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Gabapentin - being linked to increased risk of dementia
Neuropathy | Last Active: Oct 24, 2025 | Replies (63)Comment receiving replies
I'm 58. I am a diabetic since 2017 and peripheral neuropathy started with my feet (tingling, numb, painful nerve discomfort, etc..). Until this day(2025), I have been dealing with incurable, unmanageable, uncontrollable diabetes II and painful body peripheral neuropathy from feet, legs, waist and hands starting to become more and more numb especially feet as I have to wear two soft socks. And fell 5 times as legs went dead as no longer functioned properly. This was the most terrifying and scary feeling as I thought became suddenly paralyzed.
After all the doctors, neurologist, emergency rooms, hospitals, etc.. , plus prescribed medications (PR gabapentin/gabapentin, Juniva, Metformin, Duloxetine, etc.. and even purchased massagers, creams, and stuff to help with PN at no avail....Sorry to say, I completely regret to spend thousands and thousands of dollars (Out of Pocket and/or Insurance) for PN and not to mention, disability claims have been denied twice and must endure the pain without telling anyone even with employers.
After 8 years with such painful conditions, you DO NOT want the neuropathy (PN-nerve damage) to grow, spread and affect your entire feet, calves, thighs, waist and hands as it is an extremely terrible feeling along with an uneasy painful and frustrating state of mind, major anxiety, stress, sleepless nights, nervousness with daily activities, etc.. And not to mention, impotent for the last 7 years and specialized doctor(s) want 20K to make you believe that they can help with it. I declined!
Sadly, advise for these serious mental and health complications and conditions were experienced as "NO CURE" ! The final solution mentioned by Neurologist was to amputate feet, and legs, and maybe hands. I could not live with myself with such a decision. I will continue to endure and suffer which I have accepted to convince my mind this nasty discomfort is strictly a part of my remaining style way of my life and golden years.
As I feel discomfort and pain, I purchased a 3 year dog (German Shepherd) to help encourage, smile, and walk at least 4 times a week which helps body, muscles, and seldomly nerves but still painful. He is amazing! I seriously regret not adopting a dog many years ago...
Sadly, I found NO devices, creams, massagers, meds, specialist, doctors, etc. to ultimately eliminate nor majorly reduce the discomfort and sleepless nights of Peripheral Neuropathy not to mention diabetes II(except for short/long term insulin to lower blood sugars on a daily basis). Again, I molded and learned to ignore both awful symptoms as it has been a part of my remaining life. An extremely sad way to live into your golden years.....
My advice is to eat healthy, "exercise', possibly adopt a pet for serious encouragement, and most definitely "Save your Money"…! As far as diabetes, I take insulin each day and eat healthy to help maintain blood sugars and when very low or high, PN brings out more of the dreadful and nasty pain in feet, legs and waist plus hands. And ultimately alters and brings extremely sad moments in my mind in which I try to fall asleep with sleepy pills and when at work must excuse myself some way to regain some control.........
My very temporary relief is 'icy hot' cream rubbed around feet, legs, hips, and hands which becomes expensive $12 week or two. With lengthy research, studies, doctors, specialist, I am still with the discomfort and pain as I found 'no cure.' We can place a person on the moon but can not find a cure for PN which I sometimes feel my life is pretty much over.
i do not mean to scare anyone but this is simply my long dreadful experience with PN.
My prayers are with all of you …
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I just started SOFT WAVE therapy, which is different than SHOCK WAVE. It is supposed to be regenerative. there is a lot of info on the internet on it, the best ones are if you find some Dr.s who use it in their clinic, as they have the actual patients, with real life results. Now, the one Dr., I am seeing, He had me on such a high intensity level, that i insisted he turn down the level. Dr.s are supposed to actually "listen" to patients, and use the intensity accordingly. apparently, like him, some don't listen, they just go by what they learned in school......hmmm.........I had him use it on my thighs, as i knew that was where my personal weakness in my legs was coming from. but, it can also help not just feet, legs, but also other problems. when he "hit" a few spots and i let out a little squeal, he said that was good, that i felt something. he said one gentleman has no feeling, and was not able to walk. But after a few treatments, he now actually can walk , into his office. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover this. And altho, you can get a a First time special price of around $69 or $79 , the continuing visits run from $100, and I guess some charge $150 a visit. The treatment only takes aprx 15 minutes. And it could take 7 to 10 sessions before you might notice a difference . In my case, my legs are weak, but not dramatically weak yet, but after just the first treatment, I felt a little more strength, when i left. If anyone should try this, and if the intensity if way too extreme, just insist the Dr., turn it down. You do need to feel some sensations, and some will hit a tender spot, but it should not be to the extreme where you are screaming thru the whole thing. I am Not trying to scare anyone, it is just that this particular dr., should have listened to the patient, and known to turn down the level. If anyone has ever had a TENS unit, where there are different intensity levels, this is a little like that. except Soft Wave is using Sound Waves, Not electric pulses. But, they both have different intensity levels that can be turned higher or lower. If one is on a tight budget, this will sound impossible to try. But when one is in intense pain, if there is a possibility this could help , maybe at least the first initial treatment, to see what a Dr., thinks he could do for you, maybe might be useful. I also think there are some people who use this, who are not Dr.s, but have learned how to use it, and are certified. So MD.s probably will not have gone down this road. they are still on the drugs and surgery avenue. I was just lucky to find a Dr, in a neurology clinic who was sharp enough to study this treatment.........even tho.........he still needs to listen to patients levels of pain/and what is bearable.................