Hi @bamaanswerseeker,

I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled:

"Driving with Numb Feet."
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/driving-with-numb-feet-f/

Although it is a lengthy discussion, it has many members who shared their experiences with driving issues and neuropathy. @rivermaya34, @davidpn, @johnbishop and @rkjb1951 all shared their frustrations and what they have tried in regards to driving and their neuropathy.

Hello @bamaanswerseeker, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @JustinMcClanahan and others. I have numb feet with my neuropathy and what helps me are comfortable shoes with a flatter sole so they don't catch on the edge pedals. @steeldove mentioned using hand controls helps in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/157046/.

Another neuropathy patient shared a similar story to yours below. The article has a link at the bottom to information on hand controls - https://www.foundationforpn.org/driving-with-peripheral-neuropathy/.

You need to find a good orthopedic team at a reputable hospital.
Gabapentin may help.

Hi,
What type of gearbox is fitted and do you normally use both feet when driving?
I have gone to a double clutch semi autonomous vehicle which stops the vehicle when I gets too close to the one infront, at city speeds.
For automatic gearboxes plant your left foot on the foot rest besides the brake pedal and keep it firmly planted there. I have a velco loop fitted over the foot rest to slip my left foot into, keeping it there. Now use the right foot only to operate both accelerator or brake as needed. When stationary take the gearbox out of drive and use the park brake to prevent rolling, retuning the right foot to the accelerator position. I tend to use the side wall or tunnel of the vehicle, LHD or RHD, to slide my foot down onto the accelerator. This way you get used to the right foot always being at the accelorator position and it becomes second nature, the right foot has no option but to stay where it is.
When the neuropathy starts to become a problem in both feet, maybe look into hand controls being fitted.
Cheers

Thank you so much. I needed a hug. For months doctors got a vague look when I discussed this, and one said this was easy, just put the car into drive when I stop at redlight or have to pause - and went on to focus on disc in my back, another just skipped over it as if I never raised the issue. Your virtual hug means the world to me. Again, my thanks.

I recently had similar experiences following my lumbar surgery combined with my existing peripheral neuropathy. I went to physical therapy for 3 months in hopes of being able to drive again. Thankfully the P/T gave me back my ability to drive. Had that not been the case, I had already accepted it mentally & was looking in to retrofitting my car with hand controls rather that being stuck at home. I've had neuropathy 15 + years and now on my 3rd neurologist. I'm convinced after asking many questions that too little is know on the subject other than prescribe Gabapentin or Lyrica & tell you to come back in 3-6-9-12 months. All of which have provided no relief. Good luck !! I'm now at the point that I'm on pain pains constantly following my second laminectomy. They wanted me to have a spinal stimulator put in, but hell no to that. I have 3 acquaintances that would never agree to it if they had it to do over. At soon to be 81 years old, I'll just stick with the pain pills.

Hey there @bamaanswerseeker, glad to have you here with us! Welcome! My heart goes out to you in so many ways... the frustrations with Dr's not understanding, no relief, physical impingements, the mental game that goes along with it all, and so much more. I'm pretty young still and my struggles (which are many & complex) started nearly 15 years ago now, but I haven't given up. Maybe that's all the Irish in me, who knows lol. I've had to roll with all the changes in health, accept the "new normal" (which constantly changes) and acquired many Dr's along the way - some good, bad, helpful, wonderful, terrible and everything in between that. Honestly, it's all about perspective for me. There's going to be good and bad days, and I've had to figure out how to appropriately adjust, adapt (physically + my attitude) and be my own advocate. Thankfully, I gleaned a neurologist who's a saint and has earned that title. He's always thinking, researching and looking ahead; plus, he's very insightful and encouraging. Not your average "textbook" Dr. Anyhow, if you want to know more about my struggles, I'd be happy to share with you (either pm me or look on these boards somewhere) and give suggestions where I can. As for the struggle with driving, I have 0% feeling in all 4 limbs, so I have to make sure I'm paying attention and have my hand gripped a certain way so if control is lost, I have time to autocorrect, hopefully. Also, I'd agree with @johnbishop that a flatter shoe is more conducive. I've noticed if I wear my sandals it's much easier, whereas the lift on my tennis shoes provides too much "cushion," so-to-speak, so it feels like my leg is not even there wearing those. Another thing, I have learned to use different muscles (arms + legs) and different parts of my limbs doing different daily things (including driving), which has been helpful. Had to get creative, but some of it was natural because my body just did that itself and my brain followed suit. When driving, I have a digital speedometer and I just have to pay more attention to my speed since I can't feel the pedal. Hand controls may be in my future, although maybe not if I end up moving to a country where they travel on camels LOL! 🙂 Sending hugs and good thoughts your way, friend! Hang in there! (Also, re: your Dr situation - they may give up on you, but don't give up on them! That is key.)