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Neuropathy and Peripheral Artery Disease
I was diagnosed with neuropathy several years ago and I take gabapentin 600 mg 4 times a day. What I started gabapentin I was also taking sertraline and the combination was very effective. About a year and a half ago I was walking and all the sudden I had severe pain in my right foot and it went my leg. I could barely walk. I also noticed I had these little brown spots on my shin and I remembered that my grandfather had those on his shins also and he had PAD, so I mentioned it to the doctor and she blew me off, but she gave me a referral to see a vascular surgeon and after months of waiting to get in to see the doctor he diagnosed me with it. I was put on blood thinners, however for about the last 6 months the pain and burning to my foot has increased and there are times it feels like a knife is being stabbed into my foot bones and I will scream out. I was taking Tylenol and ibuprofen together and It helped the pain so it wasn’t as severe. Since I’m on the blood thinner my doctor won’t prescribe me the ibuprofen and Tylenol alone does nothing for the pain. I’m aware of the risk of ibuprofen and blood thinners but I still was taking ibuprofen but not as often. A couple weeks ago the pain was so bad that I stopped taking the blood thinners so I could take ibuprofen and it worked right away. I do not see the vascular doctor until September. None of the doctors will give me anything for pain. My question is is it the neuropathy causing this pain or is it the vascular disease. Is there anyone else that is going through
this? I am not able to sleep at night because the pain and burning is intense, at times it feels like my skin is melting off my foot. Also does anyone have recommendations on how to lessen the pain. Thanks
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@trixstar and all... Hello, and know you are not alone in this crazy wild journey. I'm 79 years old and experiencing new vascular issues now on top of the neuropathy I've had for years. I do have the burning, which I suspect most with neuropathy experience to varying degrees throughout the illness. I also have small vein Vasculitis, affecting my lungs, and pretty much everything. Now, however, I have a darkened foot and shins, areas of my legs, after a bit of increase in exercise. Diabetes, steroid induced, is the culprit here, I think. But, PAD is indeed part of the equation.
I was put on a blood thinner when I developed pulmonary embolism last year. The thinner is not something I play with due to that issue, and the Vasculitis. I don't want more damage to my organs or certainly not my lungs or heart. I have 3 aneurysms- splenic, ascending thoracic and descending aortic, and now my extremities are showing more signs of poor blood flow, so I don't miss a dose of the blood thinner. You should see my lovely arms now! covered in purple and red blotches and injuries! I call them my beauty splotches! One more thing to accept as things progress with this aging.
I have used multiple creams and oils on my legs and feet through the years. Some help a bit. Most help the skin but not so much the internal issues. Although, I take a triple magnesium supplement that I am sure helps. And, now, I use a CBD body oil with 300 mg CBD and 100 mg CBG that is making a difference. My poor skin appreciates the moisture and treatment. I also see a noticeable reduction in inflammation of my feet and legs. It is actually helpful.
I stumbled on this as I desperately searched for help with skin issues - my arms, hands, legs, feet, shoulders and neck. Arthritis responds well to the oil. The discoloration reduces, the injuries heal better and faster, and I have far less pain and swelling in those areas. Arthritis, PMR pain and discomfort, lumbar and spine issues... I'm very thankful for that product and will continue using it faithfully.
I also began taking a 10 mg CBD capsule as a daily supplement. which may be adding some relief, from pain, aches and discomfort, inflammation, and swelling. I am pleased to add the capsule and oil. They do help.
Nothing else seems to help. I take Requip for RLS and it has helped for several years, thankfully. Of course, it's important to keep an eye on your ferritin levels, B Complex - especially B1, B9, B12. My ferritin regularly is low and I have iron infusions annually, sometimes 2X in a year. I don't absorb B vitamins well, so B12 shots help and oral B Complex. Magnesium is vital for good muscle health, to keep spasms down as possible. There are magnesium creams that may help as well.
I hope some of this helps with your issues. This isn't much fun, is it? I find being proactive, searching and researching onlne, I use Perplexity instead of Google and really like it much better. No ads, no biases, etc. It helps me tremendously with medical questions and definitions, as does the Mayo Clinic webite, Cleveland and John Hopkins are also excellent.
Sounds like you are on your way to get answers and dig in to this thing. Bless you as you do the work we must to stay ahead of things that hit us from nowhere... Elizabeth
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6 ReactionsSorry to hear about your situation. I have spasms in my legs at times, while I am sleeping. I have to walk them off. I understand that this atypical of neuropathy. How ever you might want to ask your primary care Doctor if you get a radiology evaluation where it has gone on so long . Let us know how you make out.
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1 ReactionI’ve had peripheral neuropathy for 10 yrs . Don’t take any meds. Any suggestions what would might work. No gabapentine etc.
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1 ReactionWelcome @louchie, You mentioned that you don't take any meds. I'm assuming that means you don't have the pain but do have the numbness and other symptoms. Here are a couple of resources that might be helpful.
-- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/therapies/
-- Neuropathy Resource: https://neuropathyresource.com/
There is also a discussion that you might find helpful for learning more about neuropathy.
-- Knowledge is power: Add your helpful neuropathy resouces and links
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-101-knowledge-is-power/
What is the most troublesome symptom that you are trying to manage?
@darick and all... This is where I found Triple Magnesium Supplements daily are quite helpful for my muscle spasms. We often do not absorb enough magnesium for our muscles to be happy!
So... I help with this supplement. The triple magnesium seems to cover the bases.
I also found my Ferritin levels were running low. After that bloodwork, I added a Ferritin iron supplement that really works, and as needed I get IV iron supplementation.
I have RLS, Restless Leg Syndrome... yes, it is real. Requip tablet daily has resolved much of thar issue.
You see, it's a multiple issue, multoliple solution approach.
Suggest yo begin with the supplements mentioned, get you doc involved with testing of levels and consulting. But, do not hesitate. Each day is a long day with muscle issues...
Blessings, Elizabeth