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.
Let me know. 😊
Hello Everyone, whenever I want to introduce a new supp to my arsenal, I call the pharmacist (they know more about drugs than doctors per my pharmacology continuing medical education). They often tell me that the supp has contraindications with one of my meds. Often the supp can either diminish or augment the therapeutic dose of one or more of my meds which could be dangerous. So please make sure you do the same, even if you are only taking one medication! I give them the info on the bottle they need and they can always find that supp, at least so far over the years. It can be potentially serious. Be safe, stay well and many blessings, Sunnyflower 😊
Ooops, forgot to include @straightaway22 in my above reply to Hank. So sorry!
I’ve been taking Maximum Strength Neuropathy for about a week. No results yet good or bad. I think I need to take it for at least a month. I will come back on this site and let you know..
Hello, I have just been diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy and still going through testing to determine the cause. My life drastically changed after returning from a run back in November. My foot felt numb and then the next morning I had burning pin in my buttocks and across my shoulder blade area. The burning numbing pain has spread through by entire body. I am on gabapentin 300 mg 3x a day. When I increase to 600 mg the bloating is beyond painful. Learning to deal with not being able to wear most clothing as it causes such pain, especially a bra, socks and underwear. I am lucky for the time that I am working from home, but if called back in, I am not sure what I will do. Sitting in the car for a hour commute just will not be doable let alone sitting at desk. At home I have a standing desk and can frequently change positions and wear a bathrobe. Learning to cope has been an adjustment as I was extremely active - running 3 to 5 miles, biking 10 to 20 miles on week. Now walking is painful on my feet. I find that mornings our better. Any information anyone would like to share would be helpful and appreciated!
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Thank you for such a warm welcome, I appreciate it. This disease has progressed for me so that it frightens me. I am hopeful to find any treatments that are new or helpful. I hope to contribute in any way I can, if just to listen and commiserate with others.
Beth - I have been fighting my neuropathy for 50 years. Typically, it waxes and wanes for younger people, but it has hit me hard the last ten years. Five years ago, as I was googling the disease and treatments, I came across a study done in Europe that stated success with IVIG. Success defined as less pain and slows the disease down. I showed it to my neurologist and he checked into Medicare coverage. Yes, Medicare covers it. But, very expensive. I have Medicare/TriCare for Life and that covers everything. But a friend here only has Medicare and she cannot afford to have the treatment every month. I spend six hours for two consecutive days each month receiving the treatment at an infusion center. Knocks the pain down from 9+ to bearable 4 to 6. After three weeks, pain starts to ramp up again, which is common based upon my research.
Nerve diseases are extremely tough to treat. That’s the verdict from my five neurologists. Think MS - a nerve disease that gets a lot of money for research. Nothing yet. Treat the pain. I used to be a long distant cyclist, a racket ball player, and a runner. Three years ago I was down to walking several miles per day. Lost that. But I still have my arms and I took up swimming. Legs don’t work in the pool, so I use those neoprene swim gloves to compensate. Park my walker and slip into the pool. Looks funny with my big gloves and my Pull Buoy between my legs, but it works. More exercise = better sleep = less meds at night.
Eric
@ericd47. You are an inspiration. Never give up. I'm glad your Medicare plan covers your treatment. Do you have the supplement plan?
Wow, you are one strong, tough person. I will mention the IV treatment to my neurologist and see if it is possible for me. The fear is absolutely the most difficult part of this disease. The pain possibly not stopping is the root of my fear. However, I still see value in tomorrow and I hope we all see the day this is truly cured.