92-year-old wondering what helped neuropathy, in your feet?

Good afternoon @janjenny76 and her Dad. Welcome to Connect. What a wonderful gift for your dad. I hope you enjoy your participation in the discussion about ways to help and support your Dad. Would it be possible for you to tell me more about the type of neuropathy your Dad has? Has he received a diagnosis from a clinician/neurologist? How long has he been searching for helpful treatments? I understand the reference to "walking on plastic", Does pain accompany the plastic feelings?

Do you have some idea how long your Dad has been coping with neuropathy? Has he ever been given a prescription for gabapentin? What other medications has he tried? Is your Dad mobile or does he need an assist like a walker or chair? On Connect you will meet patients, former patients, providers, and caregivers. They all have personal journeys and unique solutions.

What is your Dad's greatest need right now?

May you and your Dad be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Hello @janjenny76, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with Chris @artscaping. Computers can be a little overwhelming for us older generation. Thank you for helping your father with Connect. Hopefully you will find some suggestions that will help provide some relief for his neuropathy symptoms. You mentioned he says it feels like he is walking on plastic. I'm 78 going on 79 and just have the numbness with no pain in my feet. I do find that good light weight shoes with memory foam inserts feel the best when I'm walking and actually help with my balance some. I typically buy Sketchers but there are many different brands that have helped members. There is a good discussion on the best shoes you might find helpful.

-- Does anyone find that a type of shoe helps your foot neuropathy?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-anyone-find-that-a-brand-of-shoes-helps-your-foot-neuropathy/

Another thing I think is really important for us older generation folks is taking better care of our feet. I generally try to keep the skin on my feet from drying out by rubbing a moisturizer lotion on them daily and giving them a little massage while rubbing the lotion. Not long ago I ran across a nice list of tips for taking care of your feet - Foot Care Tips | 12 Steps to healthier, happier feet!: https://allforlegs.com/blogs/news/34693189-foot-care-tips-12-steps-to-healthier-happier-feet.

Does your father have any pain with his neuropathy or is it mostly the loss of feeling like numbness? Also, if you don't mind sharing, how did your father find out about Mayo Clinic Connect since he doesn't use a computer?

Have not found anything yet

When dealing with neuropathy, what matters most is the type of blood thinner you use. I have a bunch of myelin diseases and went through about 10 thinners and was about ready to try dill pickles (I finally did try them, and they worked a little--made me forget the continuing neuropathy) before I settled on Turmeric, about a quarter teaspoon of kitchen -grade Turmeric in a 1/4 cup of warm water when I get up in the morning. Sequencing.com says I have a gene that says I need to have this. All I know is that it works for me. Also, I get Priority footwear shoes, and they are very comfortable. oldkarl

Oh, I almost forgot. I may be too young for your med needs. I will be 82 in April. My 18 great grandchildren all think I am just an old f__t. They may have the second part right @oldkarl

Hello Chris @artscaping Thank you so much for your reply. I read your response to my dad, and here are some of his responses.
He started noticing the plastic feeling, approximately 3-4 years ago, which was his first indication of neuropathy. He said all he knows, is that it is peripheral neuropathy, according to a neurologist at Minneapolis Clinic. My dad hasn’t tried any medications yet, but is hoping for suggestions, as the numbness seems to be increasing. He does not have any pain, with the numbness. He is still mobile, and has not yet needed a walker or wheelchair. My dad has gone to Mayo Clinic, for other health issues, but not yet for neuropathy. He is thinking of making an appointment in Mayo’s Neurology department. We just appreciate any suggestions on things that have helped others. Thank you again, for your warm welcome.

Hello, John. @johnbishop Thank you for your reply. Your foot care and shoe suggestions are very helpful. I read your comments to my dad. He will try massaging his feet, with lotion. He also loosened his shoes a little, and that seemed to help. We will look at other lightweight, well fitting shoes, as you mentioned. My dad doesn’t have pain with the numbness.
We found this group, because my dad has asked my brother, and me, to look for neuropathy forums, where he can get suggestions. So, my brother found Mayo Connect. My dad has a high opinion of Mayo, and was interested in joining this group. Since he doesn’t use a computer, he asked me to assist him. Thank you for your great suggestions and input about shoes and foot care!

Good afternoon @janjenny76 ........and thank you for getting back to me. You know, dear daughter, it might be very wise to make the appointment at Mayo Clinic and Neurology would be the right department. My thoughts would be to make sure that your Dad's quality of life is protected and even enhanced by seeking care and treatment at Mayo.

I noticed that @johnbishop responded to your post. John also has no pain with his neuropathy, only numbness. He uses selected supplements to slow down the progression of the numbness. My numbness in the feet is controlled to some extent by MFR, myofascial release therapy. Would you be able to tell me where your Dad lives and I can let you know if there are any MFR therapists near you.

May you and your Dad be safe, protected, and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris