Neuropathy

jean b
jean b Member Posts: 77
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I know this topic has been discussed many times but I wondered if anyone knew of anything besides Neurontin for treating neuropathy? I have been suffering with it in my hands and feet since November and it isn't getting any better. Also, my last CT scan in June showed a few lesions in the pelvic and abdominal area which have not changed during my last 6 treatments, therefore I am getting a much needed rest from chemo til Sept. I really don't know what to expect after that. I was diagnosed 11 years ago, cancer free for 7 1/2 years and have had ongoing chemo for the last 3 years. Anyone have a similar situation?

Comments

  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #2
    L-glutamine
    Hi Jean, I have learned to live with the neuropathy but when in treatment I took the L-glutamine, some people take with a b vitamin. I never wanted the nuerontin because it causes more fatigue. I am sure you will get lots of in put on this topic. Hugs Bonnie
  • hockeygolf7
    hockeygolf7 Member Posts: 52
    #3
    Neurontin for me
    I take neurontin and have for several months. It has helped tremendously. My hands are totally free of the numbness and tingling and my feet are almost perfect again. Still a little numbness in my toes. I take it at night and it also works as a sleep aid. I was told by my gyn oncologist that he felt it worked better than anything else to more thoroughly bring back the feeling.
  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #4
    add Lyrica?
    Jean, my Mom takes both Neurontin and Lyrica for neuropathy. She tried tapering them off, one at a time, and the problems came back. But overall the symptoms are improving with time. It was about 8 months after chemo ended before she started seeing real improvement, though.

    A friend who's a nurse-practitioner says Lyrica is generally indicated for chronic pain. But you can still take various pain meds as needed with no problems.
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #5
    Barbara53 said:

    add Lyrica?
    Jean, my Mom takes both Neurontin and Lyrica for neuropathy. She tried tapering them off, one at a time, and the problems came back. But overall the symptoms are improving with time. It was about 8 months after chemo ended before she started seeing real improvement, though.

    A friend who's a nurse-practitioner says Lyrica is generally indicated for chronic pain. But you can still take various pain meds as needed with no problems.

    At one of my "live" support group meetings (NOCC), a reflexologist (who lost her mom to OC) gave a presentation and raffled off a 60 minute session. I did not win, but the girl who did gave it to me. I can't imagine why someone would not jump at the chance to get a free foot massage/treatment. Anyway, it was great but the following night I had some cramps in my feet and lower legs. Other than that, it was absolutely wonderful. I don't know if regular "treatments" would actually help the neuropathy or not. Mine is minimal and does not affect my walking, etc.

    Has anyone tried acupuncture? I looked up both the drugs mentioned and they have some really unpleasant side effects.

    Carlene
  • msfanciful
    msfanciful Member Posts: 559
    #6
    I was prescribed neurontin,
    I was prescribed neurontin, however; due to the side-effects (severe fatigue for me), I did not stay on it long enough to know the benefits.

    I did take vitamin b-6 vitamins at my oncologist insistence.

    I also attempted to walk regularly to help with keeping a good blood flow/source to the extremities.

    All in all neuropathy just seems to pass with time.


    Sharon
  • jean b
    jean b Member Posts: 77
    #7
    msfanciful said:

    I was prescribed neurontin,
    I was prescribed neurontin, however; due to the side-effects (severe fatigue for me), I did not stay on it long enough to know the benefits.

    I did take vitamin b-6 vitamins at my oncologist insistence.

    I also attempted to walk regularly to help with keeping a good blood flow/source to the extremities.

    All in all neuropathy just seems to pass with time.


    Sharon

    Thanks for the advice.
    I have been taking neurontin for several months, then reached a point where is wa not helping anymore. I will speak to my doctor about the recommendations you all have made.
    Thank you
    Jean
  • Angelasmom2
    Angelasmom2 Member Posts: 146
    #8
    msfanciful said:

    I was prescribed neurontin,
    I was prescribed neurontin, however; due to the side-effects (severe fatigue for me), I did not stay on it long enough to know the benefits.

    I did take vitamin b-6 vitamins at my oncologist insistence.

    I also attempted to walk regularly to help with keeping a good blood flow/source to the extremities.

    All in all neuropathy just seems to pass with time.


    Sharon

    Beautiful!!
    I must say, you make bold look beautiful!!!

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