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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Neuropathy | Last Active: 8 hours ago | Replies (6019)

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@johnbishop

Welcome @boho44, You might want to scan through the following discussion to learn what others have shared:
--- Axonal peripheral neuropathy: Finally, a diagnosis!: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/axonal-peripheral-neuropathy-finally-a-diagnosis/

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

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Replies to "Welcome @boho44, You might want to scan through the following discussion to learn what others have..."

"Finally, a diagnosis" certainly applies to me.
About 12 or 13 years ago I first noticed a slight tightening in my thigh muscles. I was still walking 2-3 miles a day for exercise. I used to walk faster than almost everyone else. Gradually, I found when I walked with someone else, I started having problems keeping up with them. I also have bad arthritis and have had several joint replacements. With each doctor I saw I mentioned the increasing tightness/weakness in my thighs. No doctor or therapist had a definitive answer. My walking kept getting harder and harder, yet no medical providers could tell me what was wrong with my legs.
After moving to a new town, I got a new doctor. She not only listened to me, she referred me to a neurologist. He examined a nerve conduction study I'd had done, he tested my strength and pain sensitivity, and spent a lot of time examining all my medical/hospital records. His conclusion: Axonal Peripheral Neuropathy. "Finally, a diagnosis!"
My present doctor sent me to a physical therapist who specializes in these problems. I went to her for several months. She also gave me a set of exercises, which I try to do every other day. They're not a cure, but they do seem to have slowed down the progression of the problem.
I'm still able to walk, though very slowly and not very far. For longer walks outside, I use a walker with a seat, so if my legs give out, I can sit down and rest.
I don't know what the future will be, but it is reassuring to at least know what is wrong with me. It's also reassuring to know that others have the same problem, and I can read about how they are coping with it on this website.