Sexual Problems Caused By Neuropathy

For many men, erectile disfunction is a fact of life as they get older but it is perhaps more depressing if and when it comes as a result of autonomic neuropathy. Today's post from devsur.com, a site from Surinam (see link below) looks into the problem and provides some answers as to why it happens and what can be done to help. Strangely, they don't mention the little blue pill (or its copycats) but that also has to be an option for some people. Men are not alone; women can also suffer from neuropathy-linked sexual problems as well.

Erectile dysfunction linked to diabetes
November 4, 2012 | Author DevSur
By Dr. Cory Couillard

Recent research indicates that 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have a form of neuropathy, a leading cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Diabetes is a condition of elevated blood sugar that is caused by poor production or lack of insulin. Diabetes is also commonly tied to obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol – all contributors to ED.

Neuropathy or the side effects of the medications used to treat cardiovascular disease are risk factors for ED. Other symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands, arms, feet, and legs are among the most common symptoms of neuropathy. Neuropathy can also cause digestive system symptoms that include indigestion, nausea and vomiting. It is very common to experience diarrhea or constipation as well. These factors greatly impact one’s ability to absorb nutrients and contributes to weight changes, weakness and other complications such as depression.

 Am I at risk?

Diabetic sufferers can develop nerve damage at any time, but the risk increases with one’s age and how long they’ve had diabetes. The highest rates of neuropathy are among people who have had diabetes for at least 25 years. However, many people with neuropathy have no symptoms. This allows the condition to go untreated for years.

Diabetic neuropathies are more common in people who have problems controlling their blood sugar as well as those with high levels of blood pressure, cholesterol and those who are overweight.

What is autonomic neuropathy?

The two most common forms of diabetic neuropathy are classified as peripheral or autonomic. Each affects different parts of the body in various ways. Peripheral causes the pain and altered sensations in your hands and feet. Autonomic affects the digestion, bowel, bladder, and sexual response. This type also controls your heart, lungs and eyes.

The heart and blood vessels are part of the cardiovascular system, which controls blood circulation. Damage to the nerves in the cardiovascular system can interfere with the body’s ability to adjust blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, blood pressure may drop sharply after sitting or standing, causing a person to feel light-headed or even to faint.

Damage to the nerves that control heart rate can mean that your heart rate stays high instead of rising and falling in response to normal body functions and physical activity.

Nerves control sex organs

Autonomic neuropathy often affects the organs that control urination and sexual function. Nerve damage can prevent the bladder from emptying completely, allowing bacteria to grow in the bladder and kidneys and causing urinary tract infections. When the nerves of the bladder are damaged, urinary incontinence may result because a person may not be able to sense when the bladder is full or control the muscles that release urine.

Autonomic neuropathy will also gradually decrease sexual response in men and women even if the sex drive remains unchanged. A man may be unable to achieve an erection or may not be able to reach sexual climax. A woman may have difficulty with arousal, lubrication or orgasm.

What creates an erection?

The body’s nervous system has two major components – the sympathetic and parasympathetic. These two systems are designed to be in balance.

The sympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for accelerating functions in your body. The sympathetic system is at work when your heart rate goes up, blood pressure increases and breathing accelerates. This is the system that is primarily affected by stress and inflammation. The inflammatory response causes this system to become overactive and creates an imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing bodily functions. The parasympathetic is at work when you’re sleeping and your heart rate, breathing, and other organ functions are decreased.

Remember, these two systems are designed to be in balance. The sympathetic system is overactive when an individual has a lot of stress, injury, trauma, nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise, toxicity issues and pain. When the sympathetic system is overactive, the parasympathetic system is underactive.

How does an erection occur? The parasympathetic nervous system tells the blood vessels to dilate and provide the blood for an erection to happen. If the sympathetic nervous system is overactive, the blood vessels do not dilate and the erection does not happen.

The sympathetic nervous system is overactive when you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, pain and almost all health conditions across the spectrum. When you take medications for these conditions, it creates an additional stress and activates the sympathetic system even more.

Eliminate erectile dysfunction

Prevention is key but the treatment is what matters to you. Changing your lifestyle is the most important recommendation to reverse ED. ED is a mindset and a confidence killer. One must understand the causes of diabetic neuropathy and erectile dysfunction so you can protect what you have and want to restore what you’ve lost.

The mindset component also requires you to reduce and eliminate stress in your life. Stress is the primary contributing factor in the inflammatory response, which creates the imbalance in the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. ED is not caused by a lack of medications and most importantly, it’s not something wrong with you.

A healthy diet can significantly improve ED. The primary dietary factor that many people struggle with is the amount of sugar and highly processed food items that they have in their diet. Sugar is found in breads, cereals, pastas and fruit. Eating excessive amounts of fruit is not good for diabetes and not good for ED.

Highly processed food items have hidden food colorings, preservatives and chemicals that are not natural. Processed foods are most things that are in a box, can or bag.

Diabetic neuropathy and ED is aggravated by other lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol and excessive exposure to environmental toxins. One of the best ways to detoxify and rid your body of toxins is by drinking enough clean, purified water and actively engaging in an exercise regimen.

Exercise is critical for ED

Exercise is one of the most powerful ways to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Many types of exercise can create additional stress on the bones, joints and can contribute to inflammation. One must ensure proper exercise techniques to facilitate results.

High-intensity, short-duration exercise has been shown to most efficient in reducing inflammation, controlling blood sugar and the balancing of the nervous system. Most exercise techniques are classified as low-intensity, long-duration.

High-intensity, short-duration exercise can be done in ten minutes or less. Select an exercise and perform the movements as quickly as you can for twenty to thirty seconds. Rest. Repeat three times and select a new exercise.

Erectile dysfunction is a significant problem and is a growing concern with the amount of side effects of medications used to treat cardiovascular disease. Email me for a sample exercise protocol that you can do in the comfort of your own home.

Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.

http://www.devsur.com/erectile-dysfunction-linked-to-diabetes/2012/11/04/

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR URTICARIA

Urticaria  commonly referred to as hives, is a kind of skin rash notable for pale red, raised, itchy bumps. Hives may cause a burning or stinging sensation They are frequently caused by allergic reactions; however, there are many nonallergic causes. Most cases of hives lasting less than six weeks (acute urticaria) are the result of an allergic trigger. Chronic urticaria (hives lasting longer than six weeks) is rarely due to an allergy.

The majority of chronic hives cases have an unknown (idiopathic) cause. In perhaps as many as 30–40% of patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria, it is caused by an autoimmune reaction.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

SULPHUR 200-Sulphur is the top remedy for urticara. There is aggravation at night. The rash becomes chronic

ASTACUS FL. 30-Another excellent remedy for urtaria.Irritation is more at night in the warmth of bed. Chronic urticaria. Liver diseases generally present

APIS MEL  30—Sudden puffing of the whole body. , swellings like bites of honey bee. Stinging and burning pain

CHLORALOSUM 1X—If apis does not relieve , give four doses of this remedy ina day. It is a very successful remedy. It has red eruptions like measles with intense itching and sleeplessness

NATRU MUR 200—If there is constipation along with this disease and the patient is emaciated with an earthy complexion. Urticaria after quinine or after suppression of malaria

RHUS TOX  30—Urticaria with restlessness and burning. Itching is better by the warmth of bed. Uncovering aggravates

SEPIA 200—Urticaria worse in the open air and better in  a warm room , after taking milk

THYROIDINUM 3X- A specific remedy for urticaria. More the swelling , more the area of infection

URTICA URENS 1X—Intense and intolerable itching of skin. Face is swollen with the rash. Irresistible scratching . This can be applied externally

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Are Painkillers Through The Skin As Effective As Pills

Today's post from dailyrx.com (see link below) discusses whether topical creams and gels are as good as or better than analgesics in pill form. Many people find taking pills every day a difficult task and the rise in topical gel preparations provides a good alternative. The problem with topical gels and creams is that people have less trust in them than in a pill and have a tendency to over do the application, possibly leading to more of the drug being absorbed than is necessary. People living with neuropathy have long known about certain creams and patches which are meant to help with neuropathic symptoms but they too are not without controversy. Capsaicin cream and high strength patches can be painful and even cause burning and although many people have gained benefit from them, equally as many haven't. Because most people have symptoms in their feet and legs (or hands and arms), the topical creams can be applied at the source of the pain but the source of peripheral neuropathy pain can actually be elsewhere (in the spine or brain for instance); it's just the symptoms manifest themselves most commonly at the ends of nerve pathways (feet and hands). It's always advisable to get the best medical advice possible and ask to be monitored as to how these creams are working but with advances in preparations, they may well turn out to be effective alternatives to popping pills in the future.

Creams Versus Pills for Pain
Author Info: Charles E. Argoff, MD, of the Department of Neurology at Albany Medical College, Reviewed by: Joseph V. Madia, MD By:Laura Dobberstein March 2013


Pain relievers applied to the skin can be just as effective as those taken orally
(dailyRx News) Gel and cream pain relievers are gaining in popularity. This method of pain relief has fewer side effects than their pill counterparts and may work just as well.

A recent review looked at the use of pain relievers absorbed through the skin to manage pain.

The review found that the pain relieving medications diclofenac and ibuprofen were effective in treating muscle, tendon and ligaments and joint conditions like osteoarthritis when absorbed through the skin.

The medication lidocaine also effectively treated nerve-related pain when applied to the skin.
"Ask your doctor if topical analgesics are best."

Charles E. Argoff, MD, of the Department of Neurology at Albany Medical College, searched existing databases for studies on topical analgesics (pain relievers absorbed through the skin). Dr. Argoff identified a total of 65 studies that associated long-term, short-term and neuropathic pain with topical analgesics.

Neuropathic pain is a type of pain caused by nerve damage and often seen in patients with trauma, diabetes and amputations.

The most common drugs included in the studies were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, piroxicam and indomethacin. The next most common drugs were lidocaine, capsaicin, amitriptyline, glyceryl trinitrate, opioids, menthol, pimecrolimus and phenytoin.

Eighteen of the studies used the pain relievers for short-term soft tissue injuries, 17 studies involved neuropathic pain and six involved pain induced for the purpose of the experiment only. Five of the studies used the pain relievers for long-term joint related conditions, five involved skin or leg ulcers and two used the medication for chronic knee pain.

Dr. Argoff concluded ibuprofen relieved chronic knee pain and short-term soft tissue injuries pain just as effectively when applied to the skin as when ingested.

The use of diclofenac topically to treat joint pain was shown in a study of temporomandibular joint disorder, a painful condition of the jaw. The study showed diclofenac applied to the skin worked just as well as when taken orally.

Lidocaine was the only drug in the studies that effectively relieved neuropathic pain.

No other drugs included in the review showed strong evidence of relief when used topically.

Pain relievers applied through the skin had fewer side effects, such as stomach and heart irritation, than orally administered pain relievers.

Dr. Argoff recommended the further study of NSAIDs and lidocaine for short-term and long-term pain relief.

The study was published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Financial support for the study was provided by Mallinckrodt Inc., a company that manufactures pharmaceuticals and other health-related items.

Dr. Argoff is associated with over a dozen pharmaceutical companies and health research groups.

http://www.dailyrx.com/pain-relievers-applied-skin-can-be-just-effective-those-taken-orally

Alert Ingrown Toenails And Neuropathy

Today's post from neuropathyweb.com (see link below) looks at ingrowing toenails, a common problem for neuropathy sufferers who have numb toes. We all realise that we have to take care of our feet with neuropathy and be alert to problems which we may not be able to feel but ingrowing toenails can creep up on you before you know it. Sometimes, we clip our toenails too short, especially at the sides and if they are already numb, then that can cause both bleeding and the nails to grow into the toe itself. Because we can't feel the pain, or inflammation, the problem can quickly become entrenched. Definitely something to be aware of.

Ingrown Toenail Care

February 20, 2013

An ingrown toenail is caused when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain and swelling. Sometimes this can become infected causing drainage and may become serious.

There are many risk factors that can predispose a person to this common condition. Cutting your nails too short, participating in sports, diabetes, being overweight, or having a fungal infection of the toe can all cause ingrown toe nails. Many people are genetically prone to ingrown nails and it can often be related to genetics. Often the problem can come from wearing ill-fitting shoes, or even from shoes that keep the feet slightly damp.

There are some things that you can do to prevent and treat these painful problems. Letting your toe nails grow a little longer will help prevent this condition. If you do develop an ingrown nail, soaking the toe in hot water will help prevent infection and lessen pain. You may want to add antibiotic soap or Epsom salts to the water. This will help to prevent infection.

Some experts also recommend placing small pieces of cotton under the affected part. This will help the toenail to grow up instead into in your nail bed. Resting with your feet up can reduce swelling and redness.

If your pain is so severe that it keeps you from everyday activities, it is time to see your podiatrist. Also, if you see a red streak running up your leg, or if your infection is spreading, see a podiatrist immediately. There are many quick treatments that can lessen your pain and have you walking with comfort.

One method of treating an ingrown toenail involves using a Band-Aid. Wrapping the affected toe with a Band-Aid will prevent infection and also keep the nail from growing out at painful angles.

If your podiatrist feels it is necessary, he or she may make a small incision and remove part of your toe nail. Medication will be placed in the nail bed to prevent re-growth of the problem nail parts. This will be done under local anesthesia and should lessen your discomfort in no time. You will be advised to stay off your foot for a day or so, but can then carry on normal activities.

Take care of your feet; you have many steps to take in your life. Walking in comfort should be a priority for a lifetime of healthy living.

http://neuropathyweb.com/ingrown-toenail-care/

Digging for treasure

It all started with one little comment. My boy headed out the door at about 9am (the beauty of homeschooling) and a statement of "I'm going to see if that tree back there is a Sassafras." "OK", I say. "Great Idea. If you dig up some roots, I'll help you make a root beer." (In homeschool lingo that's called curiosity follow up:)

Oohh, you should just see the eye-sparkle.

Since I'm always game for a new plant adventure, I was inspired when I read the other day about easy lacto-fermented infusions by the one and only Kiva Rose, quickly followed up by another fantastic entry by Tammy over at Witchen Kitchen. How could I resist? What I have learned about brewing anything fermented was intimidatingly complicated, laborious, and space and time consuming. And tales of exploding beer bottles stamped that project "after children". So when I read these - and how ridiculously easy it is - it fit perfectly with my Son's sudden interest in Sassafras.

As you can see, his enthusiasm, and the thought of homemade root beer, quickly ignited the interest of big sis, who contributed her determination and elbow grease to the matter.

Here is their biggest prize root. But I'm not convinced it's any better than the little ones, it seems drier. And it's nearly impossible to cut. I had to chop this off of the trunk with a maul.
The leaves we laid out carefully across cloth lined baskets to dry for tea or of course File. What's Gumbo without file? Fresh leaves are decidedly wonderful to eat. They are sweetly bland and slippery, with a very satisfying chewing experience. I would definitely eat up a bowl of Sass leaves, Boston lettuce, and good sesame dressing.
I think, traditionally, Sass root is dug up a little earlier in the spring to drink as a blood tonic, but until this weekend it's been way to cold and rainy for me to do much outside. Really I think it's good anytime to dig the roots and drink as a blood tonic, or just because it's blissfully delicious. And after you brew the roots and eat the leaves .... don't throw out the trunk and branches! I just learned from a fellow Instructor that it makes superb firewood.

More to come on the whey ...... photos of the rest of the root beer process.

Bwahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Are Neuropathy Patients Likely To Be Heavy Smokers Or Vice Versa

Today's post from medscape.com (see link below) seems not to be sure on which side of the fence it sits. The statistics show that far more people with nerve pain smoke heavily than those with nociceptive pain (pain caused by injury and external factors). The article seems to suggest a link between the light analgesic qualities of tobacco/nicotine and that pattern - as if to say that nerve pain patients use cigarettes as a mild pain killer. Yet it is patently clear that the harmful effects of nicotine far outweigh the benefits so it is doubtful that patients consciously make the choice to smoke to chemically ease their pain. Is it not more likely that people with nerve pain are so stressed out by the nature of their symptoms that cigarettes perform their traditional role of 'comforter' in much the same way that over-eating and over-drinking do? The vast majority of neuropathy articles also point to smoking as a cause of neuropathy, so where does that leave us? Whatever the truth, the fact remains that there are more heavy smokers among neuropathy sufferers than those with other forms of pain - the question remains as to why!

People With Neuropathic Pain Twice as Likely to Smoke Cigarettes
Stephanie Doyle February 18, 2008

February 18, 2008 (Kissimmee, Florida) — Results of a new study suggest that people with chronic neuropathic pain are twice as likely to smoke cigarettes as those who have chronic nociceptive pain.

The study, led by Toby N. Weingarten, MD, from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota, showed that of the 205 smokers who participated in the study, 62% had been diagnosed with neuropathic pain, whereas only 33% had been diagnosed with nociceptive pain.

"To us that is surprising — we were surprised that smoking would influence what type of pain smokers had," Dr. Weingarten told Medscape Neurology and Neurosurgery.

The results were presented here at the American Academy of Pain Medicine 24th Annual Meeting.

Poor Response to Medications

Nociceptive pain is the common discomfort experienced as a result of injury, such as a broken bone or appendicitis. Neuropathic pain is associated with injury to a nerve or the central nervous system. Such injuries can give rise to paresthesias, such as numbness, tingling, or electrical sensations.

Nociceptive pain typically responds to anti-inflammatory agents and opiates, whereas neuropathic pain often responds poorly to such medications.

In the current study, the authors aimed to determine the percentage of community subjects with chronic neuropathic pain who smoke. Subjects were recruited from a large population-based study to assess the prevalence of chronic pain.

These adults had self-reported neuropathic pain, were identified from patient charts as having neuropathic pain, or had a positive score on the self-administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS), a tool designed to identify patients with neuropathic pain. They also self-reported current smoking status.

The percentage of participants confirmed as having neuropathic pain by clinical assessment who also smoked was 21%, compared with 13% in the overall sample (P = .009). Smoking was twice as common (62% vs 33%) in subjects who were diagnosed by clinical assessment as having neuropathic pain as nociceptive pain.

The percentages of those who smoked varied by positivity on screening tests for neuropathic pain: 18% for a positive S-LANSS score, 12% with self-reported neuropathic pain, and 8% of those with select ICD-9-CM codes from patient charts.

"The possible physiologic relation between smoking and development of chronic neuropathic pain deserves further evaluation," the authors conclude.

Not Advocating Smoking

"This study is intriguing," said Todd Sitzman, MD, MPH, president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. "Clinical studies have shown a modest analgesic effect from nicotine. Although there is an association between nicotine and neuropathic pain, there is no direct causative effect."

However, Dr. Sitzman, who was not involved with the study, told Medscape Neurology and Neurosurgery: "I caution advocating smoking as a perceived treatment for neuropathic pain, since it is clear that the adverse risks of smoking outweigh any potential benefit."

Funding was provided by AstraZeneca and the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Weingarten has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) 24th Annual Meeting: Abstract 100.

Medscape Medical News © 2008

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/570347

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Anticipation Milk February

This month, February, seems the most pregnant of all. Quiet in gestation, yet loud in longing. The sun glares at us in daggers of razor light, bouncing off the stark white snow mirrors. Seeds of ideas vibrate with moisture and swell with readiness, yet cannot burst forth until the thaw.

February cultivates a kind of sharp anticipation. Buzzing under the tree bark is the impatient flow of maple sap, the first sweetness of the day. With the holiday of Eros, wounds of old love ache arthritically like a once broken bone, and the desire for intimacy and companionship are magnified.

Songbirds return, as if to midwife the Elm flowers and Fiddleheads. Poplar branches surrender to the winds, dripping with vanilla pearls. Eagles return, Falcons scream, clouds paint. February freezes and melts and freezes and melts, and all the dreams of gardens and foraging and feasting on the earth's bounty become wild in our heads!

Thaw the berries form last year's pickins, eat them up in thanks for what is to come. Soon we will be scrambling to keep up. For now, we sit in the cave of winter's womb, sipping anticipation.

Pierce the cold with 

Vedic Roots & Spices Milk Brew:

Set out a medium sized non-reactive pot.

For every 4 oz mug of water, add the following dried herbs:

• 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon chips
• 1 heaping teaspoon dandelion root
• 1/2 teaspoon burdock root 
• 1/4 teaspoon chaga
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1 pinch black pepper

Keep your herbs and water just below a simmer for 30 minutes, covered. Then add whole milk, at the same quantity you added of water.
Continue to let brew just under a simmer for another 15-20 minutes.

Ladle out a mug at a time (strain through a tea strainer), and add a small dollop of: Ghee, grass fed or cultured butter, or virgin coconut oil.

This is a variation on traditional Ayurvedic milk with ghee, which warms, nourishes, and lubricates all faculties of the body. It's a brew I speak of often; in the summer with rose petal jam, in the fall with more spices. And especially for children, elderly, athletes, undernourished/overworked, and new mamas.

February is extremely dry here in New England. Many folks come down with bloody noses, sinus infections, and severe head colds. Keeping the body well lubricated and our digestion tip-top with bitters and aromatics, strongly supports our immune system during these bitter weeks.

So does cuddling.

xoxo

HOMOEOPATHIC SPORTS MEDICINES

Exercising is good for you, but sometimes you can injure yourself when you play sports or exercise. Accidents, poor training practices, or improper gear can cause them. Some people get hurt because they are not in shape. Not warming up or stretching enough can also lead to injuries.

The most common sports injuries are—sprains and strains, knee injuries, swollen muscles,Achilles tendon injuries. Pain along the shin bone.rotator cuff injuries. fracture. dislocations.

If you get hurt, stop playing. Continuing to play or exercise can cause more harm. First aid often begins with the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) method to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and speed healing

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES                                                                                 

ARNICA MONTANA 30—It is an excellent remedy for injured and inflamed tendions , tendonitis and synovitis  from injury. It is the top remedy for shock and trauma  and helps reduce bleeding from the injury. Pain in back and limbs as if bruised or beaten. Sprained and dislocated feeling. Soreness after overexertion. Worse from least touch, motion, rest, wine, damp cold and better by lying down or with head low.

Locally the tincture should never be applied hot or at all when abrasions or cuts are present. It can be also applied in the form of a liquid, tincture, gel or ointment

BELLIS  PERENNIS  30—It is the top remedy for stretched ligaments. It acts upon the muscular fibres of the blood vessels. It is considered as the first remedy in injuries to the deeper tissues after major surgical work. Much muscular soreness , lameness, as if sprained. The muscles feel very sore. This remedy is specific for left sided injuries, and there could  even be swelling with the inflammation

RHUS TOXICODENDRON 200—It is an excellent remedy for muscle over use . This remedy is great for those over lifting strains. It is for injuries to the muscles, ligaments and tendons, especially when the injuries arise from mis steps, twists, or efforts made in the unusual posture. It is a great remedy for strains and hip injuries. Rhus tox acts upon the fibrous tissue especially joints, tendons, sheaths- aponeurosis etc. producing pains and stiffness. Worse during sleep, cold, wet rainy weather and after rain, at night, during rest, drenching, when lying on back or right side. Better by warm, dry weather , motion, walking , change of posture, rubbing, warm applications , from stretching out limbs.

BRYONIA ALBA  30—Stitching tearing pain , worse by motion, better from rest. This pain is more on chest, worse pressure. After that fall, sprain or trauma the person wants to keep perfectly still, even to lay  in the dark and not to be bothered by anyone. Worse by warmth, any motion, exertion, touch. Cannot sit up , gets faint and sick. Better by lying on painful side, pressure , rest, cold things.

RUTA GRAVEOLENS 30- It is for sports strains and sprains to ligaments. Injury to ligaments, tendons, and the periosteum or the lining of the bones. It is a great remedy for overexertion and overuse injuries , such as tennis elbow and carpel tunnel syndrome., and for eye strain. Ruta helps accelerate the healing from fractures or bruising of the bone. It can helps with muscle pulls and strains. Complaints from straining flexor tendons especially. Tendency to the formation of deposits in the periosteum, tendons and about joints, especially wrist. All parts of the body are painful as if bruised. Worse by lying down, from cold, wet weather

LEDUM PAL. 200-—When there is severe bruising pain  and hematoma  this remedy is indicated. There is a sensation of pain shooting or moving upwards, from ankle up the leg to calf to knee.It is useful for puncture type wound. Black eye from a blow of the fist.

SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALIS 3X—It is an excellent remedy for wounds penetrate to the periosteum and bones.It hastens the healing power of bones and the surrounding tissue. It is of great help in non union of  fractures, irritable stump after amputation, irritable bone at the point of fracture.

CALENDULA OFFICINALIS  30—It is the great wound healer. Useful for open wounds, parts that will not heal, ulcers etc. Promotes healthy granulations and rapid healing by first intention.. Useful in superficial burns and scalds.

APIS MELLIFICA  30- This remedy produces  a perfect picture of synovitis, especially of the knee joint. There are sharp lancinating , stinging pains shooting through the joint and aggravation from the slightest motion. There is effusion in the joints, and the pains are relieved by cold applications.

Fatigue A Neuropathy Problem

Today's post from neuropathysupportnetwork.org (see link below) is written by LtCol Eugene B Richardson whose good work we have featured before on the blog. It talks about an often underestimated side effect of neuropathy (and also HIV), fatigue. The article looks at various ways of dealing with this yourself, especially when family and friends are often less than understanding. Chronic fatigue can severely affect the quality of your life, especially over a long period and finding strategies to cope with it may lessen the accompanying depression and frustration.

 

Fatigue in Peripheral Neuropathy

Posted September 25th, 2012 by LtCol Eugene B Richardson, USA (Retired) BA, MDiv, EdM, MS

Unfortunately fatigue is a central part of many neuropathies and especially the immune mediated neuropathies. It is central to many other illnesses that affect the body’s immune system. The causes are often complex and many.

Dr. Scott Berman, in his book Coping with Chronic Neuropathy notes in chapter VIII “Dealing with Fatigue and Insomnia” that this symptom is one of the most difficult and challenging for the neuropathy patient. Dr. Berman is a Psychiatrist, a member of the Advisory Board of NSN, lives with untreatable CIDP.

He notes:

…that in one study looking at fatigue in autoimmune neuropathy 80% of 113 patients had severe fatigue. The fatigue was independent of motor or sensory symptoms and was rated as one of the top three most disabling symptoms. (“Fatigue in Immune-Mediated Polyneuropathies,” Neurology 53: 8 November 1999, I.S.J. Merkies, et al).

For decades in living with untreated Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), Autonomic Neuropathy (AN) and Progressive Polyneuropathy due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, I can attest to the facts noted above. While other major symptoms respond to treatment with Immune Globulin (IVIg), the symptom of severe fatigue continues as one of the symptoms that responds only temporarily to the infusions followed by several days of total fatigue following infusion and then with some lessening until the next infusion.

Dr. Norman Latov in his book “Coping with Peripheral Neuropathy”, states what I have heard other neurologists share, that the fatigue we feel, first appearing as weakness, increases as the weakness of motor nerves expands. At this point with only a few muscles doing the whole job of lifting a leg or arm or carrying on autonomic functions, the body becomes weak and eventually extreme fatigue occurs.

On the other hand, to state the obvious, pain in some neuropathies does not help us sleep. Neuropathy patients must seek medical help in finding medications or other options which works for them. The medical establishment is slowly recognizing the reality of neuropathic pain and the strange symptoms from damaged peripheral nerves. Yet, as long as we do not have sufficient medical tools and clinical skills for diagnosis and treatment of the neuropathies, neuropathy patients will always face the challenge of dismissal for their often strange complaints.

Impact on family and friends:

Families and friends, as we all have learned, may not understand this reality since we “look so good” and may even believe/suggest that you are just lazy or unmotivated or worse. The best thing you can do for them is to have them watch the DVD Coping with Chronic Neuropathy which will be an education about the impact of any neuropathy on our lives.

Educating yourself about neuropathy:

At any rate, fatigue is something we struggle with every day and often regulates/determines our daily activities.

While fatigue in neuropathy and other chronic illnesses is not fully understood by the experts, from a practical standpoint, here is what I have learned to do or not do in coping with fatigue. If you have found other things that help, send us a message and we will add it to the list.

1. DO NOT think negatively about fatigue, thus feeling guilty about your fatigue. Go take a nap! (See DVD “Coping with Chronic Neuropathy”).
 

2. Learn when your “fatigue” periods occur, as these often establish a pattern at certain times of the day. Then go LAY DOWN and stop moaning about it, as it is what it is until it isn’t.
 

3. I have learned that you do not even have to actually “sleep”, but just allowing your body to rest/stop for an hour takes care of the exhaustion as the body recovers. But whatever works for you, do it without guilt or apology.
 

4. For nighttime, have a standard bedtime routine in preparing for sleep that tells your body that it is time to sleep.
 

5. Do not eat a large meal just before bedtime or take a stimulant that keeps you awake or might interfere with sound sleep (i.e. caffeine, for some alcohol).
 

6. Do consider drinking a glass of milk as for many this encourages the body to sleep.
 

7. Do consider one of those special recordings of quiet music or rain falling or similar if it helps.
 

8. Do consider using a ticking clock if that helps. (As a child in the 40s I got my best sleep on the floor in front of the big radio in the living room listening to Dragnet or was it the Lone Ranger, maybe the Big Story. Today most TV programs have the same effect, sleep!)
 

9. Muscle spasms and/or restless leg can make sleeping difficult and rob you of needed sleep. Speak to your doctor and have tests done for calcium, salt, potassium levels and other deficiencies which can make it difficult for muscles to work properly. This is especially true if you are on a diuretic which can empty your body of needed minerals. Getting up and having a glass of orange juice worked for my mother and works for me. If the lack of something is not the problem, have the doctor find out what may be causing these muscle problems.
 

10. I have found that if I wake up with my mind creating solutions to an issue or writing poetry (happens) and not able to sleep, I go to another room or go do some work on my computer (write out the solution or poetry) until I begin to feel sleepy again. It works for me.
 

11. For some insomnia is a real curse. There are medications that one can use as Dr. Scott Berman mentions in his book, so speak to your doctor. Frankly, I would work on natural solutions first and be creative to see what works for you. But if ALL else fails these medications may help and be a heaven sent blessing.
 

12. (So what do you do or not do that helps? Send it to us and we will enter it here!) (See original page/link below)

 

http://neuropathysupportnetwork.org/blog/2012/09/fatigue-in-peripheral-neuropathy

MOTION SICKNESS OR TRAVELLING SICKNESS AND HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

                                       MOTION SICKNESS OR TRAVELLING SICKNESS

               

                Motion sickness or travelling sickness is a type of sickness that affects certain individuals during sea, land or air travel.

AETIOLOGY OR CAUSES:-

-          The cause is remains unknown.

-          Repeated stimulation of the vestibular apparatus may be responsible.

-          Persons suffering from migraine, diabetes mellitus or nephritis.

-          Pregnant women are more susceptible.

SYMPTOMS:-

-          The affected person starts feeling unwell while travelling.

-          Headache.

-          Excessive salivation.

-          Nausea and vomiting.

-          Visual disturbances (e.g. diplopia).

-          The face is pale, the skin is cold, pulse Is rapid and the blood pressure is low.

-          In case of severe attack, the person may faint or even collapse.

-          On discontinuation of the journey, the symptoms usually subside within a few hours but may persist even for days in susceptible individuals. Motion sickness is, however, not fatal.

DIETS:-

-          Avoid heavy food or heavy meals while before travel.

-          Use more of liquid foods, fruits or fruit juices.

-          Chew bubble gum or chocolates while travelling.

-          Glucose powders or ors powders will be helpful.

TREATMENT:-

-          Susceptible persons should take due precautions while travelling.

-          The affected person should rest quietly with minimum possible movement.

-          A rich carbohydrate diet or frequent sugar drinks are advisable.

-          Cyclizine hydrochloride 50 mg three times a day prevents or diminishes the severity of symptoms.

-          Dimenhydrinate 25 mg thrice daily is equally effective.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT:-

1.       COCCULUS INDICUS:-

Vertigo, nausea, especially when riding or sitting. Headache in occiput and nape; worse, lying on back of head. Sick headache from carriage riding cannot lie on back part of head. Opening and shutting sensation, especially in occiput. Pupils contracted. Pain in eyes as if torn out of head. Nausea from riding in cars, boat, etc., or looking at boat in motion; worse on becoming cold or taking cold. Aversion to food, drink, tobacco. Sea sickness. Sensation in stomach as if one had been a long time without food until hunger was gone.

2.       PETROLENUM:-

Sensitive, as of a cold breeze blowing on it. Motion sickness. Headache, must hold temples to relieve; provoked by shaking while coughing. Vertigo on rising, felt in occiput, as if intoxicated, or like sea-sickness. Dim sight; far-sighted; cannot read fine print without glasses; blennorrhea of lachrymal sac; marginal blepharitis. Ringing and cracking in ears. Nausea, with accumulation of water in mouth.

3.       SEPIA:-

Stinging pain from within outward and upward mostly left, or in forehead, with nausea, vomiting; worse indoors and when lying on painful side. Feeling of goneness; not relieved by eating. [Carb. an.]. Nausea at smell or sight of food. Nausea worse lying on side. Nausea in morning before eating. Disposition to vomit after eating. Acid dyspepsia with bloated abdomen, sour eructations.

Some of other drugs for motion sickness and travelling sickness are given below.

1.        CALC CARB.

2.       CALCAREA PHOS.

3.       CYCLAMEN.

4.       HEPAR SULPH.

5.       IRIS.

6.       LYCOPODIUM.

7.       MAGNESIUM CARB.

8.       NUX MOSCHATA.

9.       NUX VOMICA.

10.   TABACUM.

11.   THERIDION.

Can Hypnosis Help With Nerve Pain

Today's post from painpathways.org (see link below)deals with a question that millions of neuropathy patients must have asked themselves at some point or other, when their medication fails to bring relief. Could hypnotherapy help? Let's face it, nerve damage is universally misunderstood and underestimated; there's no cure and the medications are limited in their effectiveness at best. We've exhausted the supplement and alternative therapy routes and we're bombarded by a media that hounds us as being opium-soaked drug addicts and parts of a world-wide, drug abuse problem. That sort of stress alone could lead us to hypnotherapy, if only to  believe that we still have some self-worth. However, can hypnosis genuinely provide an alternative (or supplementary) pain relief from our jangling nerves? This readable article provides lots of useful information about hypnosis and while it doesn't really go into the scientific evidence, it gives a compelling case for being open-minded (literally!) and giving it a try. of course, for every genuine hypnotherapist, there are a thousand fakers out there who are only to happy to separate you from your hard-earned cash, so get some advice and do your own research as thoroughly as you can. There are hypnotists who work within national health authorities; there are witch doctors and there are well-meaning people who are just about as effective as witch doctors: finding a genuine practitioner may be a minefield but it may also be worth the effort.

Does Hypnosis Work for Pain Management?
by Pain Pathways Magazine | Apr 14, 2017

Mind over matter…a phrase we’ve all heard before. It is typically interpreted to mean that we can use our mind to overcome a situation or even physical condition. For pain sufferers, does this mean that a technique such as hypnosis could help overcome the feeling of pain?

Most of us have preconceived notions of hypnosis and primarily consider it a form of entertainment for the enjoyment of an audience rather than a medical technique. However, hypnosis for pain management has more validity than most people realize – and it may be effective for you.

Origins of hypnosis

Many would be surprised to learn that hypnosis goes back to the biblical age, with evidence of hypnosis dating as early as 1500 BC. During ancient times, mystical practices including “dream temples” and “hypnos” – used by the Egyptians and Greeks – were often a part of the treatment of physical ailments. Over the centuries, hypnosis came and went in various forms and was even used as anesthesia until chloroform began being used in 1831.

By the 20th century, Dr. Milton Erickson’s version of hypnosis was becoming more conventional accepted and used in clinical psychotherapy. Ericksonian hypnosis stressed the importance of the interactive therapeutic relationship and engagement of the patient, rather than a therapist issuing standardized instructions to a passive patient.

As Dr. Erickson was becoming known as world’s leading hypnotherapist, reports describing hypnotic strategies for chronic pain management emerged. In the 1950s, hypnosis reports and the release of biofeedback technology grew in tandem, with the next few decades bringing knowledge about the stress response and its effects on an individual’s physiology. Studies were conducted investigating the effectiveness of both tools in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, headaches, lower back pain and other pain conditions.

Explaining hypnosis

By definition, hypnosis is a set of techniques designed to enhance concentration, minimize one’s usual distractions and heighten responsiveness to suggestions to alter one’s thoughts, feelings, behavior or physiological state. It not a treatment but rather a procedure that can be used to facilitate other types of therapies and treatments.

Hypnosis involves learning how to use your mind and thoughts to manage emotional distress, unpleasant physical symptoms such as pain and certain behaviors like smoking over overeating.

For pain therapists, hypnosis focuses on the relationship between the mind and body and is considered mainstream. For health professionals in other fields, they may be considered alternative or complementary therapies. Clinical, or medical hypnosis is an altered state of awareness used by licensed therapists to treat psychological or physical problems.
How does hypnosis work?

During hypnosis, the conscious part of the brain is temporarily tuned out as a participant focuses on relaxing and letting go of distracting thoughts. By making his/her mind more concentrated and focused, a participant is able to use it more powerfully. A good analogy is that it’s like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful.

So, what is hypnosis like?

When under hypnosis, a person may experience physiologic changes. It’s common for their pulse and respiration to slow down and their alpha brain waves to increase. In this altered state, a person may become more open to specific suggestions and goals offered by the therapist, such as reducing pain. After this suggestion phase, the therapist reinforces continued use of the new behavior or mindset.

For everyone, the experience is a little different. Some people describe their experience as a “trance-like” state. Others may experience it as imagery or the soothing of body sensations. Most people describe hypnosis as pleasant, where they feel focused and absorbed in the experience. They tend to have an acute awareness, but also feel relaxed, comfortable and peaceful.

Hypnosis techniques for pain management

Hypnosis treatment for pain conditions typically consists of 4 stages:

Induction – to focus one’s attention
Deepening – to deepen one’s relaxation of the body
Suggestions – for changes in the client’s experience of pain
Debriefing – to go over what transpired

Beyond taking a participant through these common stages, a therapist may employ varying approaches. They may focus on changing the sensations from pain to something else or on shifting the patient’s attention away from the pain. When underlying dynamics, motivations or unresolved feelings are influencing pain, hypnosis can help the participant unconsciously explore these things and get some resolution for the underlying issues.

Another technique being used for decreasing the sensitivity to pain is hypnoanalgesia. The goal here is to use hypnosis in place of an analgesic in hospitals during surgery to reduce nausea, pain, vomiting and the length of hospital stay. What began as somewhat anecdotal, positive results for hypnoanalgesia has now been supplemented by well-controlled experiments.

Common myths about hypnosis

Hypnosis can’t do everything. There are many myths, misconceptions and misinformation about it – possibly even more than about any other treatment for chronic pain. People have preconceived notions based on stage performers, television and movies and rumors – and these cultural references tend to embellish what it can do.

Hypnosis cannot cure everything. It isn’t dangerous. Participants won’t be asked to do anything against their will. (refer to chart below for common myths and their truths)



Finally, medical hypnosis isn’t generally taught as part of the curriculum of most health care providers. Lack of knowledge of the subject area leads to “superstition”, even within the medical community.

Benefits for pain management

The good news is that research has shown medical hypnosis to be helpful for acute and chronic pain. In 1996, a panel of the National Institutes of Health found hypnosis to be effective in easing cancer pain. More recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for pain related to burns, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis and reduction of anxiety associated with surgery. In 2000, a meta-analysis, or study of 18 studies of hypnosis, showed that 75% of clinical and experimental participants with varying types of pain obtained substantial pain relief – supporting the claims of the effectiveness of hypnosis for pain management.

There is growing evidence and established research to suggest that hypnosis:
Has a greater influence on the effects of pain rather than the sensation of pain
May be more effective or at least equivalent to other treatments for acute and chronic pain
Have the potential to save both money and time for patients and clinicians, if the patient responds to hypnosis
May be able to provide analgesia, reduce stress, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, improve mood and reduce the need for opioids
Can enhance the efficacy of other well-established treatments for pain

Good candidates for hypnosis

Some people are better suited to respond to hypnosis than others. And the degree to which people respond varies. There are researchers who believe that people need to possess a “hypnotic trait”, much like other individual traits, that make them more open to hypnotic suggestions. Others believe that all people start off with a sufficient ability to be hypnotized and achieve results and that hypnotic ability can be learned and enhanced through practice.

Hypnosis has been used successfully for people with a variety of pain conditions. The Arthritis Foundation has an entire page on its website dedicated to hypnosis for pain relief of arthritis. Other medical conditions commonly cited as being improved with hypnosis include: 
 
Headaches
Fibromyalgia
Cancer
Burns
Back pain

The American Society of Clinical Hypnosis cites many other illnesses that would make someone a good candidate. Aside from these conditions, many in the field believe that the reality is that candidates with just about any type of chronic or acute pain could see a positive outcome from hypnosis.
Getting started with hypnosis

Once a person has decided to try hypnosis, the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis offers some insights into choosing the right provider. As well, the Societies of Hypnosis provides of list of members in several accredited organizations that the user can search to find a provider based on location, specialty or certification. It’s important to make sure that whichever provider is chosen, the therapist is licensed and has the appropriate certifications.

In addition to meeting with a provider, people interested in the ongoing use of hypnosis may opt to be trained in self-hypnosis. Outside of the treatment setting, participants can learn to practice self-hypnosis or be given audio recordings of their therapy sessions to help with home practice.

And technology can also aid in approaching hypnosis from more of a DIY standpoint. There are several downloadable programs and mobile apps on the market that are designed to help the participant with self-hypnosis, including:

Body Pain Management Hypnosis – a mobile app
Pain Management Self Hypnosis – a downloadable MP3 or CD
Pain Relief Hypnosis – a mobile app 

Final thoughts

Does hypnosis work for pain relief? There is a great deal written about its use and much research into its efficacy. Although not quite mainstream yet, there does seem to be a growing acceptance of hypnosis and a willingness of some medical providers to explore this option with their patients. While not a cure, it may be a pain management tool that could work for you.

https://www.painpathways.org/does-hypnosis-work-for-pain-management/

Neuropathy And Diet

 Today's post from freemd.com (see link below) gives some general advice about diet for those who suffer from neuropathy. While the advice seems sound, you will need to translate it from abstract ingredient values into shopping lists and food types. Another option is of course using supplements but if you do the research, you will find everything here in the every day foodstuffs you can buy. That then relies on manufacturers giving enough information on their packaging and telling the truth. Some might say that life's too short for all that work but there's no doubt, as a general rule that a healthy and balanced diet will help us all, whatever disease we may be dealing with.

Peripheral Neuropathy Diet

General dietary recommendations for people with peripheral neuropathy include:

      



      
Control calories:

• Eat just enough calories to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Eat quality fats:

• Use virgin olive oil and other unsaturated, low-cholesterol fats.

Eat the right amount of fats, carbohydrates and protein:

• Limit your fat intake to 20 or 30 percent, but don't substitute simple carbohydrates for fat.
• Less than 7% of the day's total calories from saturated fat.
• Up to 10% of the day's total calories from polyunsaturated fat.
• Up to 20% of the day's total calories from monounsaturated fat

Avoid fad diets:

• Eat a well-rounded diet instead.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid large and heavy meals.

Limit cholesterol in diet:

• To less than 200 milligrams a day.

Limit iron intake:

• Too much iron can increase atherosclerosis.

Eat enough dietary fiber:

• Whole grains are best.

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables

Reduce salt in your diet

• Optimal: no more than 2 grams per day.

Check with your doctor about supplementing your diet with B vitamins:

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)

Key Dietary Recommendations for Chronic Disease Prevention

Nutrient	Recommendation
Energy (calories)	to maintain BMI < 25
Total fats	< or = to 30% of total daily calories
Saturated fats	< 7% of total daily calories
Polyunsaturated fats	< 10% of total daily calories
Monounsaturated fats	< 13% of total daily calories
Cholesterol	< or = to 300 mg per day
Dietary fiber	25-30 grams per day
Fiber type	3:1 insoluble to soluble fiber
Sodium	< or = to 1,500 mg per day
Calcium 9-24 yrs	1,200-1,500 mg per day
Calcium 25-50 yrs	1,000 mg per day
Calcium 51-65 yrs	1,200 mg per day
Calcium >65 yrs	1,500 mg per day
Vitamin D 9-50 yrs	200 IU per day
Vitamin D 51-70 yrs	400 IU per day
Vitamin D >70 yrs	600 IU per day
Folic acid	400 micrograms (ug) per day
http://www.freemd.com/peripheral-neuropathy/home-care-diet.htm	Fruits and Vegetables 5-7 servings per day