Question: I've got peripheral neuropathy in both legs up to the knee. Several doctors have essentially said to live with it. I am not diabetic and suspect that several things have led to my condition. First, I live around 6,500 feet so there is lack of oxygen. I am an engineer, so I sit and work on my computer for long hours. To compensate I now take walk breaks during the day. I've taken a medication for another condition, and after a little research, I've found that it can trigger neuropathy (I've stopped taking this medication). Now, it seems that the neuropathy is working into my hands. My doctor thinks it might be another condition, but I am skeptical. I've found a machine called the Rebuilder. My question is, am I looking at a clever sales pitch, or does this machine have a chance of working?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

I do not agree with your doctors. Never accept that sort of response. Although I agree that peripheral neuropathy implies damage that may or may not be reversible, never accept that it is irreversible without a thorough investigation looking for correctable underlying conditions. When underlying conditions are corrected, most neuropathies can at least be arrested in their progression.

There is no scientific merit to the "rebuilder" and no scientifically accepted proof for its claims that I am aware of. I have never recommended this product. Save your money, and invest your efforts into seeking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Neuropathies associated with medications are almost invariably reversible with discontinuation of the medication, but the effects may take years to be seen. Many of our chemotherapy agents used to treat malignancy are also associated with neuropathies, many of which do reverse with the passage of time after the offending agent(s) have been discontinued. I recommend you seek a competent neurologist for a complete evaluation of your progressive peripheral neuropathy without delay. Sometimes neuropathy symptoms are early warning signs of internal disease that is highly treatable as long as they are diagnosed early enough.