Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Hi dieterreuther- Yes, many friends participated in the Hood to Coast, but it was one I never did. I rode my bicycle in the Pole, Pedal, Paddle several years in a row. That was a hoot - riding from Mt. Bachelor down to Bend. I was clocked at 43 mph! Fortunately, the bicycle route down Century Drive was swept, by hand, right before the race to get anything off the roadway that could divert those skinny tires. Those rides were great fun!

I have PN, no pain, just a serious balance problem. My neuro says the balance problem will slowly get worse, and that's what's been happening. My docs say the only treatment is physical therapy, which I was doing until i had a bad fall about a week ago. The balance problem prevents me from traveling, so I see my son and brother only when they come here (Santa Monica). It does not help that I'm 89.
- Mr Bip

Hello Colleen and John:
I am new to this group and have been living with neuropathy for several years. Although I understand that little can be done to alleviate the problems neuropathy presents, I have tried to educate myself s to what other options could be available for some relief.

Me also.
Please share as I’m looking for some helpful relief also!

I totally agree with you. We should just keep moving. I like to do Tai chi and qigong with channels on YouTube. Many to choose from.

Have not been able to do land walking for any distance. Water walking has kept me mobile

@harley22 I have been testing CareLand 4% Lidocaine Gel Patches and WELMATE 4% Lidocaine Numbing Patches. I personally prefer the CareLand brand because the patches stick well and are easy to handle. The Welmate patches might be worthwhile exploring in your case because they don't stick that much. Available at Amazon.

I use Salonpas pain relief patches at night when the pain in my legs keeps me from sleeping and they are pretty effective. Have just started on Gabapentin at bedtime which keeps my toes pretty pain free until about 7 pm the next evening but does nothing for the pain in my legs. Unfortunately, it also makes me feel a bit groggy all day but I have only been on it for a week so not sure if this will lesson as my body adjusts.

@0612judy I have just been prescribed Gabapentin and am wondering whether it is OK to take it "on demand", for example at bedtime like you do or before a walk/run. The instructions that came with my prescription state to never stop taking the medication.

@dieterreuther
No more than 12 hours should pass without taking Gabapentin. However that may only apply if it's being taken for seizures where steady-state blood levels are very important.
As far as the statement don't ever stop this medication is concerned, perhaps he means don't abruptly stop it since this is an anti-convulsant drug and he may be thinking that it could lower your seizure threshold, and potentially cause a severe seizure known as status epilepticus, which is a seizure that often doesn't stop. But I would imagine that's mostly in patients who have seizure disorders like myself.
I used to take 3600 mg of gabapentin a day so I wouldn't think it would hurt to take it in the morning or afternoon or evening or whenever your pain is bothering you provided you don't exceed the amount prescribed. Many people choose to take it in the evening because it can cause drowsiness. However, this is really a question for your pharmacist or your physician.. gabapentin may also double or blurred vision in some and balance issues, so beware.
Take care,
Jake