Has anyone tried or heard about Cryotherapy or Cryoanalgesia. I read one report about very effective use of freezing on the affected nerve pathways, but can't find anyone in the UK who offers it for PHN.
Hi John:
I asked about procedures re: freezing or burning to try to destroy the faulty nerve pathways. Was told there is a method re: thermal destruction but it is radical and only used on terminal patients. Also told by an ocologist perhaps radiation treatment to destroy the nerves. Havent heard of freezing. These methods are so extreme the medical community doesn't really want to go there. For people in pain - one will try anything when desparate. j
I tried cryotherapy to freeze the nerve connection. It didn't help at all. It didn't do any harm either.
I saw my neurologist yesterday and asked him about marijuana, but you have to be at death's door to get it where I live. He thought it would be worth a try.
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I take cesamet which is a artificial marijuana like drug - but doesn't have the full range of effects. I have asked my recent pain specialist if he would prescribe medical marijuana along with a number of other options including prednisone which I found did actually help with pain management. I am still waiting for a reply from my Jan letter to him.
Hi Jim,
This is the research I was referring to. The nerve is not frozen but controlled "cold" applied. What do you think?
john86790
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Actually it was not the full article, it was the abstract.
That is very interesting. In terms of mechanism I had tried bloodletting/acupunture from a chinese MD that practices both types of medicines. My assumption was impacting the nerves so that they regenerate/change. It didn't work unfort. I have had nitrogen cryogenics for dermatology reasons. If they dont actually kill/freeze the nerve perhaps it is about stressing them and they somehow become more normal. I am going to take this article to my pain specialist - who still hasn't responded to my letter on other options. They tend to have their own theories and research avenues which isn't always helpful when it comes to de novo approaches. THANKS. This is one of the huge benefits of social media and this site.
I even contacted this doctor directly to ask if she ever was going to be in the USA or knew of any referalls to doctors who do this in the USA, but she couldn't be of any help.
If I knew more about the procedure I would consider paying myself to have it done. Will see how far I can get here in Canada with our specialists thx for the update
Please keep me informed. I don't know anyone in the UK who uses this technique.
the entire paper is in pdf format on line
http://dracalandria.com/notas/cryoanalgesia_for_post_herpetic.pdf
Hi John. Don't know about the cold thing, but I've had PHN
for 17 years now and am still on Gabapentin, amitriptyline, Tramadol, and Clonizqpam. This little cocktail helps control the pain somewhat but it's always there. I recently ordered a led deep penetrating light for heat therapy which some have had success with. One more thing to try, so we'll see!
Patricia
Hi John, I just found the same article about Dr Calandria, and am going to see if a dermatologist here in eastern Canada will do it for me. I've had the PHN for 9 yrs....still hoping for a remedy other than the drugs. How are you now? Did you find your answer? Would love to hear! Charity, NB Canada
I tried a series of cryoanagesia treatments from a restpected dermatologist in New York City. They didn't work. I find the best helpi s from 600 garbapentin every 3 hours and 4% lidocaine creme at night or for very severe attacks.
My father tried this treatment as well in NYC, didn't work much. Looking for Cryoneurolysis treatments now
Thank you, Yossimic and Penny. I am using medical marijuana, and it helps, much better than the prescription drugs from my Dr, because (once i got the right dose figured out)no side effects, and no withdrawal effects. Here in Canada, it is legal. But if I can find a good dermatologist near me, I may still try the liquid nitrogen a la Uruguay. That doctor had SUCH good results! What is cryoneurolysis?
Hate to be a downer, but I've tried both with no results. Good luck!
Hi:
The cyrogenic application does provide relief. However it is very difficult to find anyone that will follow her paper. It is not rocket science but most dermatologists don't believe it works given the biological basis is shaky/not understood. They also are concerned about damaging the skin because most dermatologists are into cosmetic improvements. It has to be applied so the skin isn't damaged through freezing. I have had many treatments and they help temporarily. The one treatment I was burned and red with welts and it actually was effective for a few months!!!! Never have been able to get the same level of application. Some are so light - no benefit. Frustrating given there is something to this procedure. I have begged my now family doctor to keep increasing the application rate. I have been in contact with the author of the paper and she stands behind it.
thank you penny!
thanks very much Jim! This helps me a lot. I will pass your info, along with the paper from Uruguay, to my family doctor, and pray he is willing to refer me to a good dermatologist near us. I tried to contact the Dr in Uruguay but she didn't reply. Maybe if my dermatologist contacts her, she will.
I presently use Cannabis for a good nights sleep (works great!) and sometimes for extra energy during the day--and Cryoderm for pain reduction daytime. I buy it by the gallon, it is good stuff for pain and inflammation!