Doctor recommendation for PN in northern New Jersey

Posted by njgeorge @njgeorge, Mar 3 11:07am

Can anyone recommend a doctor in North Jersey area for peripheral neuropathy?

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@njgeorge

Thanks brother! I truly appreciate your help, expertise and experience with this whole situation. I think I'll add some more exercises to my leg workout, there's a ton of different machines at the gym and I will incorporate them into my workout. I wish I could do upper body like I used to, but I have cervical spinal stenosis and some herniated discs and degenerative disc disease in my neck. So I've got to be super careful with upper body movements. I first noticed occasional twitching in my fingers in the fall of 2019. Spring of 2024 they did an EMG test on my hands and fingers and arms and diagnose me with axonal sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy. My feet and legs felt fine. My neurologist said there's nothing that we can do for it. Recently I've started having strange feelings in my feet and lower legs. Sometimes I will feel like a hot needle stabbing me in the foot. Sometimes just an ache. Sometimes my feet feel just really strange, like almost cold or something. Once or twice I had the feeling like the feeling of someone plucking a guitar string in my leg, maybe that's the nerve twitching and acting weird. I called neurologists that were on the peripheral neuropathy Foundation website. It's like a six or seven months wait to see them. I did find one that will see me in about a week and a half. The secretary claims that they see patients with neuropathy, I guess I'll find out if they have any suggestions or help for me in any way. If it's not too much trouble, is there any chance you can give me some guidance as far as nutrition? Foods that are good? Foods to avoid? Supplements that are good? Supplements to avoid? About 3 weeks ago I changed my diet to a non-inflammatory diet by cutting out most seed oils, replacing them with extra virgin olive oil avocado oil. I'm eating walnuts salmon, tuna, sardines fruits and veggies and whole grains and trying to eat as little sugar and crappy stuff is possible. Thanks again for your help fbw, you are much more helpful than some doctors lol!

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Never felt that I could truly regulate my diet without regular compromise. I like to eat what I like to eat. OTOH find salt a big negative. Sugar NG as well cheese. And alcohol is a no no.

I’m on vitamins A, B6/12, C, E, Manganesium. Couldn’t tell you if they really work. Read they’re beneficial but wouldn’t swear by them. I keep taking, maybe they help.

I am on Gabapentin 1100 daily and helps. I tried to cut back on occasion for it makes me more forgetful than I wish, but every time.. bang, increased pain.

Also find that Voltaren helps on occasion applying before bed on arches mostly. Helps.

Also I sleep with my feet on a pillow.

Believe you’ve pretty much drained me of possibly positive suggestions.

Wish you luck and remain here for any other questions you may have.

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@fbw57

I’m in Montclair. Yourself?

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Omg! Montville

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In reply to @njgeorge "Omg! Montville" + (show)
@njgeorge

Omg! Montville

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Montclair is so cool! Like Hoboken without all the extra traffic!

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@fbw57

Never felt that I could truly regulate my diet without regular compromise. I like to eat what I like to eat. OTOH find salt a big negative. Sugar NG as well cheese. And alcohol is a no no.

I’m on vitamins A, B6/12, C, E, Manganesium. Couldn’t tell you if they really work. Read they’re beneficial but wouldn’t swear by them. I keep taking, maybe they help.

I am on Gabapentin 1100 daily and helps. I tried to cut back on occasion for it makes me more forgetful than I wish, but every time.. bang, increased pain.

Also find that Voltaren helps on occasion applying before bed on arches mostly. Helps.

Also I sleep with my feet on a pillow.

Believe you’ve pretty much drained me of possibly positive suggestions.

Wish you luck and remain here for any other questions you may have.

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Thanks for the feedback fbw! I'm a rookie, a newbie, I need all the help I can get! Is there any chance that you have a doctor who actually has a clue? I can use one.
BTW, what type of Neuropathy do you have?

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@njgeorge

Thanks for the feedback fbw! I'm a rookie, a newbie, I need all the help I can get! Is there any chance that you have a doctor who actually has a clue? I can use one.
BTW, what type of Neuropathy do you have?

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Peripheral neuro.

Unfortunately no doc I have to recommend. Neurologist I’ve been to more interested in ending visit than helping with any discussion of possible pain med assist. Pain meds from any doctor except perhaps psych I find near impossible Most others talk physical therapy and adios.

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@njgeorge Hey George, it's me....NJEd. I did not notice your original post. I see that you have received lots of good information from fellow PNer's. What caught by attention was the "Thanks brother" response....I said wait a minute, that sounds familiar. You are on the right track, getting as much info as possible. Knowledge about your PN as I mentioned before is the key. You may not find out the why as many of us experience but any avail treatment plans, supplements could help. Contact me when you have time. Ed

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@fbw57

Have PN and find that rigorous exercise… bike, treadmill and leg weight exercises… brings pain relief along with improved balance. If issues prevent exercise for a few days or more, returning to gym brings relief. Have to push your way through. Good luck!

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Good to know about exercise. I just got a prescription for PT and are worried about exercise at this point of my PN. I will keep your thoughts in mind about pushing thru. I am also frustrated about the lack of concern my neurologist showed after finally seeing her after a 6 month wait. She asked me to make a follow up visit for 6 mos! I am not sure why she also is asking me to do testing if we arent going to meet to review findings. If they know they arent either qualified to treat PN or are t interested why dont they refer you to a neurologist who is???

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At this point really don’t know what a neurologist can do or will do except for Epidural. . May (sometimes doesn’t) occasionally help though limited annually.
IMO that’s about it. Six months wait? What a joke.

So far for me at 83, pretty intensive leg workout and 1000mg gaba providing acceptable relief from pain and numbness.

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@njed

@njgeorge Hey George, it's me....NJEd. I did not notice your original post. I see that you have received lots of good information from fellow PNer's. What caught by attention was the "Thanks brother" response....I said wait a minute, that sounds familiar. You are on the right track, getting as much info as possible. Knowledge about your PN as I mentioned before is the key. You may not find out the why as many of us experience but any avail treatment plans, supplements could help. Contact me when you have time. Ed

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Thanks Ed, you know me too well lol! Good to hear from you, I'll reach out to you today brother!

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