Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Welcome to the Neuropathy group.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet other people who are dealing with neuropathy. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living well with neuropathy, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

I’m Colleen, and I’m the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. Chances are you’ll to be greeted by volunteer patient Mentor John (@johnbishop) and fellow members when you post to this group. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.

We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.
Let’s chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What concerns would you like to talk about?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

@johnbishop

Thank you Colleen and Mayo Connect!

@jimhd @bburleson1 @swiss @hollander @fonda @gratefulone @mikween @aliskahan @grandma41 @rabbit10 @ujeeniack @gailfaith @ridgerunner @joannem @medic7054 @fleure @beckypain66 @philio66 @peggyj4411 @16jody @twinky @martid @grandma41 @pinkmk @crystalgal @gman007 @mari @amkaloha @bobsconnect @salena54 @robertlclark @upnorthnancy @tonyc55 @painwarrior @ladyjane85 @bobe @dbentley @pgjanes @citylady @mfobrien36 @timmckinney @briansr @superwife – Welcome to our new Neuropathy Group!

Our peripheral neuropathy discussion has grown quite large making it a challenge to find the information. We hope our new Neuropathy Group will make it easier for members to find a relevant discussion to ask their questions and share information. If you don’t find a discussion that meets your need then jump right in and create a new one! Be sure to invite other Connect members to join you. Inviting is easy, just tag a member by using their Connect member name which starts with an “@” sign.

The new Neuropathy Group is your community so let’s help each other by sharing your story, asking questions, and learning while we figure out how to deal with our specific type of neuropathy.

John

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Please respond does the injection of Wharton's Jelly cure Neuropathy?

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@gflandre62

Please respond does the injection of Wharton's Jelly cure Neuropathy?

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Hello @gflandre62, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Short answer to your question does an injection of Wharton's Jelly cure neuropathy - Nope. I have no medical training or background like most of us but I have never seen, heard or read about any treatment that will cure neuropathy. There are a lot of treatments that relieve the symptoms of neuropathy (pain, tingling, numbness, etc..) but nothing cures it.

The one caveat (in my opinion) is if the neuropathy is caused by a pinched or damaged nerve where it can be fixed by surgery or other treatment such as Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR). There is another discussion for MFR therapy here:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

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Hello Everyone -- I wanted to let you know about a new COVID-19 group that has been created to help you stay informed with different related discussions to help us get through this difficult time so that we can help each other. If you don't see the discussion topic you and have a question, please create a new discussion under the new COVID-19 group.

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/covid-19/
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My name is Kenzie. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 18, small fiber neuropathy & erythromyalgia at 31, and R/A at 34. Most recently, I am struggling with my sacral plexus nerve in my spine that goes down my leg to my foot and I am bedridden again at 42. It’s been 3 months so far. I had a nerve block that appears to be helping a little but not enough for me to walk yet.

I have so much frustration with the amount of awareness and research that is given to peripheral neuropathy and finding a cure. I tried to raise awareness when I was well, but people just don’t have any idea the amount of excruciating extreme torture most of us experience on a daily basis.

If there’s any one out there.....please help us!!

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Sorry to hear about your illnesses and frustration. Have you tried acupuncture. I have had partial relief from my neuropathy. Some insurance policies cover the cost. Good luck

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@kscott42

My name is Kenzie. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 18, small fiber neuropathy & erythromyalgia at 31, and R/A at 34. Most recently, I am struggling with my sacral plexus nerve in my spine that goes down my leg to my foot and I am bedridden again at 42. It’s been 3 months so far. I had a nerve block that appears to be helping a little but not enough for me to walk yet.

I have so much frustration with the amount of awareness and research that is given to peripheral neuropathy and finding a cure. I tried to raise awareness when I was well, but people just don’t have any idea the amount of excruciating extreme torture most of us experience on a daily basis.

If there’s any one out there.....please help us!!

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Hello @kscott42, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I know it's difficult when you are pain and not finding something that helps. It's good that you are doing research and trying to learn as much as you can about your conditions. There is research being done but I'm sure it's taking a backseat under the current health crisis. There are a couple of good reference sites available if you don't already know about them.

Neuropathy Commons -- https://neuropathycommons.org/
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy -- https://www.foundationforpn.org/

@jenniferhunter, @jimhd @rwinney and @artscaping may have some suggestions for you.

You mentioned struggling with your sacral plexus nerve, have you had a back injury?

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@kscott42

My name is Kenzie. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 18, small fiber neuropathy & erythromyalgia at 31, and R/A at 34. Most recently, I am struggling with my sacral plexus nerve in my spine that goes down my leg to my foot and I am bedridden again at 42. It’s been 3 months so far. I had a nerve block that appears to be helping a little but not enough for me to walk yet.

I have so much frustration with the amount of awareness and research that is given to peripheral neuropathy and finding a cure. I tried to raise awareness when I was well, but people just don’t have any idea the amount of excruciating extreme torture most of us experience on a daily basis.

If there’s any one out there.....please help us!!

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Hey Kenzie @kscott42. Welcome to Connect! Happy to have you join.

Given your story, I think this may be a good place for you to Connect with others who share your frustration, pain and concern for lack of peripheral neuropathy research. I'm right there with you on that.

I'm hanging on to my forties but, it's about to end and turn over to that "half century mark"! And you know what...I could care less about the # because I've got so many bigger fish to fry regarding my health and quality of life.

I've experienced several diagnosis, diseases and whole new perspectives on how to live with what life handed me. It sucks pretty bad on many a day. ☹

As far as suggestions...well, I've had my fair share of nerve blocks and RFA's. In your case, you have to do what you have to do in order to walk. You sound like a veteran of pain at a young age but, I will throw out some things that aid in my overall SFPN attack. Note that I can barely walk beyond 10 ft regardless, however, I feel that a small amount of each component contributes.

1. myofacial release
2. supplement regimen
3. warm to hot (if tolerable) bath/shower
4. topical relief cream/lotion/oil
5. healthy diet (reduce sugar/salt/processed food)
6. mild stretching (I can't excercise)
7. meditation and mindfulness
8. listening to my bodies needs and acting
9. heat/ice
10. balancing my capability of activity/rest

Then of course there are drugs...I need opiod therapy and anti seizure. Evenings I need medical marijuana or days also, when opiods aren't enough.

I'm done with injections and infusions. No game changer for me. So, now I think outside the box and am pending admittance to Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Program. Had my nurse interview today actually and she agrees that I have now gone into Central Sensitization. Another hurdle to jump but, hey at this point...what else can I do, but hopefully continue to gain knowledge.

I'm really sorry for your life challenges and hope that even just hearing about others griefs, helps a bit. It does for me when I'm really down. Always nice to know you are not alone.

I wish you well and please know that we are here for you. Comfort in numbers.
Rachel

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@kscott42

My name is Kenzie. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 18, small fiber neuropathy & erythromyalgia at 31, and R/A at 34. Most recently, I am struggling with my sacral plexus nerve in my spine that goes down my leg to my foot and I am bedridden again at 42. It’s been 3 months so far. I had a nerve block that appears to be helping a little but not enough for me to walk yet.

I have so much frustration with the amount of awareness and research that is given to peripheral neuropathy and finding a cure. I tried to raise awareness when I was well, but people just don’t have any idea the amount of excruciating extreme torture most of us experience on a daily basis.

If there’s any one out there.....please help us!!

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@kscott42
PS: Thank you for attempting to raise awareness when you were able. I really have no clue how to generate awareness and push this disease to the forefront.

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@rwinney

@kscott42
PS: Thank you for attempting to raise awareness when you were able. I really have no clue how to generate awareness and push this disease to the forefront.

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Sorry, I just keep having thoughts on lacking research and urgency for peripheral neuropathy. It, for the most part, is an invisible disease which is not as prominent to reaction. It's human nature to react to a visual. I've witnessed first hand someone on crutches or with a cast getting immediate sympathy and recognition of pain over myself. My own husband responds more when my legs are fully wrapped in heat because he visualizes and reacts with empathy. The intense pain, burning, cramping, weakness, stabbing, electric shocks etc...is not typically seen externally by a stranger. Plus, for the most part, neuropathy is not a known killer, but a debilitater. Game changer!
This is only my opinion.
Rachel

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@rwinney

Sorry, I just keep having thoughts on lacking research and urgency for peripheral neuropathy. It, for the most part, is an invisible disease which is not as prominent to reaction. It's human nature to react to a visual. I've witnessed first hand someone on crutches or with a cast getting immediate sympathy and recognition of pain over myself. My own husband responds more when my legs are fully wrapped in heat because he visualizes and reacts with empathy. The intense pain, burning, cramping, weakness, stabbing, electric shocks etc...is not typically seen externally by a stranger. Plus, for the most part, neuropathy is not a known killer, but a debilitater. Game changer!
This is only my opinion.
Rachel

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Very well put I share your pain
Take care

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