Hi Jim (@jimhd) - I bought a bunch of low ankle type socks that are as large as I could find and I wear them when I go to bed. My feet always seem to be cold. I sometimes use magnesium lotion on the feet just as a moisturizer. I probably should do it on a regular basis because it helps to keep the skin hydrated and a lot of those little tiny nerves/sensors are directly under the skin ☺ Mostly I wear the socks to prevent accidentally wounding myself with my toenails when I haven't trimmed them for awhile. I have a habit of rubbing my feet together at night without even knowing that I do it. I hate tight fitting socks. In the winter time if it's really cold I would double up on socks - short pair topped with a calf high loose fitting sock.

John

@venki - it's surely frustrating to see things happening to ourselves and not know what to do.

What kinds of doctors are you seeing? They're the ones to direct your questions to. If they minimize your problems, ask to be referred to a doctor who specializes in treating your problems.

Jim

I have seen many neurologists who have not taken anything serious. MY CSVD & left hand and leg swelling has not receded despite several medicines. They have prescribed Ecosprin, the Blood thinner, and Lipitab. PEG SR. For sleep disorder Im taking Elesert 100 & Clonam 0.5 which makes me sleepy during day time. None of the Neurologists give importance to Brain shrinkage as they tell that it is due to age. I am only 54 but the shrinkage is high. No reason is given for that. Tremors in right hand and anxiety disorder becomes anserless. What other option for me?

I'm being referred to a specialist who is both a neurologist and a head doctor. The neurologist I see has run a bunch of tests and referred me to various specialist - ENT, speech pathologist (for tongue and swallowing problems, a hematologist, a urologist and a surgeon who implanted a spinal cord stimulator. Lots of tests, leg nerve biopsies, audio evoke test, blood draws, nerve conduction study and others that don't leap to my mind. I always ask questions about why, what exactly they see and think, what's next, what options I have, what possible testing can be done to get a more specific idea of what is being affected by neuropathy. I keep adding things to the list.

Have you seen other specialists? I'm probably going to see a podiatrist. I want to know more about what the audio evoke test means. I'm not diabetic, so at least I don't have that to worry about. It seems as though one thing leads to another.

I can't say it strongly enough - ask lots of questions, tell the doctor if you disagree with them and ask to be referred to other specialists. I have problems with memory, so when I think of a question, I put it in Evernote on my phone. I also do a ton of research about my symptoms, about medications and about possible treatments. I like to be informed so I can speak knowledgeably with the doctor. Maybe I'm wrong, but I want to impress the doctor mainly so I don't get blown off. I've told my pcp and neurologists all about what's going on in my body, but lately, I've been getting noticed more, and the doctors have tried harder to help me find answers. I believe that my being as well informed as I can be has been a factor. And I've gotten pushier, a word auto correct doesn't recognize. That goes totally against my nature. I'm sorry you've had little help from neurologists. Is it possible that there's a specialist who works more specifically with your symptoms? Is it possible to see a neurologist at Mayo or a comparable facility?

Keep seeking answers that satisfy you.

Jim