Newly diagnosed with Neuropathy - Advice?

Posted by Janet @duh1eye, Aug 22 12:24pm

I’ve been following this very informative Neuropathy Support Group since April, when I began experiencing numbness in my feet, and paresthesia of my (mostly lower) legs. I didn’t want to post until I had a diagnosis, which I’ve just received: mild sensorimotor length-dependent large fiber peripheral neuropathy. Fortunately, my condition is mild, and likely slow in progressing, but as I go forward, I want to know about, and do everything possible to stay healthy, and to prevent further symptoms (don’t we all!). I’ve read, and have learned from, many of your helpful comments, but as being newly diagnosed, I would like to reach out to ask you what you wish you had known or done differently as you began of your own journey with peripheral neuropathy. I know this is a very broad inquiry, and each one of you has a different story, but it would be great to get any pearls of wisdom you may want to share. Thank you for your support!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

kenny449 | @kenny449 | Aug 30 12:15pm

In reply to @johnbishop "It kind of sounds like sciatica pain. "Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path..." + (show)

It's not sciatica,I had that on my left side for 30yrs,this pain is different,this pain stops above my knee and the pain stays in my quad,with sciatica the pain went down to my foot

maxwell2013 | @maxwell2013 | Aug 31 5:17pm

When I was in the icu for an extended period of time I developed severe muscle weakness - I couldn’t walk and needed a machine to stand me up.. I developed neuropathy and still have some numbness and foot drop, well toe drop actually.
My neuropathy got 1,000 times better fairly quickly when I started using a Foot Massager Mat that my physical therapist recommended- it sells on Amazon for around 30.00 and it’s amazing !!!! It comes with the charger-simply place it in the floor, place your feet on the footprints( sitting ) and press the type of massage you want- please give it a try

centre | @centre | Sep 1 9:19am

In reply to @jsb932l "Forget it, you are screwed. No cure, just try to keep moving and don't fall down." + (show)

I’m still laughing here 🤣🤣🤣

bettyg81pain | @bettyg81pain | Sep 9 6:58am

In reply to @kenny449 "It's not sciatica,I had that on my left side for 30yrs,this pain is different,this pain stops..." + (show)

What did you do for ur sciatic?

nct12 | @nct12 | Sep 10 10:51am

I have gone through 12 sessions of laser therapy. So far I am not seeing any results. Has anyone else had this type of therapy and if so, I’d like to know if you did or did not receive any benefits. Thank you.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Sep 10 11:37am

In reply to @nct12 "I have gone through 12 sessions of laser therapy. So far I am not seeing any..." + (show)

Welcome @nct12, There are quite a few discussions and comments on laser therapy for neuropathy. Here is a link to the list of discussions and comments if you want to scan through them while you wait for members following this discussion to respond - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=laser%20therapy%20for%20neuropathy.

Do you mind sharing a little more about your diagnosis and any treatments you have tried?

jfn | @jfn | Sep 11 7:04am

In reply to @nct12 "I have gone through 12 sessions of laser therapy. So far I am not seeing any..." + (show)

Hi @nct12 ,
I had cold laser therapy and it worked. There are so many factors involved on why it does or does not work. Diet and exercise are key components too. I have written about it a couple times it might come up with a search. I will answer questions, I just need to go out the door.

JFN

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | Sep 11 8:59am

In reply to @nct12 "I have gone through 12 sessions of laser therapy. So far I am not seeing any..." + (show)

OK, I have had lasers of varying colors shot on my back, my forehead(!?), and other places I can't remember. None have done any good. And, why should high energy light waves be expected to penetrate more than a few tenths of a millimeter into the skin? No more lasers for me.