Is loss of balance your primary complaint with neuropathy?

@bajjerfan
Unfortunately I can relate to closing my eyes in the shower. I have often fallen out of the shower and out of the shower chair whenever I close my eyes. I recently fell out and grabbed the towel rack and ripped it off the wall. I suppose it was a reflex action. The shower door hasn't shattered yet, but I suppose it's only a matter of time.
I don't usually fall while walking outside but I weave all over the place.
Take care in the shower @bajjerfan
Jake

@orangerainbow
Hi, I purchased this 4 wheel walker on Amazon specifically for use for short trips that do not require a lot of walking. I love it! It does not have a seat like a rollator, is very light weight, folds up easily, and works perfect for me when running short errands, doctors appointments,etc..

At first it seems like it might be a little wobbly but it has actually proven quite sturdy.

I can't drive so I also find it is much easier for the people driving me as it only weighs 6 lbs. Also, if I am taking an Uber, I can just quickly fold it and put it by my feet by myself. Especially helpful if the Uber driver doesn't seem interested in assisting. Lol!

Vive Mobility Lightweight Walker for Seniors - Narrow, Folding Walker w/Wheels for Small & Tight Spaces - Light Weight for Balance, Compact Doorways, Foldable - Portable & Collapsible for Travel
https://a.co/d/03wJcWFD

As a retired RN the podiatrist did nothing but an mri showing I had lost the muscle in my feet due to neuropathy. It causes muscle atrophy and bad muscle spasms. My rheumatologist was more help than the podiatrist. I use magnesium with hemp from Amazon to rub on my feet. It helps and I wear socks to bed it hurts my feet to walk on carpet and to go to the bathroom. The bathroom tile hurts.
First of all a biopsy is required for a positive diagnosis of SFN aka small fiber neuropathy. Second he should have done a emg/nerve conduction test on you. To check for peripheral neuropathy. The fallacy that neuropathy can be found in a blood test is not true unless you have autoimmune problems. I live in Texas and went to Boston to a research neurologist. She ran a ton of labs on me before I could see her. I got a lot of answers from her. Write down your questions because you get 45 minutes. Her mother and daughter research neurologist in neuropathy. Dr. Anne Oaklander she has some seminars on neuropathy. That are very interesting. In Israel the researchers have shown medical marijuana in nerve regeneration. Dr. Oaklander brings it up in one of her seminars. There is a lot of research out there if you know where to look. That’s the basic testing for neuropathy then find the etiology aka cause of the neuropathy. Mine is autoimmune lupus, Sjogrens, Hashimotos and mixed connective tissue disease. My neuropathy is small fiber, severe axonal sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy, cardiac autonomic neuropathy along with dysautonomia. Fun my blood pressure goes up and down, bradycardia/tachycardia and my body doesn’t regulate body temperature. It’s frustrating but I am on IVIG and I use Panzyga. During the infusion my feet start feeling again. It feels weird after not feeling my feet for so long. From my arms down no feeling bad about cutting myself while cooking. I don’t feel my legs from the knees down. I can finally write my name again. I had such bad tremors from the motor neuropathy I couldn’t sign my no longer write my name. I have a copy of the lab sheet she had me draw before seeing her to rule out other possibilities.

@cit10jetjockey Or in my case, a walking stick is good enough to help me maintain my balance, and it gives me something to lean on when standing for any length of time.

Your experience with symptoms is somewhat similar to mine. Onlyi saw the podiatrist before I got into the neurologist. The podiatrist did extensive testing and said I have little sensation in my toes, cannot tell if they move up or down, hence balance issues. He said my circulation was good, therefore ruling out poor circulation as a cause. My blood work eliminated diabetes. He urged me to go ahead and pursue the appointment with the neurologist. He also told me to take ALA and B-12.

The neurologist did electomyelogram but it only confirmed what the podiatrist had told me. He reinforced the suggestion to take ALA and B-12.

The podiatrist offered to work with me to create insoles that might help. I have found a model of Skechers that do better than anything so far. Barefoot is bad. Dress shoes are a nightmare.

I want to encourage you to pursue a podiatrist, if you can. Mine was so helpful.

@jakedduck1 On Amazon, I purchased several of these suction cup grab bars, about 10 inches long. Not sure if this has been mentioned before. They recently had a sale 2 for $20 and they work out well. I put several in the shower and each time, before I get in, I pull on them to make sure they did not become loose. I can't close my eyes in any safe fashion without losing my balance in or out of the shower. I have extras so when traveling, they go with me. Ed

@njed I'm glad you mentioned the suction grab bars. When I retiled our tub surround back in 2019, i was hesitant to try and install a grab bar into the studs and then put tile around them. I started looking online and found those suction grab bars. I ordered two. They go on easily and provide a good, stable bar to hold on to. I only had to reposition them once in three years

I have Sjogren's Disease, lupus, and RA and have many nerve related symptoms. I'm getting IV Ig that really helps my burning and numbness but not sure how much it's helping with other problems like balance and memory.
I also take ALA, B1, and B12.
The Siogren's Foundation has just published the first Clinical Guidelines for the Peripheral Nervous System.
Lots of useful information to share with your rheumatologist, neurologist, and other specialists.
I hadn't realized before that my fluctuating blood pressure is neurological. That information will probably be of interest to my cardiologist.
I'm going to check our those grab bars too. Thanks

@rollo8
My neurologist has sent me to physical therapy to improve my balance. PT is helping me strengthen my legs, hips and knees in hopes it will improve my balance. I’ve been going for a few weeks and can’t say I see a real difference but I believe exercising and trying to maintain my muscle strength will be a part of my daily life going forward.

@kssharp For me, physical therapy was a game changer. I had to ask for it. And, after I had improvement in movement and a boost in my confidence, I let my neurologist know that PT should be recommended for all neuropathy patients. I do not have pain, but PT is necessary to learn to trust your ‘new numb feet’. I still wear my Hoka’s and walk regularly. Trust the process. Good luck.