Is this Neuropathy?

Welcome @txharris2, I'm a patient like yourself so unable to say whether or not it is neuropathy. You will probably have to see a neurologist and have some tests done to determine the cause of your shooting pain and needles going down into the legs. It does sound a lot like sciatica pain but any kind of nerve compression in the spine can cause neuropathy type pain. Here's some information from Mayo Clinic on sciatica - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sciatica/symptoms-causes/syc-20377435.

Have you been seen by a neurologist or had any X-rays or other tests on your lower back or spine?

The low back pain is also making me think about sciatica as a possible cause of the foot symptoms.

She's right about alcohol causing your lower back pain and others.
Look up on internet how alcohol stops absorption of vital nutrients.

@johnbishop Thanks so much. I am getting X-rays done at the end of the month.

I think you should change Dr. I started 20 years ago with back pain that developed into neuropathy. I tried everything and then went to pain Dr.
I’m 81 and I am on pain meds. The only way I get relief so I can do daily routine.
I’m waiting for permanent spinal cord stimulator for more relief. Pray for me.

@txharris2 Other than the back a pain I have all this and have severe neuropathy. Well I am starting to get back problems due to the inbalance caused to my body from my legs and feet. A sandal or a flip flop will no longer stay on my left foot and I only notice it is off as I trip on the missing sandal. An xray wont show neuropathy so if it doesnt show anything you will need an EMG, nerve conduction study or punch biopsy to confirm it.

I was sent to various tests including a doppler on my legs before getting the mentioned tests months later which confirmed neuropathy. I hope for you that it is not neuropathy. If it is better to find out sooner than later. In my case after the tests I was told nothing can be done other than joining a research study. I can barely walk anymore and am not even 50 years old.

I say sooner than later as if caught early it could be stopped or possibly reversed if very early and depending on cause.

This is a very serious disease that I see downplayed by doctors and others (online on facebook etc) from my experience so far.

Neuropathy is a terrible disease that is robbing my body of the ability to do everyday things. My balance is so annoying as walking has become a problem without fear of falling. I now use a cane and I hate it. Is there any news of a cure in sight?

Welcome @shellhon13, Neuropathy is definitely a terrible disease that can have major impacts on our everyday lives. I also have balance issues but not currently using a cane but it will probably be in my near future since I'm approaching 83. I do try to keep mobile by exercising daily and adding a few balance exercises in the mix. I haven't read or seen any news about a cure in sight but I'm hopeful for others that are younger and may see a cure in the future. There is a lot of research going on but probably not as much as we want - https://www.foundationforpn.org/current-research/.

Do you have any pain or have to take neuropathy medications?

One other thing about neuropathy I dont understand either is sufferers lack of interest in a company called WinSanTor which is working on a drug that regenerates nerves unlike other medication that just masks neuropathy. They have done trials and all the info is available online. One of the trials was done in a city in Canada I used to live in but I didnt have neuropathy at the time. Maybe others know something I dont as Ive mentioned before but they are the ONLY company with medication that comes close to a cure. Its not a supplement either. You can google Winsantor for more info if you like.

I mean people will have 200 plus comments in a thread about supplements, red light therapies, staring at a microwave while naked etc but when a company promises a real medical solution with real medical research ie not chiropractors the dust blows in the wind.

I wander why that is and is just another frustration of anything to do with neuropathy. Its the only hope I hold on to anyway but the lack of interest I feel will just add to its would have should have could have

@johnbishop I have little to no pain. I was taking 900 mg of gabapentin for awhile, but stopped taking all be 300 at bedtime. I was feeling foggy and tired a lot so decided I would see how I did cutting down on meds. I don't really think it was helping me to take that much and I'm doing well on the 1 300 pill. No foggy days and not nearly as tired as I was. Thanks for asking.