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Gigi-
The "zapping" happens primarily with certain movement, especially when in a vehicle. That seems to be the worst for some reason. I have not been able to pinpoint the exact movement that does it but am hoping I can figure it out. It does seem to be related to stretching my eyes to see something.

I used to get anxiety quite bad with flare ups, but think I am getting used to what to expect with flare ups and do not feel so threatened (if you will) so the anxiety is better. I also believe that the anxiety is directly related to the neurological sensitivity. I am finding that as my neurological system is healing and the symptoms are not as often as before, that the anxiety seems to be on par with that progress. I have never had anxiety until West Nile, but can say after two years it is getting better finally.

I hope you can find relief with an anti-inflammatory. I also know there is such a thing as an anti-inflammatory diet which I am looking into. I really prefer to do things as natural as possible. I do notice a connection with inflammation and WNV flare ups so I'm hoping (if the diet is do-able for me) that it reduces the number of flare ups.

Maybe someone else will also offer some input with respect to their experiences and I am glad you feel comfortable to reach out and post questions. We are all in this together and if it was not for having the ability to reach out to each other, where would we be? This disease is lonely enough, thank goodness for the good folks here.

Elaine-
So sorry to hear you are not well. Your electrical pain in legs/feet sound like Neuropathy symptoms. Hopefully they will heal over time. I'm not to sure how much Neuropathy heals but am hoping 100%. I too have Neuropathy in all limbs and poor circulation. The pain and numbness can be really terrible some days. The cold weather does not help. Hypoglycemia has its own set of weird symptoms and am glad you got something else figured out. Hopefully with a diet correction and some medication you will yet advance to another positive level of wellness. I will pray for your progress.

Be well to all and God Bless!

I have had flares like you describe where they last most of a day and can continue weeks at a time. I most recall last summer. I really do not know what caused it by speculate it had something to do with the heat and inflamation. I'm sure our bodies go through their own unique healing process with inflamation being a key component and unfortunately that process alone lends itself for WNV symptom flare ups. I suppose it is a necessary evil in some ways but somehow if we can minimize the body's response to the inflamation we may be able to have a reduction in symptoms during the flare. I'm merely speculating here based upon an educated guess.

In my experience, diet is primary in managing how I feel overall. Sugar as we all have found is a no-no. Glad to hear you minimize this. Diet is a life changing event, not a temproary one.

If one is addicted to something, nerve pain is most common as a withdrawl effect. Keep this in mind if you do change your diet, it may get worse for a bit before it gets better. Nerve pain can also come as a result of nutritional deficiency. Herbs that are good for nerve pain are ginger powder and turmeric powder. I've heard that aswagandha powder is also good but never tried it. I drink a lot of green tea daily and add organic ginger and honey. Ginger not only helps nerve pain but helps the digestive system. I also use ginger and honey as the main spices in in all my veggie stir frys. It is yummy.

Also one common reason in most people for nerve pain is magnesium defuiciency, which does not allow calcium to be absorbed. You may want to find a good supplement. Magnesium that is "reacted" is absorbed better by the body. "Reacted" is a process that attaches an amino acid to various minerals. Jiroffa's manufacturing company has seventy-four worldwide patents on the process and I use their brand which was researched and recommended to me by a Doctor. I am a huge believer in reacted minerals. Magnesium also helps improve cardiovascular health. This brand is also all natural.

If you are having a bad nerve pain day, epson salt baths help calm down the nerves and muscles, maybe this will work for you also. And of coarse good sleep will also reduce nerve pain. Again, hot tea with honey at bedtime can help this and they do make bedtime teas. Some people find Valerian root helps sleep too, I have several friends who use this for sleep and anxiety. Hopefully those are some things you can try during your transition off Cymbalta. You will do fine!

Although heat is bothersome, sweating a few times a week is a great way to detox the body and since our bodies are fighting so hard, it needs our help. If you chose to sweat somehow, I encourage you to ease into it. I have a Far Infared Sauna and am finding it is helping. I am however EASING into it.

Cheers and Happy Healing!