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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
Neuropathy | Last Active: 18 hours ago | Replies (6208)Comment receiving replies
I am new to the forum but long experienced with peripheral neuropathy affecting both legs equally the past 15 years due to over use of alcohol. Initially, impacting only both feet with slight numbness, it has progressed in intensity but still sensitive to feeling the car's brake and accelerator. Gradually, the numbness (nerve death?) has extended up both legs to mid-calf but no pain involved. I am 85 years old and concerned with a prognosis impacting my driving ability and physical mobility. Under doctor's supervision, I take one 100 mg stabilized R-Lipoic acid tablet and one super vitamin B-complex daily that seems to ease numbness and slow advance. A host of Facebook ads tout a variety of "miracle cures" that tempt me but are resisted. This site confirms that most are scams. Successful treatment is rare and highly variable per individual. Is there hope for some future, effective treatment?
Replies to "I am new to the forum but long experienced with peripheral neuropathy affecting both legs equally..."
Good morning, dgjestson (@dgjestson)
Your history and symptoms match mine almost to a T. I'm 79 (soon to be 80). I also was a drinker, but since I quit well over 30 years ago, my drinking has never been positively linked to my PN. Mine is large-fiber, so no pain, but bothersome balance. My feet, like yours, are still sensitive to my Jeep's pedals; however, not wanting to wait until there is a progression in my PN, I'm right now looking into getting trained to use hand controls. I aim to get certified and have the controls onboard by early March as a sensible driving alternative.
My very best to you!
Ray (@ray666)
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Hello @dgjestson, Welcome to Connect. I am 81 and on my way to 82 this April. My story is very similar to yours. Progression and driving have been my driving force (no pun intended!) to learn more about anything that can help slow, stop, reverse my symptoms since there really is no cure. My greatest hope has been stem cell therapy but I don't think it will happen in my lifetime. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy also has a list of supplements that have shown to help neuropathy. The list is included in their document Complementary and Alternative Treatments here - https://www.foundationforpn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Complementary-and-Alternative-Treatments-Revised-2020-final.-1.pdf.
Hoping you have great 2025 and continue to keep your neuropathy at bay! There are many members with neuropathy experience here on Connect that have shared what has helped them. Searching is really easy here on Connect. Have you tried using the search function on Connect?