Summary: Last time on Beating Neuropathy and Chronic Pain, we talked about the role underlying disease can play in developing neuropathy. We will pick up on that again this week. Connie asks, "Can I get my feeling back after 10 years of neuropathy?" and Daisy asks, "My doctor told me I had neuropathy 16 years ago. My toes and fingers hurt and they get really cold. I take neurontin before bed; do you have any answers?" The bottom line is: yes! Will it be easy? Not necessarily. The peripheral nervous system is amazingly "plastic" and can indeed recover. For patients with very chronic conditions, we recommend getting yourself to a NeuropathyDR treatment center. Dr. Hayes and Dr. David Phillips, inventor of the ReBuilder device, recommend these clinics as they have been professionally trained. In these clinics, a detailed history and exam is taken. A number of other diagnostic tools may be used. One of the most important things we do is to go over all previous medical records to see what has been done and, then, what we are able to do. Most patients with peripheral neuropathy are able to be treated in these clinics with manual therapies, dual-frequency nerve stimulation, and dietary supplementation. Karen asks, "I basically eat clean. Whole foods, little dairy, a little free-range chicken and fish, no processed foods, low-glycemic. I want to be healed from psoriatic arthritis, get off the methyotrexate and Solara for psoriasis. Can I be healed via food?" Working with professionals very closely is important, and balancing the risks and benefits of drugs is important, especially in conditions which may be life-threatening. A good resource, in addition to Dr. Mark Mincolla's shows, is Dr. Russell Blaylock. Dr. Hayes recommends his book, Health and Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life. Previously, we've talked about patients who have not given up on treating their body well through diet and self-care to heal themselves. Continuing down this path, as well as working with professionals, will yield the best results. Julia asks about treatment of brain dysfunction. Because the nervous system can heal itself, there is hope for people with brain dysfunction issues due to injury or chemotherapy. Maintaining a "clean" lifestyle through diet and stress reduction is helpful. Dr. Hayes recommends the work of Dr. Daniel Amen, including Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. Sandra asks, "Cymbalta seems to be working for me. Are there any long-term side effects from its use? Is there anything else that works just as well but is natural?" With rare exception, these drugs do nothing to encourage the body's natural healing process. Medications like Cymbalta do have a role in treating neuropathy, however they treat the symptoms and not the cause. Dr. Hayes recommends trying the NeuropathyDR Home Care Kit because it treats the condition holistically. Connie asks, "Are there any foods I can avoid with neuropathy? Does it get into your fingers?" Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a number of factors, and can be treated non-invasively. Dr. Hayes suggests getting on a gluten-free diet. Many patients who avoid both animal proteins (especially dairy) and gluten experience huge benefits. Eating low-glycemic is important as well. This is called an "anti-inflammatory" diet. Dr. Hayes recommends starting the day with a vegan protein supplement, such as Sun Warrior. Eating balanced meals throughout the day is important as well. Once again, the best way to get questions to us is through our Facebook at facebook.com/BeatingNeuropathy. Welcome to the 500+ additional people who've joined us on the last few weeks!
