Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Hi, Mike. I'm not sure I got mine figured out. I did have one lucky break at the time of my knee op and that was to be invited to be part of a federal study to try to find out why our quads quicker and to a greater degree than other leg muscles get weak in the wake of knee replacement surgery, For a month before and a month following the surgery I went to a hospital lab where I was made to exercise my both legs so that my quad strength could be recorded. I credit that fed study with keeping my legs, including the one with the replacement, in at least half-good shape. Today, my legs, and in particular my knees, still feel pretty good –– except for arthritis! That seems to get a little worse every year. I figure that the time-release diclofenac that my doctor gave me is at least helping to keep arthritis from getting too painful. These days I miss the pleasure of walking more than anything. Walking isn't much fun anymore. –Ray

Hi, Ray and Mike @mikem75 - My husband lost the ability to run several years ago. He enjoyed running as part of his overall workout. He played a lot of sports when younger, mainly football then TKD into his 40's, and has been a floor installer by trade... you see where I'm going with this? The knees never stood a chance!

He'll be 60 this year and had a knee replacement 2 years ago followed by an unfortunate revision on same knee 1 year ago. There were complications during the revision which left his bend limited. Now he is hoping to at least get enough bend to ride his bike.

He also says how much he misses running. One thing I'll throw out is that he does enjoy kayaking. Not sure if that is possible for either one of you gents, pretty low getting in and out. It always stinks giving up things you love. I relate and have had to look outside the box for new joys, as well.

I enjoy walking but am time limited so I like to visit my nearby park and rest on the bench to watch the kids and pets play. Have you found any other "void fillers" (besides biking) that you've tried and found helpful? Maybe something to give the feet a moderated break?

Hi, Ray and Mike @mikem75 - My husband lost the ability to run several years ago. He enjoyed running as part of his overall workout. He played a lot of sports when younger, mainly football then TKD into his 40's, and has been a floor installer by trade... you see where I'm going with this? The knees never stood a chance!

He'll be 60 this year and had a knee replacement 2 years ago followed by an unfortunate revision on same knee 1 year ago. There were complications during the revision which left his bend limited. Now he is hoping to at least get enough bend to ride his bike.

He also says how much he misses running. One thing I'll throw out is that he does enjoy kayaking. Not sure if that is possible for either one of you gents, pretty low getting in and out. It always stinks giving up things you love. I relate and have had to look outside the box for new joys, as well.

I enjoy walking but am time limited so I like to visit my nearby park and rest on the bench to watch the kids and pets play. Have you found any other "void fillers" (besides biking) that you've tried and found helpful? Maybe something to give the feet a moderated break?

Hi, Rachel

Have I found any new "void fillers"? Nothing yet, nothing that quite compares to walking. My partner is always asking when we'll start some sort of low-intensity walking "program" (she's a vigorous walker), but I keep postponing, putting off Day One, and changing the planned Start Day. My favorite excuse is when spring arrives for good! Well, spring seems to have arrived—or will be arriving tomorrow (!!!). I feel threatened! 🙂

Ray

Hello! I am 65 years old and have had idiopathic neuropathy in my feet for 23 years. I use The Rebuilder to manage my pain. I am interested in finding out others manage theirs. Does anyone use CBD!

Welcome @gmbuckhalter, I also have idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy and have had it since my 50s (now 80) but only have the numbness and some tingling and no pain. Myself and others have shared our neuropathy journey and what has helped us in another discussion here - Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/.

Here is a search of Connect listing discussions and comments from others on using CBD for neuropathy - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=cbd%20for%20neuropathy.

Another great source for information on living well with neuropathy is the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy - https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/.

Are you able to share a little more about your diagnosis and any treatments you have tried?

One of my favorite activities for at least 20 years was a brisk 2 mile morning walk. Well, I CAN walk now of course. I could even run if something was chasing me! But the pleasure? That’s gone. It’s more like a grim task. Every tiny muscle fiber from my hips to my toes hurts. And the pain intensifies as I proceed. I finally have to find a place to sit - a stranger’s porch? So I could take a walk in my neighborhood on this beautiful Spring day. But why? Same with biking. I went a year without getting on my bike. I used to take a ride in my lovely neighborhood almost every evening in the summer. I tried it a few months ago. Oh my God. This time not only my lower body hurt, but my hands, shoulders, neck …
So off I go to the indoor pool! I do some pool calisthenics and swim laps. For years I said “please don’t tell me I have to swim for exercise”, yet here I am.

Hello,, my neuropathy started about a year ago, in my feet. They burn. My neurologist just upped my cymbalta, That's not working. I take Turmeric, it helps some. Id like to find something else. I can't take Gabapentin. Makes me goofier lol