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Coffee and Neuropathy

Neuropathy | Last Active: Jun 19 2:12pm | Replies (62)
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@joelfritzler

For 2021, I was averaging 122 miles a month walking & hiking here in Flagstaff, AZ (at 7,100 ft.) but, for 2022, I cut back and averaged just 104 miles a month. My feet have felt better but I don't know if it is related to my neuropathy. I'm 5' 9" (previously 5' 10") and about 178 lbs. In Oct. 2021, I started taking two - 300mg. capsules of Gabapentin. In March 2022, I requested an increase to 3 capsules but for about 3 days a week until Sept. 2022 I only took 2 capsules. Since then, I always take 3 at night but I'm about to request an increase to 4 as my feet have started hurting more during the day. I know that many of you take a lot more than 1,200 mg./day. The pain varies from sharp to dull to a sunburn type sensation to a fuzzy cold numbness sensation.

I really appreciate the Mayo Clinic hosting this discussion group as the info that I get from you all is great but, I'm really, really sorry to report that I received a rejection letter from the Mayo Clinic when I requested to see someone that specializes in neuropathy. I know that they are super busy and, during the phone interview, I told the Mayo rep that I didn't expect to get an appointment for at least four month or more but, I didn't expect to told, "No.", by the Mayo Clinic. Can anyone recommend a neuropathy specialist in AZ, NM, Las Vegas, or southern Utah?

Thanks, Joel

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Replies to "For 2021, I was averaging 122 miles a month walking & hiking here in Flagstaff, AZ..."
monsieurbj | @monsieurbj | Jan 9, 2023

Thanks Joel,

After a few days of only getting around a mile or so around the house and shopping but taking it easy I can say that I feel about 5% less early morning pain. Today I was quite bored so took my recumbent trike out for an easy cruise around town, felt good again taking it very easy. Only got a mile when the wind and rain hit me so a short lived ride. However that seemed to alleviate the numbness and tightness in my lower legs. Since all this really hit me while pushing myself on the trail, that's exactly what I think created the increase in discomfort. Backing off is hard to do for me at least but now worthy of a serious go of it. I can't take Gabapentin, gives me palpitations, also allergic to the NSAIDs, so a little Tylenol here and there but not over 1,000mg a day keeps me moving. I'll report back after a week or so and see how I'm feeling with the significant cutback in pushing the envelope.

Thanks for your reply!

Bob
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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 9, 2023

Hi Joel @joelfritzler, Have you thought about trying a Mayo Clinic Network Member location? As part of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, the physicians can draw on the collective knowledge of Mayo Clinic. This page shows a map of the locations and links to the hospitals - https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/care-network/network-members.

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julbpat | @julbpat | Jan 10, 2023

I would recommend the closest large hospital/ medical school group. For example, I live near University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), which is frequently quoted in the news. They have top-notch faculty that also see patients in specialty clinics. My appointment at UAB was scheduled for nine months away, but I called every few weeks and was able to snag an earlier appointment. I told them it didn’t matter who I saw, because any neurologist in that type of setting should be very familiar with SFN. Then they can communicate with your local physician.

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