1. < Neuropathy

New Kid on the block with several questions

Posted by sarg @sarg, Jan 5 6:09pm

I was diagnosed with RA 4+ years ago and put onto methotrexate. RA has been in remission since that time. In the last 4 months I developed Neuropathy affecting my feet. I am 78 years young.
Questions:
1. When I go to bed, I lay awake for about 3-4 hours while my feet and calves tingle and feel like somebody is rubbing the bottom of my feet with sandpaper. Occasionally my foot jumps. Anyone know how to overcome this and get more than 4 hours of sleep at night?
2. Who is better to treat Neuropathy? My GP or my rheumatologist?
Thanks for any suggestions that you may have.

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

mrstigger49 | @mrstigger49 | Jan 16 10:54am

My Small Fiber Neuropathy affects my hands and feet and my Post Shingles Neuropathy (my left side & back). Both are Treated with Lyrica. If I try to stop Lyrica it’s pretty unbearable - so for me :Lyrica!
I have a Neurologist at UCH who sees me yearly now unless an issue pops up but I’m under my Family Medicine docs care, mostly.
Ha Ha … I do have every type specialist to visit every 6 months or yearly… I’m 75, after all! Ha Ha…😊
Both Standing & Chair Yoga helps me in mind & body.
Blessings. I wish you well. M

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | Jan 16 11:11am

I'd ask your PCP to refer you to a neurologist. You my end up being prescribed GabaPentin or PreGabalin/Lyrica.

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arflmi33 | @arflmi33 | Jan 17 7:54am

It would be good to see a neurologist to better find out what is going on and possibly to get some meds. In the meantime you could try a magnesium lotion on the areas that are tingling, burning etc. There are many available on Amazon. I use the lotion by Life-Flo as it is hypoallergenic and my sensitive skin does not mind it. The lotion helps me a lot. Also things that have helped me are getting out of bed and walking around barefoot on the carpet for 5 or 10 minutes, or using a foot massager for 10 minutes. There are supplements that can help and prescription meds but IMHO it would be good to talk with a doctor about what is safe to take or not. This web group also has a lot of posts on what to do and/or use at night, as unfortunately the tingling and burning at night, with lack of sleep, seems to be pretty.
universal. In my case I use the magnesium lotion at night and take Rx gabapentin only at night.

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1 reply
marthadean | @marthadean | Jan 17 11:44am

try your neurologist

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duquer | @duquer | Jan 18 2:55pm

Have you heard about the new Sanexas therapy for neuropathy pain? ? I started the Sanexas treatment for neuropathy pain in January of last year. I have had really good results. I have written a story about my experience and would gladly share it with anyone. Please let me know.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/645606/

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ellie1939 | @ellie1939 | Jan 18 5:53pm
In reply to @arflmi33 "It would be good to see a neurologist to better find out what is going on..." + (show)
@arflmi33

It would be good to see a neurologist to better find out what is going on and possibly to get some meds. In the meantime you could try a magnesium lotion on the areas that are tingling, burning etc. There are many available on Amazon. I use the lotion by Life-Flo as it is hypoallergenic and my sensitive skin does not mind it. The lotion helps me a lot. Also things that have helped me are getting out of bed and walking around barefoot on the carpet for 5 or 10 minutes, or using a foot massager for 10 minutes. There are supplements that can help and prescription meds but IMHO it would be good to talk with a doctor about what is safe to take or not. This web group also has a lot of posts on what to do and/or use at night, as unfortunately the tingling and burning at night, with lack of sleep, seems to be pretty.
universal. In my case I use the magnesium lotion at night and take Rx gabapentin only at night.

Jump to this post

I am a young 85 and have had neuropathy for just a couple of years. I have been given gabapentin by my Dr. which I take nightly. I think it started with sciatica and other back issues related to osteoporosis. I have tried and
spent money on the vitamins promoted by hucksters on line. I went to a Neurologist who after reviewing the MRI called it riduculopathy. It affects my right foot more so than my left. I find avoiding certain foods and beverages
seem to help. I also have a PT doing deep tissue work on my back and legs,
and use soothing lotions on feet (IcyHot Lidocaine cream).
I think it's gradually improving.

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