My Battle with Neuropathy

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2001
My Battle with Neuropathy
7
Wed, 06-13-2007 - 9:35am

HI Mary-Frances and Everyone,

I have PDN(Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy). Mary Frances guided me down the path to find relief. I found it. My PCP(Primary Care Physician) thought Lyrica, the medicine recommended by our kind, careing Mary-Frances, would be helpful. I began a regimen of 75mg daily(three 25mg tablets three times a day) last Friday. I got measurable relief overnight. Now, it is down to some isolated patches of intermitant mild itching on my forearms. My legs are itch free. I still have plenty of room left to increase the dosage if I must. The most important thing is the quality of my life is 100% improved. The only side effect I have noticed is a little tiredness in the afternoon after the second pill. I'm 74 and usually take a little nap anyway so that's no big deal. Thank you everyone for this place.

Best wishes,

Paul

Castaway


A Friend in Recovery


Paul

Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 06-13-2007 - 11:53am
Thanks for the update Paul! Glad you are finding relief!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2007
Wed, 06-13-2007 - 6:05pm
I thought Neuropathy was mostly related to numbness and tingling in the arms feet and legs. Where does the itching come from?
Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 12:32am
Itching is the lowest level of pain after numbness and before constant aching and the need for stronger medications.



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Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 12:36am

Hi Paul,


Thanks for the wonderful report. I am so happy that the Lyrica is helping you. I also found out about Lidocaine patches but it sounds like you aren't going to need anything like this.


I'm not 74 either and I like to take afternoon naps! I think I must have been a good toddler!! Abby likes to crawl into my arms and take a nap with me. She can't figure out how to just go to sleep in my lap!




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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2007
Thu, 06-14-2007 - 1:34pm
What is the itching from?
Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 06-15-2007 - 1:47am
Irritation of the nerves. Which can have many underlying causes. In Paul's case it is because of the diabetic neuropathy. In a diabetic you don't want to rub it either because you can damage the skin on your legs and end up with wounds which won't heal. Plus many diabetic find that hot soaks make it feel better but they have to be extremely careful because they can burn themselves and not know it.



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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
Fri, 06-15-2007 - 9:41pm

It's good to hear that it works, at least for some folks!