Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

It's so true, @thetillmanthetillman: We all have different symptoms, yet something of value to share.

My PN is all about balance (poor balance, that is). I've no pain. Reading others' posts taught me a much-needed lesson: "Consider yourself fortunate, Ray, that your PN doesn't give you pain. Others here are in excruciating pain."

It took me a while to realize how fortunate I am. I may not have pain today, but tomorrow? That's anyone's guess. These days, I always try to remind myself: There, but for the grace of a glacially slow progression of my PN, go I.

My best to you, @thetillmanthetillman!
Ray (@ray666)

About 15 years ago, I got off a plane in Singapore and experienced extreme foot pain..hopped around
Asia for a couple of months ,,meeting tsunami survivors, and old volunteer friends...after returning home
a local MD said I had gout....months later a new family doctor recommended me to a neurologist,,he told me
I had neuropathy ,,,,and I asked what that was..his answer was short...nerve pain and it will get worse.. I
Didn`t like that answer, so as many folks do, I went on a voyage...tens, blue lazer, acupuncture ,,acupressure,
and any other option available...plus a basket full of drugs. In the early years the pain, cold, hot, needles and
twisting of the feet were almost unbearable ,After a few years the following was recommended to me ,,,which allowed me to function...almost
normally...rating pain from 0 to ten,,,I was an 8...and this medicine gave me about a 2 rating...
Pregabalin 2hundred mg at noon and 8pm
6mg hydromorph Contin ( slow release) at 7am and 7pm
I know the I have probably became addicted to the hydromorph after all these years, but it has allowed
me to continue with life in a relatively normal fashion.....

My neuropathy is robbing me of my balance and strength in my legs. I have been using a sit down elliptical machine hoping it would help. Your thoughts?

I suffer from foot neuropathy
Is there help for me short of drugs ?

Welcome @2441tennesse, That is a question many of us have asked. There really is no cure but there are many different treatments members have used to help relieve the pain symptoms from neuropathy. Here's a search link for Connect using the phrase "neuropathy what helps". It lists many discussions and member comments if you want to scan through them - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=neuropathy+what+helps.

You might also find the list of complementary and alternative treatments listed on the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy site helpful as a starting point for learning more - https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments-Revised-2020-final.-1.pdf.

Have you been diagnosed with a specific type of neuropathy?

I also use a sit down elliptical machine to keep my leg strength up. Anything you can do to keep moving is a good thing. You might find this reference helpful:

-- Webinar: Physical Exercise and Peripheral Neuropathy
https://www.foundationforpn.org/webinar-physical-exercise-and-peripheral-neuropathy/

THANKS. I JUST ORDERED HEMP EMU WHICH WAS RATED @1 IN CONSUMER REVIEWS. i'LL LET YOU KNOW IF IT HELPS

Hi All I'm recently diagnosed with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy and struggling. I have spinal stenosis and or disc degeneration. A lot of my discomfort comes on throughout and as the day progresses. Different movements as well as sitting can bring on much worse symptoms. Am I a candidate for laminectomy?

Welcome @darrenp, Sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with idiopathic PN along with spinal stenosis. I have idiopathic small fiber PN and also have degenerative disc disease but so far I can manage my situation. I'm not sure any of us here on Connect can answer your question of being a candidate for a laminectomy. That's a conversation to have with a specialist along with a doctor that knows all of your medical history and background.

There is another discussion started by @jenniferhunter that members with similar symptoms have found helpful.
-- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
You might find it helpful to read through the other discussions and comments on a laminectomy. Here's a link to the discussions and comments - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=Laminectomy

John,
You've replied to my first comment on at a support group and I want you to know how grateful I am that you're doing this work? Thank you, Thank you! I'll check those links. best