How to Treat Neuropathy Pain

wickedfran

I have been on Ixempra since last June (2011) and it's really beginning to cause bad neuropathy pain in my feet, legs and now my hands. I don't know what to do to help with the pain. I'm already on Neurontin, Oxycontin and Percocet for the bone/nerve pain I suffere from my cancer and my doctor gave me valium to take at night when my fingers and toes curl because of the neuropathy. I'm looking for really comfortable shoes right now and I'm thinking about getting accupuncture in my feet to see if that helps. Does anyone else have any ideas that can help me? It's getting to the point that it's hard to walk, not just because of my feet but because of my legs too. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. Thank you!!! 

leaf

I am stage 0 and do not have any personal experience with neuropathic pain.  But I was with my friend when she had stage IV pancreatic cancer when she went to a palliative care doc when her pain meds were not working.

**She did not have neuropathy, but had neurogenic pain (in her abdomen)** which may make a huge difference?

The palliative care doc said that the meds that tend to work for neuropathic pain are: methadone, neurontin, low dose amitriptyline (an antidepressant that also can work for neuropathic pain) and  maybe Darvocet (which is no longer on the market).  She put my friend on methadone, and for her it was a miracle.  She did not complain of pain again for the 6 months remaining for her.  She was even able to drive herself while on methadone (until her cancer worsened.)  

Methadone has a 'bad reputation' because its used for heroin addicts.  My friend didn't care, and I certainly didn't care as long as it worked.  I'm sure it doesn't work for everyone.  You have to start out on a very low dose because it is long acting.  But its 'dirt cheap'.  Some say that it causes cardiac QT interval enlongation, but this doc said she'd never seen it.  

Methadone is a CII drug (requires a triplicate as does Oxycontin.)

I just saw a continuing education for health professionals segment about chronic pain http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/754544 (you have to sign up for a free account), that was talking about meds like duloxetine, alternative measures like acupunture, but it is something that takes time, and her expectations were reducing pain score from a 10 to an 8 was considered a success, and any additional gain was gravy.

KittyDog

as for as shoes...I can only wear crocs.  you may want to ask about trying lyrica for the neuropathy.  It might work better for you and also ask about the amitriptyline.  I quit both because I feel beter off it right now but come summer I may have no choice...heat makes mine hurt worse.