Replies to Hi John, You’re correct about the Gabapentin. I’ve continued on with Gabapentin for the six months…

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Looking to connect with people who have non-diabetic neuropathy

Neuropathy | Last Active: Jul 14 1:33pm | Replies (960)

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@kenhassen

Hi John,
You’re correct about the Gabapentin. I’ve continued on with Gabapentin for the six months suggested by my neurologist, but will eventually drop it, since pain isn’t really an issue with me. As for the Alpha Lipoic Acid; I’m really unsure; if it is a help, but stay on it since it may possibly assist in the progression of further numbness? As for shoes, flats seem better for short distances. For anything more than a few blocks, I use Sketchers, since the increased distance from the sole of my foot to the surface of the pavement seems to partially reduce the sensation of complete numbness. The downside is the potential for imbalance and unsteadiness on my feet, which is why I use 2 canes. I’ve tried trekking sticks, and sometimes use them. I’ve accumulated a real collection of walking aids, but my overall favorite are left & right tekescoping canes with built in palm rests, which more evenly distributes hand stability, because of hand numbness.
-Ken Hassen, 7/10/24.

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Replies to "Hi John, You’re correct about the Gabapentin. I’ve continued on with Gabapentin for the six months..."

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jul 11 7:41am

Sketchers have always been my go to shoes until I started wearing the Xero shoes and then needed more cushion when walking any distance. I found that I like the convenience of the hands free OrthoFeet Shoes but they are a little more spendy.

I also have been taking supplements including R-Alpha Lipoic Acid since 2016 and do feel that they have slowed and possibly stopped the progression but don't know for sure. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/. The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of supplements that have been shown to help neuropathy in their complementary and alternative treatments document that might be helpful - https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments-Revised-2020-final.-1.pdf.

I may have to take a look at using a left and right cane like you mentioned. I have been thinking about a rollator type walker that supports your arms and helps keep you more upright when walking. One of my other issues besides neuropathy that makes walking difficult is the forward leaning when walking related to something like bent spine syndrome.