Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

I also donate to animal rescue groups. The horses must be beautiful. I, too, have neuropathy and I hang in there for my little dog, Patty. Without her, I would go crazy.

Hello to all of you. I just read all your posts. We’re all on a journey that we didn’t plan ahead for. For me it’s been about 10 yrs or more. Stared off with some pain issues in my left foot. Podiatrist said it was a neuroma. Tried injections & orthotics. No Help. Tried a different Podiatrist. Same results.
During all of this I’ve studied, read & investigated everything available. Pain increased. Started on Lyrica. Worked to some degree.
I purchased many different types of socks & footwear tinking I just had to get the right ones. Pain increased & was now effecting my right foot as well.
I’ve always been active in many fitness related activities.
But now I felt like I was benched for the rest of the game. Pain levels increased along with other symptoms.
Finally this past August I saw a very sharp & knowledgeable Neurologist. She took into account all of my experiences & completed an extensive examination. Including a full assessment of multiple blood tests. Prescribed an EMG Test. Finally received a diagnosis. Large Fiber Poly Motor Sensor PN. Started taking Gabapentine. Noted some improvements.
It’s been a long journey up to now. But at least I now know what I’m up against. I’m not a quitter & in for the fight.

Well, I’ve said my story all over the place. With a lot of different groups here in these chat rooms 2 1/2 years ago I didn’t know what neuropathy was, now I must say sadly I am well-versed in all of its complications. I learned about medicines. I’ve never heard of therapies than some cases. and in most cases, don’t do a damn thing. Hopefully, I have help open up discussions on the psychological effects of neuropathy, which I truly believe have an impact a very large impact on the physical aspects of this disease. We are all on a path, though different in many ways, the same, and it is my hope that someday there will be more answers than questions. I think I’m gonna take a break for a while cause real realistically not many of these post lift my spirits all the best I’ll be back.

My name is Rick. I’m 75 years old. I had major back surgery 3 years ago. I’ve had neuropathy in both legs from my knees down thru my feet. Until about 6 months ago I was able to walk on my own with no problems. It has now progressed to the point I can’t walk without a walker and only a few feet then before my legs give out. My wife puts me in a wheelchair to get me around stores and places. I’m in the process of having different images and test by a neurologist. It doesn’t look good. Anyone have this situation?

Welcome Rick @rjack6618, I know it must be difficult for you having lost mobility to the point where you need a wheelchair. That is one of the things I worry about a lot with my neuropathy even though I don't have any pain, just the numbness. You mentioned you are in the process of having different images and testing done by a neurologist. Does your doctor think you have additional spinal nerve damage affecting your ability to walk?

I think they are looking for that possibility. I had a back X-ray to check the hardware from my back surgery 3 years ago. I’ve completed an EMG on my lower legs. I’ve completed an MRI on my neck because I had throat cancer 17 years ago and went through 48 radiation therapy on my neck. Last thing I have to do is a Mylogram CT which I’m doing on the 19th. Then I will see the Neurosurgeon to discuss the results of all the images. I am using an Ellipse machine daily as much as I have the energy for. I still can’t walk without the walker but it does keep my swelling down.

My name is Laura. I have autonomic neuropathy and today is not such a good day for me. I am frustrated by my doctors' approach to my plight or lack thereof. Hope you are getting good care and have folks you can lean on. Never in my life did I think I would have to deal with something like this. Let me know what you do to bring a smile to your face.

I too have realized that I can’t longer dip into a very warm Hot Tub. My feet just can’t stand it to long. So a short dip to help relieve other muscle areas after a strength work is ok. Anything more that is asking for trouble.
Good luck.

Hello Laura.
So very sorry for frustration. Other than those of us in this elite group of PN sufferers, it’s hard to explain the incredible frustration & pain we have. My experience is very similar as yours. To many doctors to count. My PCP & several podiatrists all pointed to other root causes. Finally found a very sharp & knowledgeable neurologist this past August.
She identified the cause. Idiopathic large fiber poly PN. FINALLY HAVE A REAL DIAGNOSIS.

What do I do? I do the best I can really live on a farm. Spent a lot of time with my animals. Try to keep engaged. Try to appreciate every day that doesn’t hurt as much of the day before. Take a lot of medication.L i’m trying not to let myself get to ahead of myself