Tuesday, December 30, 2008 psychoward1 asks

Q: What would you do?

Here is my problem.

I have a neuropathy.

Everynight when my wife and I go to bed after a little while of lying down my left arm will begin to hurt and my RLS will startup. I have to get up, I cant lay there in pain. So I get up and do things until I try again. Usually by the second try I am good, but lately its been getting later and later. Its like a phantom pain.

Things I have tried:

Ice paks and heating pads,

Ibuprofen1000mg/Tylenol1000mg(not together silly).

Different sleeping arrangements

Sleepytime tea.

Getting drunk and passing out.

Sleeping pills.

The wierd thing is that St Johns wort worked, but I have to stay away from it due to anxiety problems while I was taking it.

Any ideas anyone?

Pat

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Answers (4)

Teri Robert, Health Guide

12/30/08 3:26pm

Pat,

There are many treatments for neuropathy and RLS. It's time to talk with your doctor about treatments. You need your rest. Please DO talk with your doctor?

Teri

Merely Me, Health Guide

12/30/08 4:34pm

Hey there

So what does your doc say about this? By "RLS" do you mean restless leg syndrome? Could any of these symptoms be caused by any medications you are taking? I would want to rule that out first.

In the meantime here is an article to read about peripheral neuropathy. It seems a major cause can be diabetes but some people never know the cause.

I have a friend who suffers from neuropathy and he was prescribed the following: "Neurontin (gabapentin) is the major drug of choice for pain. Also Tegretol, lidocaine patches and fentanyl (opiod) patches."

I would definitely get things checked by a doctor or even a neurologist to see what is going on. I hope you find something that works!

B60606

12/31/08 1:35pm

Hi Pat,

I have abdominal neuropathy and take Neurontin (gabapentin) which I find very helpful. When the pain breaks through, I take hydrocodone. Unfortunately I enjoy the hydrocodone too much and have to go through withdrawal every now and again, which causes RLS. For the RLS I will take the dog for as long of a walk as I can get away with (without raising suspicion in the household - and I have a heart condition). I also use a fitness "balance board" from Sports Authority. The balance board can really work the tendons and muscles in the legs to wear them out.

For me, I think that it's important to use the best of both worlds of Western and Alternative Eastern treatments. Acupuncture has recently begun to have profound positive effects for me; I've only had a half dozen treatments. The good news is that it's helping me in ways I never expected and I can afford it. The bad news is that neither my health insurance or the VA (I'm retired military) will take any part in paying for it.

Remember that doctors work for you, fire them if they aren't doing their job.

I do, of course, wish you the best of luck and a Happy New Year.

Ben

centime

3/24/09 5:35pm

(I know this question isn't recent, but I am replying anyway...)

I am so sorry you have to deal with that, psychoward1. Its not only difficult to handle itself, but its taking your sleep and probably not doing much for your relationship.

I wish I had some meaningful advice, but I don't. I can, though, vouch for Neurontin (gabapentin) for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. I have suffered from it in my arms and legs with extreme difficulty in my hands for years. It wears on you.

Neurontin not only helps calm the pain, but it has also been prescribed as an anti-anxiety medication, so you won't have any trouble with it like you would unfortunately have with St. John's Wart. Also, although I don't have any problem with drowsiness while taking it, when I hit the pillow I am out. Of course, only your doctor can know if it is right for you, and talking with her/him about it is the first thing to do.

One thing that helped *somewhat* is exercise. Well, I should be more specific; walking. I don't get regular gym-style exercise, but I walk a lot. And on days when I have done more walking than usual, I notice that it isn't as bothersome at night. Just a thought. Also, you might ask your doctor to check your potassium level, as a deficiency can cause leg problems at night.

Please forgive my wordiness; I tend to go on.

Its been a while...how are you doing?

Q: What would you do?

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