Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

I am not sure I am sending messages to John Bishop or replying to last comment I read, just sending my comments back to me? Sorry, I am completely illiterate when it comes to this!

Hi @rolyhu, My neurologist ordered a nerve conduction test along with some labs and a physical exam. The Neuropathy Commons site has a good overview explanation of small fiber vs large fiber neuropathy along with how neuropathy is diagnosed:
- Overview - https://neuropathycommons.org/neuropathy/neuropathy-overview
- Diagnosing - https://neuropathycommons.org/diagnosis/diagnosing-peripheral-neuropathy

@rolyhu If you click the Reply button beneath a members post, you will see their member name show up first in the comment box where you type. The member name sends a notification to the member that someone has responded to their comment. You can also type in the Post Comment box at the bottom o a page and anyone following the discussion will be notified of your comment. Using the members name in your post insures that the member will receive a notification. You can find more information on how to use Connect in the Help Center here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/help-center/ .

@rolyhu, Sorry to hear you have diabetic neuropathy. I also have been in the pre-diabetes category most of my adult life and only started making some lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy in 2016. I focused on losing some weight and eating healthier along with intermittent fasting and lowering the amount of carbs I eat. I shared my journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/336050/. I do think the lifestyle changes have helped slow the progression some. What I learned about pre-diabetes that the doctors never mentioned to me is that it also puts you in the metabolic syndrome category which also is associated with neurological conditions and neuropathy. Here's some more information on the topic.
-- The Metabolic Syndrome and Neuropathy: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881591/

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a lot of good information on Healthy Lifestyles - https://www.foundationforpn.org/lifestyles/.

Can I ask everyone a question here had anyone tried a program of supplements including methylated B12, B1, Benfotiamine, S-form Alpha Lipoic Acid, Magnesium Glycinate and Acetyl L-Carnitine? I have done a lot of research into this BTW I did a PhD program in Molecular Biology so I have the background to assess this program. I welcome some comments.

Hello, everyone. Two questions from a new participant:
1. Anyone have experience with Abbott's ProclaimPlus FlexBurst360 spinal implant? I'm five months past surgery. Somewhat better, generally less-intensive pain, but neuropathic feet still deprive me of sleep. How long has it taken after implant for you to see improvement, if you in fact have?
2. They tell you to lay off wine. Love my red. Anyone gone dry and seen a real difference?
--NeuroBob from Texas.

@johnbishop Thanks so much post the post to the neuropathycommons web site. I found a location in OR where a skin biopsy can be done. I'll ask if my neurologist can do the biopsies and have them sent to the location listed or if I have to go there personally; it's 4 hours away.
Again, thank you!

Hi John/all,

The "block of ice"/stone feeling in my feet has recently gotten worse. Perhaps it's the colder weather. It makes my balance worse and more difficult to walk. Do you know anything that I'm eating that may make it worse like it is now, and anything that can somewhat remedy, take the edge off in terms of food or supplement? The pins and needles/burning is better for some reason, but now it's the extreme hardness. It's always something with this. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Caleb

Hi Caleb @highdesertdweller, I do think diet can help but may be only part of the answer. The cold weather definitely makes it harder for me to get around. I like my not so cushy shoes that have barefoot type zero drop soles for balance but in the winter my feet get colder so I will venture out in different normal type shoes with more of a cushion. Then I just have to be more careful with my balance. As far as food or supplements, you might find the following discussion helpful for suggestions:
-- Small Fiber Neuropathy: Is there a special diet I should be on?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/small-fiber-neuropathy-10/

I have recently been diagnosed with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy that had rather aggressively developed. My neurologist has tried numerous prescriptions but nothing has worked, even gabapentin! I have a consultation with a specialist neurologist on February 19th, the possibility is that he will try a steroid injection but probably will also discuss the SCS implant procedure. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.