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Neuropathy treatments: How to avoid scams?

Neuropathy | Last Active: Sep 24 1:36pm | Replies (894)

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Welcome @banjoman, I'm sure you are right about a lot of so called neuropathy treatments not being covered by Medicare. I guess it depends on your specific diagnosis and your symptoms. Nothing is covered for me other than the neurologist visit and diagnosis which was idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy with only numbness and some tingling in my feet and legs but no pain. There is no medication or recognized treatment that helps with the numbness. I shared my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

Here's some information on what Medicare covers for neuropathy treatments - https://www.medicare.org/articles/does-medicare-cover-neuropathy/. The best suggestion I have is to learn as much as you can about your neuropathy condition/diagnosis and what treatments may be available that might provide some relief as there really is no cure. If you haven't already seen the following neuropathy sites, they are a good place to learn more.
-- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/
-- Neuropathy Commons: https://neuropathycommons.org/neuropathy/neuropathy-overview

There are many different discussions in the Neuropathy Support Group where you might find other members who have shared treatments that have helped along with other information. Here's a link that lists the different discussions - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/neuropathy/.

Have you already been diagnosed by a neurologist? Do you mind sharing what your main symptoms are?

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Replies to "Welcome @banjoman, I'm sure you are right about a lot of so called neuropathy treatments not..."

Yes, I have already been diagnosed by a neurologist. My symptoms were/are as follows: 1) discoloration of the lower ankles on both legs which has been the case for many years 2) scaling of skin in these areas - the skin is very thin, bumpy and susceptible to scrapes and bruises 3) pain, which is focused on the outside of my big left toe which inhibits certain exercise routines and biking. This condition was brought to the attention my podiatrist who said there was nothing he could do 4) water retention which causes swelling in the feet and ankles for which I take Lasix 5) numbness in ankles and feet.

Now, I have turned to a neurologist and, after he ran many sensory and balance has proposed a treatment plan which we are currently evaluating. Cost of the plan is in the $9,000 range. I mentioned this to my GP and she turned thumbs down essentially treating it as quackery. Since medical professionals pooh pooh the practice of neurology I have to figure out if this is a viable option or not which is why I approached this forum seeking independent reviews of the practice of neuropathy