Numb Toes and Aching Soles: Coping with Peripheral Neuropathy »

A comprehensive guide for the millions who have painful and disabling peripheral neuropathy. Covered are causes, symptoms, tests and treatments- both conventional and alternative- and ways of coping day to day. The book is written from a patient's point of view with over 200 comments on treatments. There are also special sections for those with diabetic or HIV-related neuropathies (up to half in these groups are affected by PN), as well as reports on experimental drugs in the pipeline. Inputs from 12 leading neurologists have been incorporated.

From the Author:

I wrote the book out of frustration in not being able to learn much from existing sources about this serious nerve disorder I've had for years. Having spent thousands of hours gathering information for my own purposes, I decided to share it with others in Numb Toes and Aching Soles. My hope is that what I learned and put down in this book will help others as much as it helped me.

International Health News

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) results from damage to the peripheral nerves or their protective coatings and most often manifests itself by pain, tingling and numbness in the legs, feet and hands...If you suffer from PN or know someone who does or if you are a professional caring for PN patients order John's book now. It will save you untold hours of time, trouble and pain in your battle against peripheral neuropathy.

Foreword
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
Chapter 1 What It Is And How You Get It


Peripheral Neuropathy Explained
Types
Symptoms and Effects
Causes
Evaluation and Testing (Purpose and Procedures)

 

Chapter 2 Peripheral Neuropathy Pain


Physical Basis
Psychological Basis

 

Chapter 3 Medications


Prescription Drugs (Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor,Tofranil, Mexitil, Neurontin, Ultram, Dilantin, Klonopin, Tegretol, Catapres,
                  Lioresal)
Drug Costs (and Payment Assistance)
Topical Medications
Other Analgesics Opioids

 

Chapter 4 Other Medical Therapies


Hematological Treatments (Plasmapheresis, Immunosuppressant Medications, IVIg, Comparison of Treatments)
Nerve-Based Treatments (NerveBlocks, Direct Nerve Stimulation)

 

Chapter 5 Alternative Treatments


Physical Therapy
Psychotherapy (Relaxation and Meditation Training, Biofeedback, Self Hypnosis, Prayer)
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Acupuncture
Touch and Near Touch Therapies ( Basic and Other Massages,
Reflexology, Reiki, Qigong, Therapeutic Touch)
Magnets
Chelation

 

Chapter 6 Nutrients


Vitamins (Vitamin A, B Complex including Biotin, Folic Acid, Inositol, Choline and Lecithin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E)
Minerals (Selenium, Magnesium, Chromium, Zinc)
Herbs (Ginkgo Biloba, St. John's Wort, Bioflavonoids, Other Herbs and Herbal Derivatives)
Other Supplements (Alpha-lipoic Acid, Gamma Linolenic Acid, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Glutamine,
                               Coenzyme Q10, SAMe, DMSO, MSM )

 

Chapter 7 Experimental or "Unapproved" Drugs


Aldose Reductase Inhibitors (General Clinical Studies, Specific ARIs)
Aminoguanidine
Cox-2
Frogs and Snails (But No Puppy-Dogs' Tails)
Lamotrigine
Memantine
"Natural" Pain Relievers
Nerve Regenerating Compounds
Nimodipine
Peptide T
PN 401

 
Chapter 8 Diabetics and PWAs- Special Considerations


Diabetic Neuropathy (Types, Risk Factors, Blood Sugar Control, Other Treatment Approaches)
HIV/AIDS Neuropathy (Types, Treatment Approaches)

 

Chapter 9 Coping


Exercise (Benefits, Types of Exercise)
Temperature Effects (Cold or Heat, Mechanisms)
Sleeping
Foods and Diet
Special Considerations- Feet (Shoes, Inserts, Socks, General Foot Care)
Special Considerations- Hands
Other Ways to Cope

 

Final Notes


Reader's Request for Continuing Information