I had right lower leg and foot neuropathy for the last 3 years. I am 73 yrs old. When I went on prednisone 40 mg (with a taper) for polymyalgia 6 weeks ago, my neuropathy disappeared. Now that I'm down to 6 mg of pred per day, the neuropathy has returned. To me, it is worth increasing my pred dose to be rid of the neuropathy despite the disadvantages associated with pred.
Welcome @bilbo3, It's good to hear the the prednisone has provided relief for your neuropathy symptoms as well as the polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). You are not alone with your PMR and neuropathy symptoms. You might want to scan through the list of other discussions to learn what others have shared. Here's a link to the search results that lists the discussions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=pmr%20and%20neuropathy.
You mentioned that you have been dealing with the neuropathy for the past 3 years. Did they mention possible causes for the neuropathy when you were diagnosed?
Does anyone know if an antiviral like Paxlovid can help alleviate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
I saw some comments on one of these discussion groups indicating it might.
I developed peripheral peripheral neuropathy almost three tears ago after my first dose of the covid vaccine and my second bout of mild covid-19.
Hi ALL,
I have been on a Chronic pain group and I ran across this one recently. I have had peripheral neuropathy for at least 12 years. At first it started with restless legs, then gradually started in my feet, burning, tingling then progressed to extreme burning,stabbing pain. my knees and my hands. I would cry and walk. Tylenol helped some, And just recently has progressed up to knees and hands. Finally went to an orthopedic pain Dr. He diagnosed me with peripheral neuropathy. I had an event that had me admitted to the hospital. During that visit a neurologist was checking me over and asked if I had taken gabapentin for the neuropothy. I was given a 300mg with a 50mg of tramadol, and had the best sleep I had had in years. so I started taking 300 mgs a day now I have progressed to 600mg 4 times a day, sometimes more, if I have to. That doesn't happen as much as it used to. But I always take a 50mg of tramadol with the gabapentin. I have tried taking it without the tramadol, with tylenol, but the gabapentin does not seem to work as well without the tramadol.
I am told that I have that I have peripheral neuropathy because of cervical neck surgery, nerve damage to my upper spinal cord because of bone spurs. And I have severe spinal stenosis in my lower back.. I have tried to get cymbalta that was prescribed by my present pain Dr, but since I do not have drug insurance, I could not afford it....$360 for month supply. The neuropothy gets worse at night. Many nights I cannot sleep even when taking meds. Walking seems to help, something about the pressure that seems to help/ Many times I cannot walk because I cannot feel my feet, that is usually when I have waited too long before taking my meds. I use a rolling walker most all the time, it helps when I cannot feel my feet, and my balance is very iffy. I feel so very bad for those who are suffering with this. Hope any of this sharing helps.
PEACE & LOVE..JJ
I am starting my 3rd year with neuropathy which started after
having sciatica . It affects my feet, the right worse than the left, I take
gabapentin at night witch helps, but many nights I have to attend to feet. I used to have to use ice for the pain but now I wake up with cold feet and use a warm
facecloth to warm the. up feet and use warm socks to sleep in. I rub my feet
and stipulate them. Lidocaine cream helps (over the counter .) Also lower. back
excersises which myPT suggets to help with ostero, stenosis and all the rest.
Walking a lot is not helpful for me and I can't drive very far. Otherwise I'm
independant and still can enjoy life.
Thanks for you information retarding using tramadol. STAY POSITIVE!!
I have peripheral neuropathy up to my knees and also in my hands. It’s getting worse and my doctors don’t help. Whenever I eat my legs get tight and feel like bricks. This all happened 3 years ago and I’m scared. I’ll be in a wheelchair soon it seems. Any help out there???
SoftWave therapy has received positive reviews from many patients, highlighting significant pain relief and improved mobility after treatment. I am one of them. It is not covered by insurance and offered by chiropractors.
My chiropractor did thermal imaging as one of the qualifying tests to show me that there was a lack of blood flow to my feet. Because of this the nerves are damaged. The Softwave therapy coupled with infrared lights and neuropathy foot bath using tens units are designed to create stem cells to heal blood vessels. Once the blood vessels are healed the nerves begin to heal. The severe burning in my feet subsided after 60 days. At the end of 90 days they will do another thermal image. I am not a doctor, I am just reporting that it worked for me and a treatment not offered by my medical doctor.
For some reason traditional medicine does not consider or inform patient about the risk a prescription drugs. My Dr said my neuropathy was due to my pre-diabetes while downplaying any other risk.
SoftWave therapy has received positive reviews from many patients, highlighting significant pain relief and improved mobility after treatment. I am one of them. It is not covered by insurance and offered by chiropractors.
My chiropractor did thermal imaging as one of the qualifying tests to show me that there was a lack of blood flow to my feet. Because of this the nerves are damaged. The Softwave therapy coupled with infrared lights and neuropathy foot bath using tens units are designed to create stem cells to heal blood vessels. Once the blood vessels are healed the nerves begin to heal. The severe burning in my feet subsided after 60 days. At the end of 90 days they will do another thermal image. I am not a doctor, I am just reporting that it worked for me and a treatment not offered by my medical doctor.
For some reason traditional medicine does not consider or inform patient about the risk a prescription drugs. My Dr said my neuropathy was due to my pre-diabetes while downplaying any other risk.
Thank you for this. information. I agree with you that even the neurologists
and pain mangement lead to nowhere. They said there was nothing do and said
only pain meds.
I will look into this therepy for a chiropracter that uses this treatment in my
area of Los Angeles.
I have peripheral neuropathy up to my knees and also in my hands. It’s getting worse and my doctors don’t help. Whenever I eat my legs get tight and feel like bricks. This all happened 3 years ago and I’m scared. I’ll be in a wheelchair soon it seems. Any help out there???
Hi kimmykat,
You must find a pain management doctor to prescribe methadone. Methadone was originally created for managing neuropathic pain (long before it was co-opted for other uses and even nefarious purposes). Find a doctor, have him/her start you on low doses, and your life will improve significantly. Reach out if you want. Rob
Now I feel like I am in the desperate stages of Sciatica.
Of course I am still suffering with PN, almost to my knees...isn't that enough?
There was a time where an injection helped, not the last two injections. Any exercises, or positions that anyone has discovered? Help is SO welcome!
Fala
I have idiopathic neuropathy and need some help. How do you use the TENS? I have one and could use it but don't know how and where to put it. Neuropathy has started up my legs. Would this help to stop it?
Thank you for any tips you can give me.
The Tens machines, i.e., Nooro, I think, feels good, as well as a Therapy Company known as "Nerve Renewal" which uses stronger tens machines, but they will not solve the problem. I have been going to therapy for 2 years and my pain will just get worse, but I stay ON MY FEET. KEEP MOVING. Try getting some "Barefoot" brand shoes, and the socks they advertise to help neuropathy, which make your feet feel like they are being massaged a little. I love my Barefoot shoes, they do run small though). I have to get up in the middle of the night, which is 4 am right now, to stretch and work out the pain that comes in the night. The lower the temperature outside, the worse the pain. Barometric pressure changes are not our friend. I have reduced my sugar intake, trying to eat more fruits and vegetables an only take Tylenol for pain. Vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex. I went to Cleveland Clinic and they believe in only good food and Vitamins. The pain medicines did not work for me, a zombie, not happening. I am still able to play golf and light pickleball, but would rather live all day long than have to go to bed. I can usually sleep pretty well after not sleeping for 3 nights. Stay as active as you can for as long as you can, and keep working out. Hope that helps.
Now I feel like I am in the desperate stages of Sciatica.
Of course I am still suffering with PN, almost to my knees...isn't that enough?
There was a time where an injection helped, not the last two injections. Any exercises, or positions that anyone has discovered? Help is SO welcome!
Fala
I suffered from sciatica in both legs for 20 years until I finally took the bait and had lower back surgery. The recovery was difficult and painful but it has been miraculous for me. No more sciatica at all. Find a good spine surgeon and look into it.
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Welcome @bilbo3, It's good to hear the the prednisone has provided relief for your neuropathy symptoms as well as the polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). You are not alone with your PMR and neuropathy symptoms. You might want to scan through the list of other discussions to learn what others have shared. Here's a link to the search results that lists the discussions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=pmr%20and%20neuropathy.
You mentioned that you have been dealing with the neuropathy for the past 3 years. Did they mention possible causes for the neuropathy when you were diagnosed?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsDoes anyone know if an antiviral like Paxlovid can help alleviate the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
I saw some comments on one of these discussion groups indicating it might.
I developed peripheral peripheral neuropathy almost three tears ago after my first dose of the covid vaccine and my second bout of mild covid-19.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am starting my 3rd year with neuropathy which started after
having sciatica . It affects my feet, the right worse than the left, I take
gabapentin at night witch helps, but many nights I have to attend to feet. I used to have to use ice for the pain but now I wake up with cold feet and use a warm
facecloth to warm the. up feet and use warm socks to sleep in. I rub my feet
and stipulate them. Lidocaine cream helps (over the counter .) Also lower. back
excersises which myPT suggets to help with ostero, stenosis and all the rest.
Walking a lot is not helpful for me and I can't drive very far. Otherwise I'm
independant and still can enjoy life.
Thanks for you information retarding using tramadol. STAY POSITIVE!!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI have peripheral neuropathy up to my knees and also in my hands. It’s getting worse and my doctors don’t help. Whenever I eat my legs get tight and feel like bricks. This all happened 3 years ago and I’m scared. I’ll be in a wheelchair soon it seems. Any help out there???
SoftWave therapy has received positive reviews from many patients, highlighting significant pain relief and improved mobility after treatment. I am one of them. It is not covered by insurance and offered by chiropractors.
My chiropractor did thermal imaging as one of the qualifying tests to show me that there was a lack of blood flow to my feet. Because of this the nerves are damaged. The Softwave therapy coupled with infrared lights and neuropathy foot bath using tens units are designed to create stem cells to heal blood vessels. Once the blood vessels are healed the nerves begin to heal. The severe burning in my feet subsided after 60 days. At the end of 90 days they will do another thermal image. I am not a doctor, I am just reporting that it worked for me and a treatment not offered by my medical doctor.
For some reason traditional medicine does not consider or inform patient about the risk a prescription drugs. My Dr said my neuropathy was due to my pre-diabetes while downplaying any other risk.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsThank you for this. information. I agree with you that even the neurologists
and pain mangement lead to nowhere. They said there was nothing do and said
only pain meds.
I will look into this therepy for a chiropracter that uses this treatment in my
area of Los Angeles.
Hi kimmykat,
You must find a pain management doctor to prescribe methadone. Methadone was originally created for managing neuropathic pain (long before it was co-opted for other uses and even nefarious purposes). Find a doctor, have him/her start you on low doses, and your life will improve significantly. Reach out if you want. Rob
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNow I feel like I am in the desperate stages of Sciatica.
Of course I am still suffering with PN, almost to my knees...isn't that enough?
There was a time where an injection helped, not the last two injections. Any exercises, or positions that anyone has discovered? Help is SO welcome!
Fala
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThe Tens machines, i.e., Nooro, I think, feels good, as well as a Therapy Company known as "Nerve Renewal" which uses stronger tens machines, but they will not solve the problem. I have been going to therapy for 2 years and my pain will just get worse, but I stay ON MY FEET. KEEP MOVING. Try getting some "Barefoot" brand shoes, and the socks they advertise to help neuropathy, which make your feet feel like they are being massaged a little. I love my Barefoot shoes, they do run small though). I have to get up in the middle of the night, which is 4 am right now, to stretch and work out the pain that comes in the night. The lower the temperature outside, the worse the pain. Barometric pressure changes are not our friend. I have reduced my sugar intake, trying to eat more fruits and vegetables an only take Tylenol for pain. Vitamin C, Vitamin B Complex. I went to Cleveland Clinic and they believe in only good food and Vitamins. The pain medicines did not work for me, a zombie, not happening. I am still able to play golf and light pickleball, but would rather live all day long than have to go to bed. I can usually sleep pretty well after not sleeping for 3 nights. Stay as active as you can for as long as you can, and keep working out. Hope that helps.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 ReactionsI suffered from sciatica in both legs for 20 years until I finally took the bait and had lower back surgery. The recovery was difficult and painful but it has been miraculous for me. No more sciatica at all. Find a good spine surgeon and look into it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction