What do people do for chronic neuropathic pain?

To all,

I'm 58. I am a diabetic since 2017 (A1C 8.7 - 10.7)and major peripheral neuropathy which started with my feet (tingling, numb, painful nerve discomfort, nerve strikes, etc..). Until this day(2025), I have dealt with incurable, unmanageable, uncontrollable diabetes II and painful body peripheral neuropathy which has grown and spread from feet, calves, thighs, waist to hands which suddenly brings painful body electrical nerve strikes.

After all the doctors, neurologist, specialist, emergency rooms, hospitals, prescribed medications such as (Pregabapentin/gabapentin, Juniva, Metformin, Duloxetine, insulin, etc.. and also purchased massagers, creams, medical devices, and stuff on Amazon to help with neuropathy at no avail....

As of today, I totally regret to spend thousands and thousands of dollars (Out of Pocket and/or Insurance) for diabetes and neuropathy. AND not to mention, disability claims have been denied twice as they decided it was not a disability. I was devastated !!!

As of disability claim denials, I am forced to work to pay bills, and continue to live otherwise move to the streets. Not to mention, employers seriously do not care about your medical conditions even with ADA. I am still in search for employment it has been difficult and much time consuming while running out of funds for rent, bills, etc... I tried to register for housing, funding, etc.. but it seems it is a waste of time and energy. No one has granted any assistance until this day. I am only another statistic and sadly SOL in America.

Sadly, advise for these serious mental and health complications and conditions were experienced as "NO CURE" ! The final solution mentioned by a doctor was to amputate feet, and legs, and maybe hands. I gave it some thought but ultimately decided to refuse the final solution.

After 8 years with such 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 uneasy, frustrating state of mind, major anxiety, stress, poor nerves with daily activities, etc.. And not to mention, impotent for the last 8 years and specialized doctor(s) want 30K to make you believe that they can help with it. I declined!

From many years of experience, I found NO devices, creams, massagers, meds, specialist, doctors, etc. for PN and diabetes. Sadly, I have molded and learned to ignore both awful symptoms as it has been a part of my life for many years. And believe me, it is an extremely miserable way to live the rest of your life......

As I feel discomfort and accepted "NO CURE", 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 regardless of the pain. He is amazing! I regret not doing so many years ago...as i still want to live a bit longer...

My advice is to eat healthy, walk, "exercise', possibly adopt a pet for major encouragement, smiles, and most definitely "Save your Money"…!

My prayers are with all of you …

A Man of No Cures!

I wear Hoka’s, but am curious what other footwear/brands do you prefer! My Hokas are at the very best just sufficient around the house or on short walks, but after wearing them for a few hours my feet begin to burn!
Thanks
Jeff in Iowa

@jamessaxo I've been taking a vitamin B complex supplement for several years, and I've never consumed alcohol, even at the age of 66.

@paulbeach2001
Hi Paul, It was my new neurologist who sent me to PT group that I didn't even know existed. She is new to town and, apparently, had done her homework and found this new Pgroup that specializes in neuro-conditions. They say they work with people who have or have had a stroke, Parkinson's, neurological conditions, or are geriatric. I feel very fortunate to be working with my new PT there. Perhaps doing a google search for something like PT for neuro and indicate your locations. Good Luck.

Macabre,
That's sad. I have taken 2000 IU vitamin D for years. Have u ever measured
D.

@jamessaxo I don't consider never being drunk off of my ass, or behind the wheel of a car to be a sad thing. It was a choice to not follow in the footsteps of some of my co-workers throughout the 80's who spent huge amounts of money on beer on a daily basis.
I made the choice to not consume alcohol before I was even old enough to drink, or ever touch illegal drugs. I've never been drunk or high on anything other than caffeine. Even if I had tried to consume alcohol, everything I ever tried in my youth tasted like crap, so I wouldn't have been a drinker anyway.
As for vitamin D, I've taken an adult multivitamin every day for decades. My doctor says my bloodwork is always great.

Namaste @dancer7000
I've had chronic neurophatic pain for 13 years, I've tried every on and off book medications my doctors could prescribe, got addicted to Tramadol, it had no effect just turned me into a zombie and I had to wean myself off, it was horrible. I've had root nerve injections, refused lidocaine, I understand the side affects opioids have and their affects are only temporary. I take pregabalin and co-codamol, so I have massages, cupping, acupuncture, go for walks even when my pain is bad, hydro therapy, use a TENS machine, do Yin yoga, Qigong you name it I'll practice it. Nutritious foods, I take vitamin D with vitamin K, B12 both oral sprays, vitamin C and zinc now autumn is here, as I'm at risk of cold, flu pneumonia and covid. My blood works are good, I weigh 9 stone, I exercise especially my core muscles to strengthen and support my back muscles as I have lumbosacral spondylosis with radiculopathy, cervical radiculopathy and fibromyalgia from a car crash in January 2013.

I have a cat, she is a great comfort, I'll have a shot of Havana Club 7, once a month thats my treat! I put some music on and dance around the living room, or take some co-codamol and go dancing in a club with a group of friends with my walking aid. Like I did this Friday which resulted in my legs going into spasm and severe pain in my lower back, hips and pelvis but it was worth it for that momentary release of happy endorphins. Being out with friends a few years younger than me, it’s great being out with people who just want to dance and enjoy themselves is a great vibe and buzz!

It's horrible having to live with this pain, but I'm not letting it consume me yet! I'm 58 soon to turn 59 in a few weeks and I'm going to live my life as much as I can. Oh I'll tell you what helped me a very good therapist, who listened, supported me to come up with solutions of how I manage my symptoms and pain. Some days are more challenging than others but pain wise most days are an 8-10 and I'm still working, still living my life and socialising because some of my friends never made in to my age so I'm not only living for myself but for them. Also, I have two beautiful grandchildren a granddaughter is 8 years and my grandson is 2.5 years and I want to be around and mobile for as long as possible.

I've had adaptions made me my house, I spoke to my doctor and got a referral for support at home, as I see support as tools so I can live life- I guess my childhood traumas gave me the resilience and courage I have to day, because when you have nothing to loose the only thing is to live! Also you fear nothing and when you get to this age you don't give a damn about what anyone else thinks about you, I'm too busy protecting my energy and my peace. I live in England, and our healthcare is free, I do pay privately for the massage, cupping , and therapist etc and the carer I will get will be at no cost.
When the pain overwhelms my. body shuts down and I sleep, I take Epsom salts baths, use essential oils and rest, pace myself.There is no cure for neurophatic pain so please don’t waste your money on scam lotions or potions.

Talk with your doctor and healthcare professionals and see what they advice that is affordable to you. Find whatever works for you that is proven and tested, to ease your pain in that moment, take care of yourself.

@mrmacabre
I looked up other causes of DEMYELINATION.
Interesting.
Bye

@calmmylife You are awesome. All I know about nerve pain is it is caused by its protecting insulation , a fat called MYELIN. Google talks about different causes of DEMYELINATION. Have been there with trigeminal neuralgia.
Good luck.
James NZ
Good luck

@jeler
I have Hokas M Gaviota 5’s. A home health nurse recommended them. When I tried them on I had to hold onto the shoe racks and chairs to maintain my balance, but I had read a few reviews where several people had to wear them for months to break them in so I bought them and it took me a while to break them in as well, but not three months.
New Balance 990s are my favorite shoes. I also like New Balance 1540s, Mephistos which were the most comfortable when I had plantar fasciitis with the neuropathy. I also have SAS (San Antonio shoes.)
I usually switch shoes every couple of days. But sometimes I wear the 990s a week or two at a time.
The nurse said I would feel more stable in the hokas but I don't, however, I still wear them. I wonder if I had worn the Hokas longer if I would've felt more stable in them or maybe I bought the wrong Hokas. My neuropathy is at stage four so I don't have the horrible pain like I used to, only numbness.
Some people here recommend the barefoot/minimalist shoes, and I've read that many people like them. However, my doctors have advised against my wearing them.
Best of luck,
Jake