DEAR DR. GOTT:
You have written about peripheral neuropathy several times. I would like to share my experience with you and your readers.
I am a cancer survivor and have suffered with this condition for more than eight years. I have severe burning, tingling and pain in my feet due to chemotherapy. Then a few years ago my sister-in-law came across an article about neuropathy in a magazine. The article talked about a new treatment called Anodyne therapy.
After doing some research, I decided I had nothing to lose and gave it a try. I had a total of 16 treatments at a local outpatient therapy center. After only six treatments, the pain in my feet was much better. The throbbing and burning were totally gone.
I have closed a copy of the company’s brochure for your interest. For your readers who want to know more, I suggest they go online to www.anodynetherapy.com or call 1-800-521-6664.
Apparently the testing of this treatment was done on people with diabetes, but let me tell you it worked for me and I do not have diabetes. I guess that neuropathy is neuropathy, regardless of the cause. I have been pain free for more than a year now. Before this treatment, my neuropathy was so severe I nearly required a wheelchair.
My primary care doctor and oncologist had not heard of this treatment but after showing them some information about it, they both gave me their approvals. Medicare paid for nearly all the cost. I hope that you feel this letter is worthy to print your column as I am sure it will help many neuropathy sufferers out there.
DEAR READER:
I have not had any experience with this treatment, nor had I ever heard of it before you letter. However, your story is very compelling, as is the brochure you kindly included.
Neuropathy has many causes, the most common being diabetes and cancer treatments. Trauma, infection, exposure to toxins and metabolic conditions can also be causes.
Irreparable damage occurs to nerves which lead to burning, tingling, numbness and pain. The most common areas where this condition occurs are on the bottoms of the feet but as it progresses, the tops of the feet, ankles and lower legs may become affected. It can also affect the fingers and hands.
Most physicians refer patients to a neurologist who can perform testing to determine the extent of the damage. Once the severity is known, treatment can begin. This will also depend on the cause. Treatment must also include treatment of any possible underlying condition. Generally, this stops or slows the progression of the neuropathy. For those with no known cause (idiopathic) or those have untreatable causes, such as side effects from cancer treatment, there are several medications available.
Mild cases may be relived with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. The most common side effects include stomach upset but most have no adverse reactions.
Moderate to severe cases may require prescription medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory or narcotics. Lidocaine patches (a type of pain reliever) can be applied directly to affected areas up to three times a day. Narcotics can cause dependency and other serious side effects which limit their use. Lidocaine patches have very few side effects, the most common being rash at the site of application.
Anti-seizure medications such as Neurontin (gabapentin), Lyrica (pregnable) or Tegretol (carbamazepine) can provide relief for many sufferers. Side effects can include drowsiness and dizziness.
A final option is antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants can often provide relief by interrupting chemical processes in the brain and spinal cord that cause one to feel pain. Cymbalta, another type of antidepressant, has also shown positive results in treating neuropathy caused by diabetes.
Alternative treatments can include heat and/or massage therapy. Some sufferers have had success with acupuncture and still others with unconventional methods such as a thin application of medicated chest rub to the areas.
There are certain steps that individuals at risk for developing this condition can take to reduce or prevent it from occurring. Any medical condition that can cause nerve damage must be under strict control. A healthful diet rich is whole grains, lean meats, fruits and veggies can also be helpful.
As for Anodyne therapy, I can only say that it sounds intriguing. I urge interested patients to speak with their primary care physician or neurologist. If they have not heard of it, go online or call to request more information for their review.
To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Managing Chronic Pain”, “Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott