Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Hello. I've been there and your feelings are completely justified. Keep your head up.
All the best,
Rachel

Concerning problems of people with neuropathy having pain wearing shoes, and sleeping with sheets hurting their toes. Search these three topics for some decent solutions: 1. “blanket support for foot of bed”, and 2. “diabetic shoes”, and 3. “diabetic socks”. Pick one that fits your circumstances, and that you can afford. They work very well for me.

Hi John, Probably 20 months ago I told my GP that the soles of my feet were hot. He looked at me as if I had 3 heads and said nothing. I thought there was something imagined going on. Power of mind you know. Approx 3 months ago he sent me to EMG clinic and peripheral neuropathy diagnosed. Nerves from ankles down damaged. Mostly left leg. Gabapentin prescribed roughly 1 month ago and I do NOT like it. Lots of side effects. My main concern is wondering what component of this condition might be psychological? Darryl

Hi Daryl @constitution, Welcome to Connect. I have small fiber peripheral neuropathy but only have numbness for symptoms so there are no drugs that help me. I can understand not liking the side effects. Have you discussed the side effects with your doctor or neurologist? Does the gabapentin help?

I'm not sure peripheral neuropathy has any component that is psychological other than the pain it brings you which is what the drugs are made to help reduce or eliminate. There is another discussion which may be helpful for you to see what others are doing to help with their pain.

> Groups > Neuropathy > Ideas for pain relief from Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN)
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/ideas-for-pain-from-small-fiber-neuropathy/

I posted my story and what has helped me earlier on Connect here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-here-dealing-with-peripheral-neuropathy/?pg=42#comment-65985

Thanks very much for your prompt reply John. I'm sending this from your link because apparently I did not verify my registration on time....and now I have to re=register, or something. If I can get back in, I will check the links you've supplied toute suite, Thx again. Darryl

@constitution
Hello Darryl,
Side effects often diminish or go away altogether after being on them for awhile. Has the doctor been increasing your dose? If so, that could explain your side effect symptoms. May I ask what side effects your experiencing and your current dose?
Are you getting any relief from the Gabapentin?
Jake

Hey guys, new this group! Looking for some advice! I’m 46 years old and for the last 4 months I’ve been having burning in my arms and shoulders. In addition I’ve started getting a lot of burning in my calf and upper leg! It’s pretty much all the time ! I’m constantly moving and still have lots of strength in my legs. But they are always burning and then they get a bit tired. It’s all the time at work and when I’m not moving! I’m not a diabetic, don’t smoke, don’t drink and I’m after losing 50 lbs since February 2019! My doctor doesn’t think it’s vascular! I’m at a loss! Looking for some direction! I would appreciate any advice!!! Thanks take care! Fred

Hi Fred and welcome to Connect. You will find great caring, support and advice here with alot of people who share your symptoms and concerns.

First step is visiting a neurologist. It sounds as though you have not yet. There will be a sequence of testing from Nerve Conduction studies and EMG testing to Skin Punch biopsy if necessary. These tests will determine if you have nerve damage aka neuropathy.

If it is neuropathy, we are all quite familiar here. There can be a variety of underlying causes to neuropathy. There are many tests to be conducted to search for an underlying cause. If no cause presents then it would be considered idiopathic. Treatments vary depending on cause.

One step at a time however. My advice is not to get too far ahead of yourself but definitely get moving with a neurologist.

I wish you all the best and please keep up updated with your findings. Hang in there Fred.

Rachel

PS...I join you at 46 with symptoms beginning. Now 49 and happy to help with my experience!

Hi Fred @frederick45, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @rwinney and also mention you are not alone with your symptoms. Other members also have similar symptoms and hopefully will be able to share what's helped them. I agree with Rachel that you might want to see a neurologist or see if your doctor will give you a referral to a neurologist so that you have a diagnosis. Have you received any suggestions from your doctor?

Keep up the good work you are doing now with your health and learn as much as you can about your health condition. It's proabably the number one thing you can do as a patient to help yourself.