Hi, I too have been to many different doctors including pain management centers and have had varying treatments including acupuncture light therapy, various patches, Eastern medicine, and have been seen by neurologists as well as pain specialists acupuncturists and lastly podiatrists. The podiatrist found that it was small fiber neuropathy idiopathic by doing a biopsy about 1 in square above my ankle on the inner side of my left foot. I mention that because she was the first one to do a successful biopsy. She said that the measurements were standards. I had had a punch biopsy which was not good for anything.
I am surprised you have not mentioned the supposed gold standards for neuropathy being gabapentin and Lyrica. I tried Lyrica once and had anaphylaxis. No more for me. I have read good and bad about both you decide. Good luck with your neuropathy mine started as heat and pain in the soles of my feet. It then progressed to pins and needles then to night pain twitching during the night having my toes curl feeling pain not feeling my toes and so on. Now I wear the most comfortable shoe I can find for me which is a crock.
I wish all of you IPN people lots of luck. My neuropathy has been with me for over 15 years.
Caryn

Hi Rachel,

Thanks so very much for your affirming words and for the links you provided. I really appreciate it.

I tried to go trout fishing yesterday on opening day here in Michigan. The water was very cold and the rocks were slippery. I was wearing waders, but goodness, gracious--my feet were so numb and cold. Kinda dangerous to try to feel the rocky bottom with occasional sunken logs and sinking sands. 🙂

Well, I survived what used to be second nature for me. I was determined not to let my fear keep me from doing what I wanted to do--and took the precautions necessary to be safe.

Thanks again for all the good words. Blessings on your journey and thank you for supporting so many other people along the way as a mentor.