Comment by Marie B on November 20, 2009 at 12:28pm

Manny, I'm really sorry to hear this news. I've had diabetes since 1967, and I don't have neuropathy, and here you've only had your diabetes a few years, and now this. Diabetes doesn't play fair. I'm sure you will hear from members of the community who can give you some practical advice, all I can give you now is a virtual hug, little brother, and sending strong healthy vibes your way.

Comment by Manny Hernandez on November 20, 2009 at 12:32pm

Thanks, big sis!!

Comment by Traci on November 20, 2009 at 12:53pm

Manny, I'm sorry to hear your news. I hope the Cymbalta works well for you. Please keep us posted on how it works and if you notice any difference. You are an amazing example to our community. I hope that it will work well for you and prevent it from getting worse. Thanks for all you do! Traci--DiabeticParents.org

Comment by Manny Hernandez on November 20, 2009 at 12:57pm

Thanks, Traci!

Comment by Doris D on November 20, 2009 at 1:15pm

Manny,

I'm so sorry to hear that! I'm like Marie though Diabetes don't play fair. Your great for all of us and this community if it hadn't been for you it wouldn't be here. THANK YOU!! I really don't have any advice right now but my prayers will be with you!

Comment by Kristin on November 20, 2009 at 1:54pm

Manny, I'm so sorry to hear about this. Lots of hugs to you!

I don't know anything about Cymbalta, but two treatments that I have heard to be effective:
(1) some lamp treatment that was advocated by Cody
(2) high doses (25mg /day for a couple week) of fat soluble vitamin B1 (thiamine, also called benfotiamine). This is a common treatment used in Germany (actually I think they give thiamine intravenously). Perhaps you can see if your doctor will test to see if you have a thiamine deficiency or ask about taking these supplements. It is quite common among people with diabetic neuropathy. Regular B1 vitamins in not sufficient to do the job, but if you take too much fat soluble thiamine, you won't pee it out. So you should ask a doctor before trying this (even though I didn't).

I was got pain in the sole of my feet and before I could get to the doctor, I started treating with thiamine daily for a few weeks, then went to the same dose once a week as preventative.

Click here and here and here and here and here.

Comment by Manny Hernandez on November 20, 2009 at 1:57pm

The podiatrist mentioned a B-complex multivitamin too. Doesn't that increase your appetite significantly too?

Comment by Kristin on November 20, 2009 at 1:59pm

I second Danny's comment about Alpha Lipoic Acid. I also take this (though not daily). Dr. Bernstein now recommends "Insulow", which contains R-Alpha Lipoic Acid (which is slowly absorbed, so you don't just create expensive pee) and biotin, which is needed together with ALA.

Wow, I sound like a supplement freak. Maybe I am.

Comment by Kristin on November 20, 2009 at 2:17pm

Basic water soluble B vitamins were shown to have no effect because they produce very little "bioavailable" (usable) vitamin B in the body.

I had no idea about b6 causing neuropathy. Thanks for the new info Danny.

Comment by Scott on November 20, 2009 at 2:49pm

I've tried Cymbalta, but it was for depression not neuropathy. It had a sedating effect on me, in fact I was on it for a couple of years, but got off of it because it was making me too sedated.

I do have some occasional "ant races" on my shins that I've noticed more often since coming off of it as well as just more general aches and pains, so it can help with pain. Since coming off it, I'm trying amytriptylane which is actually one of the older tri-cyclic antidepressants but is now used for nerve pain and it has helped. I also get a months worth of those for about $3, so it is cheaper than the Cymbalta. Thinking about it tho, I think the Cymbalta was probably more effective overall, I just didn't like the sedated feeling.

Oh, and coming off Cymbalta sucked. I went from 60mg to 30mg to 0 over a period of about 6 weeks and I was definitely feeling withdrawal, I was really really cranky.

Hang in there, bro

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