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Diagnosis: Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy and Restless Leg Syndrome
Male, just turned 78 and in what I consider pretty good physical and mental shape. Work out at gym regularly, Mediterranean diet, etc. My feet felt a little odd about a year ago - painful some nights, no problems daytime. Visited Podiatrist, my regular internist (who also specializes in geriatric medicine) and a Neurologist who specializes in neuropathy. All three did in-office reflex testing and first 2 said no to neuropathy while Neurologist said "didn't think so, but let's schedule you for an EMG and nerve conduction study (mild electric shocks) on your legs/feet.
Tests indicated the neuropathy and RLS.
I guess I was somewhat stunned. He asked if I had any questions and, quite frankly, at that point I didn't know or think of questions I should ask other than "should I continue on the Gabapentin my Internist recommended." He said "Yes" if that ha been helping you at night, which is has somewhat.
I have to admit that I am lost as to know what to do now. I am also panic-stricken as to my future. My Neurologist didn't suggest any follow up. Now that I have somewhat settled down I am not going to sit back and so say "Oh woe is me!" I've always been very proactive with my health and I want to continue with that attitude!
Your advice and experience would be a wonderful thing for me, thank you!
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I am an 80 year old female. Diagnosed with neuropathy about 3 years ago. I had all the test so it was confirmed and they put me on gabapentin. In the last couple of years I have reduced the gabapentin down to 300 mg only at night because that's the only time it bothers me is at night. I contend that the only reason why it may have not advanced further up my legs because I walk about 2 to 3 miles a day, of course that depends on the weather so there are some days I'm not able to walk. Those are the days that I feel more pain in my feet at night when I'm trying to sleep. So my treatment, has been 300 mg gabapentin and trying to walk as much as possible.
I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Poly Neuropathy in my feet and lower legs several years ago, and like you, I experience more pain in my feet than the numbness and tingling. The numbness is still there, it causes my balance issues, since I can't feel the bottom of my feet any more.
It is definitely frustrating. I'm taking 3600 mg of Gabapentin a day to help dull the pain, but it's only marginally helping.
I am sorry that you and so many others(like myself as well)have to go through such terrible pain. Perhaps, some day, the medical community will take our plight more seriously and come up with more comprehensive answers to the pain we suffer.
3600 mg of gabapentin! I thought that my 1800 mg was a lot. Didn’t your doctor feel reluctant to prescribe that much for you?
Keep well!
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1 ReactionHi i am male 79 and also have pn and r leg trouble one thing that helps me at night was something an accupurnist advised me get up get into the shower put tap on cold ans drence both legs and feet for 2 or 3 mins then gradually move to warm not roasting warm just warm dry off this helps get the circulation going and helps me get back for some more sleep i also weae compression socks in bed i also aa iv posted b4 use compression boots on both legs foe 60 mins b 4 bed all of these things may not work for everyone ? But qorth a try im on amptidripline does it work i dont know helps me keep a bit relaxed perhaps but i feel we all must keep trying personaly i know that none of these things will not stop pn during the day aa when we are out we are out as it were but they help me get through the long long sleepless nights james irwlabd
James ireland sorry