Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Thank you all for for supporting responses. You know I have family, friends, but I do not feel the connection to them with my issues. They are used to me being a handler and am am sure are frightened because they really don't know what to do, although they try. I have stayed with Mayo Clinic Connect for quite awhile sometimes in sometimes out. I have always felt welcomed and always found good suggestions and advise. Today I am feeling such loves and kindness from people I have not met. You have helped more than you know. I plan on staying with you Love to all. Icing my foot right now. That does help.

@notborntoburn Thank you for sharing with me. What prompted surgery for the Morton neuroma? What had you tried before surgery was done? This is new to me. All this time this is what I had which was causing the awful pain. I don't understand why no one picked up on it even after an MRI was done. However every symptom is here. My first visit with podiatrist was 1 1/2 weeks ago. He did want to do a shot but I just couldn't subject myself to that pain. He put me on the 5 day med pack and within 2 days the swelling was done and much of the pain. I was also recommended for better shoes that I did not have to squeeze my feet into which will also help with neuropathy. I have been done with the med pack for 4 days and have some swelling a pain. Not as intense and I am treating it with ice. I did not expect for it to disappear after inflamming this foot for over 8 months. I was doing everything I should not have been doing with this issue. It may take surgery sooner than it would have if it would have been treated earlier. How long were you treated before surgery was done and why would the doctor say you didn't follow directions and just leave you. He should still work with you. Sounds like a cop out to me. Can you give me some info from beginning of your journey with these neuromas to now? Thank you.

There has been recent chat through the forum about lidocaine infusions. I have been receiving them for 2 months. The one thing I can say based on my research is lidocaine appears to be on the come up as replacing opiods for pain relief. It is known to be a safe and effective substitute. I have not had any side effects so will keep pursuing the highest dose until I feel I am receiving adequate pain relief. As of now I have maybe 20-30%. If it doesn't achieve effective pain relief...well then at least I know I've tried. I admire Doctors who bring new treatments to the table and keep trying for their patients.

Hi
I had tried these awful injections between my toes and many cortisone injections in different parts of my feet,when the surgery caused my feet to feel even worse I saw another podiatrist who,after nerve conduction studies said I should see a neurologist so I began that road of
acupuncture any all drugs surgery to release nerve entrapment and the burn keeps burning!
When I had the surgery for neuromas I had both feet done at the same time and the pain was so intense with all the tight bandages and walking with a walker just to the bathroom,by the tiume I saw the dr. to remove the bandages my skin was raw! He said I must of removed the bandages and put them on too tight,my anger and frustration left me no energy to argue,I just left his office,got my report from the surgery and filed a complaint. I know we have to trust doctors,but they do make mistakes. Neuroma was an easy fix to a much more complexed problem.
We have so much more information and each other to learn from I wish you all the best

@notborntoburn So you didn't have Morton neuroma? I am a bit confused. As far as doctors. After 8 months of pain and vague to no answers about the extreme pain in my foot, no I don't trust doctors. Even the podiatrist who finally makes sense with Mortons neuroma leaves me anxious. I know I have neuropathy. How, why and what kind I don't know and really no one doctor cares. I did have the nerve conduction test and I saw the results. I do feel comfortable with the rheumatologist, but what the results are remains to be seen. My issue has been the severe pain in my foot that have made me give up pleasure that I had left in my live. I had my now 3 year old great grand daughter and my grand daughter every weekend. I can no longer keep the baby for a long period of time because the pain and swelling stops me from walking. Both Momma and baby have some issues so I do take over most of the care. I am thankful that their wonderful caretaker whom I consider family bring them every Sunday and they all spend the day. I am lead to believe Morton neuroma can be reduced to no pain but yes I am very fearful. Do they know what your feet problems are and what are they doing for it. Is it part of neuropathy? My prayers for you to get relief.

No I did not have Mortons Neuromas,my sister did had surgery and she is fine! My symptoms were and still are burning in both feet my medical chart says “sensory neuropathy”
with no known cause I do have rheumatoid arthritis but this pain far surpasses any joint pain!
I know some drs dismiss people that they can’t fix but when you find one that tries and validates your feelings even if nothing works, it’s is so comforting to know I am no crazy.
I ended up in a pain management program and will try CBT they don’t offer opioids but it’s where I tried ketamine infusions.
I am pretty sure there is nothing left to try.

I pray you get relief soon. It is so hard being in constant pin and being dismissed by doctors. I know the feeling.

@summertime4
My Neurologist is very compassionate. My nerve conduction study showed mild to moderate damage but said that doesn’t mean your symptoms are mild to moderate. Sometimes there isn’t much we can do to help neuropathic pain. My PCP put me on Fentanyl and other narcotics and my Neuro agreed to them since they helped.
Jake

Hi .. just joined . Wondering if someone could recommend something to calm the stinging in my forearms from PN.

Hi @lynnaustin, Welcome to Connect. I have idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy but I only have numbness in my feet and just above the ankles. I don't have the typical pain or stinging/burning. I'm tagging @artscaping who may be able to share from her experience. You can read what has helped me in an earlier post on Connect where I shared my story: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-here-dealing-with-peripheral-neuropathy/?pg=42#comment-65985

You might also be interested in another discussion here on Connect:
> Groups > Neuropathy > Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-neuropathy-welcome-to-the-group/

Are you able to share a little more about your PN diagnosis and what you have tried for treatments?