help sleep a couple of times a week,
while doing weird shifts.
Scott >>
Try valerian tea Scott…see if it helps….gotta be careful with Benadryl
too…all heads out thru kidneys….Joan
May 16th, 2005 at 4:48 am
Thanks Joan. I have been nerve tested for carpal tunnel and the doc said it
was the worst test he has seen. The surgeon said my damage is probably not
reversible and couldn’t guarantee the surgery would help. I’ve dealt with
CTS for 15 years. I’ve noticed the last couple of years have been the
worse. I find that when I’m retaining fluid the neuropathy hurts more.
Maybe there’s more pressure on the nerves. I also have a frozen shoulder
pinching on a nerve. That’s when they prescribed the Ultram. I was getting
addicted to it even though they tell me it’s not habit forming. I just
liked the feeling of not being in pain Ü I weaned off of it and don’t
really like taking it unless I absolutely can’t stand it anymore. That’s
why I was looking for other alternatives. I did read that evening primrose
oil helps nerves so I’ve been taking a capsule twice a day. I think it is
helping. I’ll try the L-arginine. How much should I use? Thanks for the
advice. You’re a wealth of info. Love, Jeana Ü
—– Original Message —–
> Hi Jeana:
> neuropathy…have the hands checked for carpal tunnel syndrome….I’ve
found
> though that usine the L-arginine has been working quite well when taken
every
> day.
May 16th, 2005 at 6:02 pm
Might also advise a good accupucturist (as if we don’t make enough holes in
ourselves). I am a Medical Technologist with a bad shoulder from previous
dislocation repair, was in chronic pain for months…orthopedic surgeon said
that further surgery would not be useful. Saw a good local acupuncturist.
For $65, one halfhour treatment three days later all pain was gone. Asked
him if I needed to "believe" for it to work, he said that it was not a
placebo effect. Claimed he stimulating the healing process…Whatever…it
worked and was well worth it.
Scott
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much room….
May 16th, 2005 at 9:04 pm
Thanks Jan. I’ll be sure to discuss it when I see the doc in a couple of
weeks. Thanks for all the help. This list is great… -Jeana Ü
—– Original Message —– > Jeana,
> There are several meds to treat neuropathy - ask you endo about them. I
was
> on 4 Dilantin a day plus massive B6 - now down to one Dilantin.
May 17th, 2005 at 5:11 am
Thanks Scott. I’ll check into it. I think my friend knows of a good
acupuncturist. I love having everyone think up ideas for me. Gives my
brain a rest! LOL Love, Jeana Ü
—– Original Message —–
> Might also advise a good accupucturist (as if we don’t make enough holes
in
> ourselves
May 17th, 2005 at 4:26 pm
The aspirin is not for pain, it’s used as a blood thinner.
fp
May 18th, 2005 at 12:34 am
Joan, do your ears buzz or ring from the aspirin?
fp
> I do take an aspirin a day for my heart disease, but I also
May 18th, 2005 at 8:42 am
I take 325 per day and have done so for 14 years
fp
> Hi Tom (fp):)
> too much aspirin can cause tinnitus….ringing in the ears…how much are
you
> taking? same with Tylenol….dosage has to be watchful…Joan :)))
May 21st, 2005 at 11:47 am
<< I did read that evening primrose
oil helps nerves so I’ve been taking a capsule twice a day. I think it is
helping. I’ll try the L-arginine. How much should I use? Thanks for the
advice. You’re a wealth of info. Love, Jeana Ü >>
HI Jeana:
L-arginine - 1000 mg twice a day - works really great for the leg cramps too,
and I’ve found that it helps with the arthritic pain some too. Rainy days,
forget it.
I had both hands done for the carpal tunnel. Rt side severe, left moderate
to severe.
got all the feeling back in the right by 6 weeks after surgery, got all back
on the left within 3 days.
It was worth it, and even if it relieves some, that’s worth it…but make
sure you have a good hand surgeon. Joan:)))
May 21st, 2005 at 7:55 pm
<< Might also advise a good accupucturist (as if we don’t make enough holes in
ourselves). I am a Medical Technologist with a bad shoulder from previous
dislocation repair, was in chronic pain for months…orthopedic surgeon said
that further surgery would not be useful. Saw a good local acupuncturist.
For $65, one halfhour treatment three days later all pain was gone. Asked
him if I needed to "believe" for it to work, he said that it was not a
placebo effect. Claimed he stimulating the healing process…Whatever…it
worked and was well worth it.
Scott >>
definitely worth it, and it’s not placebo effect. Acupunture is an ancient
Chinese science. There is a great deal of logic and common sense behind it,
and it’s definitely worth a try. mY mom is a neurologist - specialist in
physical medicine and rehabilitation. We have sent many patients to
acupuncturist for pain management, with very good success…..Joan :))
May 22nd, 2005 at 4:03 am
<< The aspirin is not for pain, it’s used as a blood thinner.
fp >>
is used for both…depends on the amount…Joan:)
May 22nd, 2005 at 12:10 pm
<< Joan, do your ears buzz or ring from the aspirin?
fp >>
its called tinnitus - buzzing in the ears….some drugs when taken in too
high amounts can cause it as a side effect….if it continues,…..see Ear,
Nose, and throat specialist….Joan:)
May 24th, 2005 at 5:59 pm
I had carpal tunnel surgery done about 8-10 yrs ago. Done by a neurosurgeon
and I got complete relief. It was great. It might be worth getting a second
opinion. I had have DM for 44 yrs now, so I was not a newbie at the time of
surgery.
Gail
May 25th, 2005 at 10:00 am
<< I had carpal tunnel surgery done about 8-10 yrs ago >>
Alot of you talk about carpal tunnel surgery. I also had hand surgery on
both hands, my doctor told me I had trigger finger. My fingers would bend
w/difficulty and sometimes stick. I also had it in one of my wrists. Had
two different surgeries. Anyone else experience this? I cant recall the
exact medical term for it. Something like stenosing tenosynivitus or
something close to that. Chrissy
May 25th, 2005 at 4:23 pm
Chrissy,
Wow a very strange thing happened. I was going to reply and say I have
trigger finger, but as I examined my hands, I realized it has gone away.
Weird huh? I didn’t even realize it. I had it for several years, but now
that I think about it, I can’t remember when it went away. Wish I knew what
happened. Oh well. –Jeana in AK Ü
—– Original Message —– . I also had hand surgery on
> both hands, my doctor told me I had trigger finger. . .Anyone else
experience this?
> Chrissy
>