Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Hi to all and don't give up. We ARE going to find things that are working for some and hopefully things that will work for us all. HANG IN THERE. Semper Fi

Hang in there folks. We are going to overcome!!! Semper Fi!!!

I no longer can walk in my home or anywhere bare footed any longer because of my neuropathy it feels like I am walking on GLASS.

I have had small fiber neuropathy for 25 years controlled with gabapentin 800 mg. 3 x daily plus exercise. Just had my first chemo and PN was quite severe plus balance issues. Does the PN pain get worse with each subsequent treatment?

It’s funny (not) how we’re all affected so differently that half us have cold feet, the other half hot… some can’t wear shoes & socks, and the others are like you & me, can’t walk barefoot because of the pain or difficulty.

I’m guessing you’ve spent time in the various shoes & socks discussions on here. In the end, I’ve been sticking with Thorlo socks type I found with extra heel & toe cushioning to walk around the house; I have to sleep in some too so I am easily get to the bathroom as needed during the night and to also serve to help not let my feet get cold. Advice on here got me to try Skechers shoes that have extra soft soles thick enough to give my feet the cushioned support I need for now, though I’ve learned PN will change how it affects us over time as well.

Do you have shoes and socks that work for you? I’d be interested in what you use to help with the “glass”.

Welcome Carol @carolmorrissey, Sorry to hear your chemo treatment has caused your neuropathy to get worse. There is another related discussion that you might find helpful to learn what others have shared.
-- Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: What helps get rid of it?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/chemotherapy-induced-neuropathy/
Have you discussed the PN and balance issues getting worse after the chemo with your doctor to see if they may have some suggestions to help with the side effects?

Nortriptyline does work. When my neuropathy was at its
worst the neurologist prescribed this for me also and it works. I’m on 50mg daily. It was the only drug that took the pain away. It does nothing for the numbness or the tingling though and I have yet to find something that does.

Hello @duaneh23 & SusanEllen66. I sure don't want to scare you away. However, I do want to tell you about my solution for PN feet. A few years ago, after crashing a few times, I went to visit a "Mephisto" store in San Diego. They only carry that brand. I was able to find 2 pairs of sandals on the sale rack. In fact, I haven't bought any sandals since then. And....these still look and feel quite new even though I am breaking records by wearing them almost every day.

Since I now live in Minnesota.....I will be looking for some winter styles soon. They are worth every penny (as long as they are on sale!). Have any of you found some Mephistos?
Chris

@artscaping
Yes indeed, but not on sale. Mine are very comfy as they should be for $300.
I bought them many years ago. Mine also are holding up well.
I was spending the night on a boat, and I fell down the stairs and ended up with plantar fasciitis. When I return to town, I went to shoe store and said I don't want to know the name or price of any shoes. I bought Maphisto, SAS shoes and New balance.

Hi, I am a 68 yo woman who lives in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area with peripheral neuropathy in my feet and legs for about 9 years now. (I am not diabetic -- 2 different docs insisted I test for that, but both times came up negative.) I have numbness, tingling and pain in my feet, and numbness and sometimes some very painful cramps in my legs at night. I struggle to find shoes that are comfortable -- in the summer, orthopedic sandals work, but athletic shoes are a real issue. I've tried lots of different shoes, and lots of different insoles. Ka-ching!! Currently waiting for my third try with a custom fit insole to arrive -- they made it twice and the sole was too hard, but this last pair will be made entirely of foam. I've been to so many different types of doctors and chiropractors with no relief. Looking at the supplements. I have a very clean, healthy and balanced diet. I have no interest in special supplement drinks that seem to be marketed by everyone on the internet! My next step may be a doctor who specializes in Integrative Medicine.