Does anyone find that a type of shoe helps your foot neuropathy?

Hi Laura, How are you? Is your left leg any better? So creepy to think a shot of cortisone could trigger other problems? How is your toe that had the cortisone? How are your feet in general? AND...HOW ARE YOU? To think we could have such avid foot conversations is so nuts. But there ya go!!! We have them!!!! I am so glad there was a cancellation, and you get to get your nerve conduction test early. The sooner you know something, the sooner that hopefully, something can be done!!!! And then, if that test does not give useful information, you can get the small fiber biopsies done. More information. That is good. As far as the epidural, I did have it done yesterday. After the procedure, I asked the doc if I would be able to dance. He asked if I ever danced before!!! I said, YES, of course!!! Anyway, I will not know if the procedure helped for about 3 to 5 days. He said he has had some patients that have not had help for up to two weeks, but that seems pretty crazy. So here I sit, as always, with throbbing toes. Pain level is not excruciating, so I am ok. I have learned to live with background pain. Like an old friend, that is annoying, and ya just wanna kick in the ass. But seriously, pain is not too bad as of yet today, so I am good. I will keep you posted about the epidural. I see the doc who did it in a few weeks to check on me, and possibly repeat the epidural, or a variation of. Interestingly, from a Science point of view, the doc said that most likely, the nerve roots of the spine are probably intact, because I am not getting pain in my legs, back, or butt. He guesses that tiny distal fibers of the nerves are damaged. The ones that go to far off places....like stinky feet. So I guess, he treated them. He watches an xray as he does the procedure. So anyway, I don't want to be guilty of blabbing, so I will go for now. May 20th is an important day for you. Good luck. Hang tough. We will talk.... Lori

Thomas, I wish I had happy input about shoes, but I do not. Shoes are intensely bad for me, as well. I can change shoes easily 6 times in the morning, to find a shoe that does not kill. And ones that kill at one time, feels ok the next time. In the house, I found giant men's socks that I wear a lot, because they don't rub on anything. I hate to see you have to quite a job you need. This might sound like a crazy question, but are you able to tell a boss at work about your problem? Could you be barefoot at work, hiding feet under a desk? Could you wear a very loose sock and walk around at work? Do even very loose socks kill you? My feet feel very weird barefoot as well. Bad sensations, but better than the excruciating pain from a shoe. I keep MANY pairs of shoes in my car, because one does not last on my foot for maybe 2 hours at best. I have bought so many pairs of shoes, that it is ludicrous. It is like a quest, but there really is no answer. I should have saved my money. Anyway, I feel for you. I really do. No one understands better than a person with the same problem. Regards, Lori Renee

Oh the money I would have if I didn't keep hoping this new shoe would help me walk. I feel your pain and have no hope to offer I am so very sorry to read about so many members of this burning club,but it does bring me comfort not to feel so alone.
I had ketamine infusions but I have no encouraging words to say,yesterday was my last of five infusions,today my pain is reaching far beyond words of burning and pins and needles.
At least when I give my shoes away I know they are not worn out!!

@lorirenee1, so good to hear from you and hearing about the continuing saga—the agony of da feet...That is interesting concerning the tiny distal fibers of the nerves causing pain in the feet. Wow, who would have known? I’m glad the doctor is working with you on this and assuming you are seeing an anesthesiologist? My nerve pain is so bizarre I never know from day to day where the pain will end up. Not having leg weakness today, but had it yesterday but who’s counting?? I’m with you in trying to ignore it most of the time except walking is so important and I can’t do much of that. Hopefully your epidural will soon kick in. I remember my husband several years ago came home from work and his knee was killing him and I mean it was bad!! I got him in for a steroid shot and he didn’t think it worked...took about ten days but it hasn’t hurt him since. That shot for me did absolutely nothing but oh well I tried and hoping for more answers on Monday. You need to let me know when you feel good and all about going out dancing!!! Gotta keep the sense of humor! You are so good at that and making me laugh!!!! -Laura

@lorirenee1 Today I learned something and you have been my teacher. You wrote that you have learned to live with “background” pain. That perfectly describes how I feel at this point. Some pain is tolerable. Some becomes more tolerable when we are distracted by something or participate in an activity. So the 1-10 scale doesn’t work for us. Maybe you just call us pain warriors. Thanks for the insight. Be free of suffering today and enjoy the evening. Chris

I agree with the description. It is more fun to play the piano and forget the pain than to have surgery and spend time in the nursing home not getting the refreshing shower you want. I have a collection of hymnals and can play any of them. I also can pick out camp songs from my childhood in a couple of keys. I entertain myself somewhat and feel grateful for my lifestyle. When it rains, I cover up with a blanket and read or work sudoku puzzles. The work can be done tomorrow. No one sees it anymore. Takes years off. Dorisena

I had a series of sessions with a sports trainer/chiropractor and received laser treatments on the bottom of my feet. AS a result I no longer have the feeling that I am walking on marbles on the bottom of my feet. While I continue ue to have pain in my ankles and lower legs, the bottom of. my feet are no longer a problem

Hi Chris, I am glad I have given you insight about pain. I think I have had many revelations about pain since it first started. Since my pain is there a lot, inspite of Gabapentin, CBD drops, I just think of it as something that is part of me. When it is only moderate, I can distract myself. I mean, any good woman knows the joys of shopping! I also came to the rather stupid revelation that no matter how many different shoes I buy, it is not the shoe that will make a giant difference. The damaged foot nerves are way more powerful than the shoes. So I have a lovely amount of shoes that would make Emelda Markos jealous, and my damned feet still throb, stab, jab, burn....OY!!!! By the way, I got an epidural in my lower spine a few days ago, and I am hoping I get some foot relief. Neuro doc did find some spine trouble, so I am crossing my fingers that my stinky feet with the damaged nerves are not more powerful than the epidural. Waiting for the steroid to kick in. God willing. So for now, I bid adieu. You too, try to have a decent day. God bless.... Lori Renee

Morning, Laura....When you say that from day to day you do not know what to experience with da feet, I vouch for that. Four days past the epidural today, and foot pain is excruciating. Usually don't wake up this way, but today I have. Good day for real marijuana, if I had some. Back in the day, ha, ha, I usually had some. Scooping peanut butter into my mouth, right out of the jar, while watching my hand go into my mouth, seemed to be a two hour activity. But when under the influence, it coulda been ten minutes. Anyway, I wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow. Get that test over with, so you learn more. Meanwhile, I am gonna shmear CBD salve all over my feet, and then eat some right out of the jar. (Not really, Laura.) Gonna try to go back to sleep if Da feet will allow. I mean, who is in charge? FEET!!!! This royally sucks. Best of luck tomorrow. Be a trooper, if you can be. GRIT helps with everything. Keep me posted, and vice versa.... Lori

@lorirenee1, I feel for you and understand the excruciating pain all too well. I’m hoping that after you slept for a bit the pain subsided at least a little or maybe even a lot. I have been in severe pain daily for a few weeks and hope that something can be done...There is always hope. That epidural may still be taking it’s sweet time to take effect. At least I hope this is the case for you. I too, remember the good times with MaryJane and everything being in slow, mo or hilarious and then came all the delicious junk food and how much better it tasted under the influence...oh my. I will let you know how it goes tomorrow and I hope to receive some kind of game plan. I have fought the good fight but getting a bit worn out. Thanks for thinking of me and I will keep you posted. Peace, -Laura