My pain management doctor prescribed tramadol for chronic back pain. I took one of those things and tossed them in the trash! WAY stronger than anything I want to take! Made post surgery oxy seem like candy!
Tramadol gave me one of the worst headaches ever in the hospital. It took a day or two to figure out the tranquil was the source. So much less pain when I stopped taking it.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Yes!! It is so hard to remain upright and pay attention to your posture with neuropathy and almost any other kind of pain. Because of my back pain, I start out upright but 10 minutes into a walk, I am finding myself leaning more and more. We can only try to do our best! Thank you so much for all of the helpful information on neuropathy. I appreciate it very much and hope you are finding your days easier to get through as each passes.
Tramadol gave me one of the worst headaches ever in the hospital. It took a day or two to figure out the tranquil was the source. So much less pain when I stopped taking it.
It may have been the worst drug I’ve ever taken. I felt like a zombie for four days after just one dose. The only thing good about it is that you don’t need more than one to realize if it’s not for you!
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 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.
John,
I’ll check out your earlier posts. I’ve thought about a rollerator also, but I’m trying to minimize any additional in and out of the car equipment effort, wherever possible. So for this, if standing erect during movement becomes an effort, I will revert to trekking poles first. However,sSomething that I’ve worked on, and is working somewhat OK forme, is to extend the length of my canes by a single notch, one notch at a time, until I am able to eventually stand somewhat erect. I then concentrate on looking straight ahead as I walk, striving to pick up my feet at least 1-2 inches off of the ground while concentrating on always touching down each advancing step heel first, then toe. Tripping most often occurs for me when I shuffle a step and/or touch down to the floor with a toe first.
Getting into the habit of doing this is difficult with one cane, where I tend to use the cane somewhat as a weight bearing device, than a balancing assist. With two canes, especially canes with palm rests, I am able to shift their use more towards a slower, but steadier, more deliberate, erectness. It’s much slower and it ain’t easy, but works in keeping me somewhat safer and more erect…
I have never been diagnosed with Neuropathy. My Dr. tells me I cannot have it, since I do not have diabetes. But has never told me what it might be. This has been going on for possibly 15 years. I recently discovered benadryl can cause neuropathy. I have taken it for years. Since I found out about it, I stopped it. I used it to help me sleep - WRONG!! But a nurse told me if it helps, go ahead. The pain is much worse when I am lying down. Mornings are really hard, but when I get up, it is somewhat better. I do not have any numbness - yet. My only help has been prayer. I am 94 next month so don't do a lot of walking. -
I have never been diagnosed with Neuropathy. My Dr. tells me I cannot have it, since I do not have diabetes. But has never told me what it might be. This has been going on for possibly 15 years. I recently discovered benadryl can cause neuropathy. I have taken it for years. Since I found out about it, I stopped it. I used it to help me sleep - WRONG!! But a nurse told me if it helps, go ahead. The pain is much worse when I am lying down. Mornings are really hard, but when I get up, it is somewhat better. I do not have any numbness - yet. My only help has been prayer. I am 94 next month so don't do a lot of walking. -
@pattiposky1930
Your doctor is mistaken. Many of us have Peripheral Neuropathy and are not diabetic.
If you have been having pain for 15 years, and no numbness I would guess that it’s not Neuropathy. I’m not a doctor, however I have had neuropathy for almost 10 years. Pain with numbness are the hallmarks of the disease.
Could your pain be caused by arthritis ?
Praying is absolutely the best way to handle the pain. Psalm 121 is my comfort.
@SusanEllen66
I've had Neuropathy for at least 35 years and I think its been 38 years but whatever it is my numbness didn't come until many years later. All the various horrible pain sensations and limited ability to walk very far. As my Neuropathy progressed the pain diminished and even went away and was replaced by numbness. My Neuropathy is stage 4 and permanent. Although it continues to progress. I now have bladder, bowel, ED, worse balance problems, diminished lack of sensation from my waist down and increasing muscle weakness but physical therapy helps with that.
Take care,
Jake
My neurologist prescribed 20 mg. of nortriptyline. I have sensory neuropathy, i.e., burning of lower legs and feet. It has relieved my pain 95%. I am thrilled.
The doctor said "Fantastic!! When it works it works........
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Tramadol gave me one of the worst headaches ever in the hospital. It took a day or two to figure out the tranquil was the source. So much less pain when I stopped taking it.
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2 ReactionsSketchers 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.
Have a great day!
John
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4 ReactionsLove my trekking poles! Looks much cooler than a cane!
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2 ReactionsYes!! It is so hard to remain upright and pay attention to your posture with neuropathy and almost any other kind of pain. Because of my back pain, I start out upright but 10 minutes into a walk, I am finding myself leaning more and more. We can only try to do our best! Thank you so much for all of the helpful information on neuropathy. I appreciate it very much and hope you are finding your days easier to get through as each passes.
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2 ReactionsIt may have been the worst drug I’ve ever taken. I felt like a zombie for four days after just one dose. The only thing good about it is that you don’t need more than one to realize if it’s not for you!
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4 ReactionsJohn,
I’ll check out your earlier posts. I’ve thought about a rollerator also, but I’m trying to minimize any additional in and out of the car equipment effort, wherever possible. So for this, if standing erect during movement becomes an effort, I will revert to trekking poles first. However,sSomething that I’ve worked on, and is working somewhat OK forme, is to extend the length of my canes by a single notch, one notch at a time, until I am able to eventually stand somewhat erect. I then concentrate on looking straight ahead as I walk, striving to pick up my feet at least 1-2 inches off of the ground while concentrating on always touching down each advancing step heel first, then toe. Tripping most often occurs for me when I shuffle a step and/or touch down to the floor with a toe first.
Getting into the habit of doing this is difficult with one cane, where I tend to use the cane somewhat as a weight bearing device, than a balancing assist. With two canes, especially canes with palm rests, I am able to shift their use more towards a slower, but steadier, more deliberate, erectness. It’s much slower and it ain’t easy, but works in keeping me somewhat safer and more erect…
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsI have never been diagnosed with Neuropathy. My Dr. tells me I cannot have it, since I do not have diabetes. But has never told me what it might be. This has been going on for possibly 15 years. I recently discovered benadryl can cause neuropathy. I have taken it for years. Since I found out about it, I stopped it. I used it to help me sleep - WRONG!! But a nurse told me if it helps, go ahead. The pain is much worse when I am lying down. Mornings are really hard, but when I get up, it is somewhat better. I do not have any numbness - yet. My only help has been prayer. I am 94 next month so don't do a lot of walking. -
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Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@pattiposky1930
Your doctor is mistaken. Many of us have Peripheral Neuropathy and are not diabetic.
If you have been having pain for 15 years, and no numbness I would guess that it’s not Neuropathy. I’m not a doctor, however I have had neuropathy for almost 10 years. Pain with numbness are the hallmarks of the disease.
Could your pain be caused by arthritis ?
Praying is absolutely the best way to handle the pain. Psalm 121 is my comfort.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@SusanEllen66
I've had Neuropathy for at least 35 years and I think its been 38 years but whatever it is my numbness didn't come until many years later. All the various horrible pain sensations and limited ability to walk very far. As my Neuropathy progressed the pain diminished and even went away and was replaced by numbness. My Neuropathy is stage 4 and permanent. Although it continues to progress. I now have bladder, bowel, ED, worse balance problems, diminished lack of sensation from my waist down and increasing muscle weakness but physical therapy helps with that.
Take care,
Jake
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsMy neurologist prescribed 20 mg. of nortriptyline. I have sensory neuropathy, i.e., burning of lower legs and feet. It has relieved my pain 95%. I am thrilled.
The doctor said "Fantastic!! When it works it works........
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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