Neuropathy: Anyone have any experience with gabapentin?

I backed off the stimulator because every operation I had made the neuropathy worse. At one point the stenosis pain was so disabling that I had to sit in one chair and not move—24/hours a day for three weeks—moaning, cursing and crying. Surgery gave me almost immediate relief. Walking with a strange gate causes it to flare up—but now stretching relieves it quickly—excellent surgeon.

@jeffrapp @dckuke

I'm a compulsive shoe shopper. I don't know how many I have right now, but at last count it was 50 something. That was pre-neuropathy. When I put a pair of shoes on, I walk around the house for a bit, and either put them back in stock or in the donate box. I've had to cull out some really nice shoes, but if they hurt my feet value isn't a consideration. Now what I look for is shoes with a wide toe bed and a little on the large side to have room for insoles. Certain Clark's are great.

My in the house slippers are Nike sandals with two good insoles glued in.

I shop at second hand stores, and only consider a pair if they look like they were bought for a wedding and never worn again. I'm amazed at what I find for $5 or $10. I could own a lot more shoes if I didn't already have 2 just like them.

I bought a pair of Pivetta hiking boots 40 years ago to backpack up My. Whitney, and seldom wore them after a few hikes. I paid retail for them, and $120 was a huge investment for me as a young father. But I tried them on a few weeks ago and discovered that they give me good support for walking, feel comfortable and hurt my feet no more than most of the rest of my shoes.

I've never run across Uggs in my quest. I like the Lugz boots I have.

Whatever the shoe, my feet hurt just because they are making contact, especially, but not limited to, walking, driving and standing still. As you mentioned, standing still is worse than walking. I feel a little conspicuous at church when I stay seated. Adding to it is the fact that the church floor is sloped like in theaters.

We lived in Daly City for a few years back in the 70s, and in Napa, as well. I'm afraid I can't go sockless or in sandals year round in central Oregon. Our son-in-law is stationed at the Alameda Coast Guard base, so they have a really temperate environment where shorts and sandals are good. I get a break from socks when we visit them.

@dckuke I haven't yet tried CBD oil or cream. I might have to get some pretty soon because I can't get in to see the pain specialist or neurosurgeon to talk about the increasing pain I'm having until the corona virus lets up. I guess that pain isn't on the list of things deemed essential. I'm hoping to have at least a telephone call from them. I'm going to have to raise the dosage of ms contin up to the amount allowed with my prescription.

The surgery for a stimulator implant is pretty non invasive - just a small incision to stick the battery pack in and attach a few leads, but I can understand your reluctance to go ahead with it. It's the pits when you wake up from anesthesia with more pain than you already had. There's something wrong with that picture.

Jim

@jmhd, Hi Jim, I couldn't help but notice your statement about pain not being essential. Actually, in recognition of how it helps, my understanding is that medical marijuana is considered essential during this event. The dispensaries are suggesting that in-home delivery is safer than curbside. I will tag @jeffrapp, @dckuke in case they need to know.

May you have comfort and ease.
Chris

Here, here. My MM is delivered to my door from the dispensery within 2 hrs of reorder. I utilized this service long before the virus bc I can't drive. What a life saver! All in all....using the product and working with educated pharmacists has been very valuable for me.

Hey there @jimhd This is so funny! I thought women were the main shoe collectors. I can't imagine how much $$ you spent acquiring your collection with the exception of the thrift store bargains. My son has also found some great bargains on barely used shoes. He is a compulsive thrift store shoe and clothing shopper but has also collected some items I have no clue about.🙄 He worked for a Salvation Army thrift store for about 2 years and always got the cream of the crop pick before stuff was put out on the floor. Shhh, that was a no-no.

Regarding comfortable shoes, I don't have your foot issues but I do have some. Additionally, I often have to order online and pay top dollar for expensive brands from Zappos and others--so hard to pick from a photo. Local isn't that much better sometimes, I find that trying on a pair in the store and walking around for even an hour is often no indication of how comfortable the shoe will be under normal usage, and most shoe stores do not take returns. So frustrating to throw away money.

I know a man who has severe issues with his feet, can't remember exactly what they are but I know a lot of pain. He found some shoes that he said were heavenly. I haven't talked to him for a long time, but I will see if I can reach out and find out if they still work well and what type they are. Far be it from me to keep you from your compulsive shoe-buying habit.😁

Yes I have been using gabapentin with some effect. I have also been using Ativan with a good result I think that keeping calm and staying away from caffeine or any agitation helps. I was told tramadol is also effective but should only be used for a short period of time such as a flare-up. God Bless all.

Darn Internet connection. I just lost my whole reply. I really need to get away from caffeine and possibly the Vyvanse which was prescribed for my ADHD, but my sleep has been so awful that I chug coffee all day which of course exacerbates the sleep issue. I also take Tramadol but usually only once per day in between my other meds when I need it. I researched medication interactions and tramadol does not combine well with them so I try to leave 3-4 hours between my other meds and the Tramadol. I don't know if that strategy is a good one, but that is what I use. I also take clonazepam which is mostly effective. I have no idea what my anxiety is about, but in the past and even sometimes now all my muscles tighten up to the point where I feel like someone is choking me--not pleasant. Not a fan of gabapentin so won't ever use that.

Unfortunately, gabapentin, Cymbalta, and Lyrica effectiveness and side effects vary greatly. For me, my gabapentin was doubled, redoubled...with little improvement, Cymbalta caused extremely serious memory issues, and Lyrica gives me some dizziness, but is quite effective.

I use Tramadol and have for 3 years, I only use it 2 x a day. It takes the edge off. and with my cold laser therapy device, i am able to get through the day pretty well.

@maryv449 What is cold laser therapy never heard of it and does it help with the pain?