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Is it worth trying to resolve peripheral neuropathy?

Neuropathy | Last Active: Aug 24, 2020 | Replies (38)

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@jesfactsmon

Hi Darren, welcome to Connect. You are definitely not alone in your issue of what sounds to me like a case of peripheral neuropathy. There are tests many people have done, such as a nerve conduction test or skin punch biopsy which you could ask your doc about. My wife had her PN start during chemotherapy in 2014 and she has had burning in both feet. She was not diagnosed but it was pretty clear it was PN. She has progressed from a fairly mild case that used to start in the early evening to now having it start as soon as she wakes up and lasts all day. You might find that yours progresses as well. It seems to for many people. She does not believe drugs are an answer, for her at least, but she did give gabapentin (neurontin) a try. It did not help her although for others it's a mixed bag with some getting no benefit, like my wife, and some swearing by it as their savior. Opioids seem to not help most people with PN. One person who is a mentor here, @jimhd Jim, relies on morphine to get him through the worst of his pain. Several people who post here have had nerve stimulators installed in their bodies, and these have helped a lot in some cases, not so much in others. Like everything neuropathy based, every case plays out differently. Some who have tried stimulators are, again, Jim, as well as Barb @barbbie both of whom have had a spinal cord stimulator installed, Lori @lorirenee1 who recently got a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulator and Fred @fredjan2016 who has had a neuro stimulator inserted into his feet/ankles. These stimulators seem to be the latest thing that many people are trying these day to deal with their pain. Anyway, I have given you a little of what I know about this horrible condition and how people deal with it. I am sure you will find lots of people to discuss this with on Mayo Connect. I just happen to be the first to reply to you. It's the middle of the night here in the USA and I get up very early. Good luck to you Darren, please stay in touch with this group, hey are a great bunch of people and super helpful! Best, Hank

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Replies to "Hi Darren, welcome to Connect. You are definitely not alone in your issue of what sounds..."

G'day Hank, thanks for taking the time to respond so comprehensively.
I gather that most people have constant pain, whereas, I have quite severe episodes starting from 5:30 am (when I get up) and are usually much more frequent in the morning and then lesser throughout the day. So I may have 12 or so episodes punctuating my day with most of those in the morning. The duration is usually brief, 3 or so minutes, but very intense. Is that common?

I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. Believed to be caused by Vitamin B supplements. Does anyone on this thread have information or can guide me for more info.