Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

I have molded myself to ignore the PN pain, nerve lightning strikes throughout the body especially feet and not to mention, major discomfort with everyday activities. It is so difficult to hold a job and tends to be a constant search and way of life for me. Before I know it, I may wind up in the streets and/or living out of my car because of my medical situations.

And to say the least, I had to invent my own feet and shoe paddings and/or wear double cushion socks to ease pain with walking, exercise, etc.. I am 55 and figured with years of all doctors, specialist, emergency rooms, hospitals, clinics, etc.. I found that there is NO real solution and cure for PN as its been said its related to the diabetes and to only constantly maintain glucose levels and A1C. Sadly, I realize that PN will NEVER go away ultimately and prescriptions are only a waste of time and lots of money.

Most importantly, doctors, specialist, etc. will only prescribe injections and pills which are simply 'Band-Aids' to help with the discomfort of PN. As a result, I now have enormous and outstanding medical bills ever since but will have them until the day I am buried.

Finally, I am still insulin dependent to reduce glucose levels to 250-300 as I had reached before into 600s and 700s but again will NEVER be normal and enjoy everyday life.

And finally, I want to educate and encourage people please maintain your diabetes with insulin, meds, etc. , to possibly lower your glucose and A1C before your PN starts to climb upwards in your body starting with your feet.…. If not, you will definitely regret plus experience substantial and enormous pain each day.....PN is almost like a deadly cancer but with cancer, it will eventually chaufer you to the heavens but with PN, there is no chaufer and you will need to learn plus live with the diabetic symptoms and PN especially nerve pains.

Michael

Hello @clark1, Welcome to Connect. My favorite sites for learning more about Neuropathy and possible treatments are these two:
-- Neuropathy Commons: https://neuropathycommons.org/
-- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/

Here are a few discussions on neuropathy that you might find helpful for learning about treatments and coping methods:
-- Neuropathy 101 - Knowledge is power?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-101-knowledge-is-power/
-- Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/
-- Neuropathy Pain at Night: What helps?:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/night-pain-2/
-- Neuropathy - What physical activities help?:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-22/.
Do you mind sharing a little more about your diagnosis and any treatments you've tried?

Thank you!

My diagnosis in March 2020 was "mild motor predominant length dependent peripheral neuropathy" after an Electromyography test at the Mayo Clinic Rochester. I was actually there for an appointment for my Restless Leg Syndrome a month or so earlier when the Neurologist noticed something during the exam that prompted her to schedule that test. My only symptoms at that time were rare occasional tingling in my foot...no pain.
Fast forward to the present, my syptoms are mostly continuous tingling with occasional daily cramping in my toes, and sudden blasts of sharp foot pain....which goes away within a minute.
I'm trying to prepare myself for what's to come. Besides RLS, I also have Tinnitus, which has become severe since 2018, and reacts to most meds with increased pulsing and volume.
I'm aware that most forums are frequented by people who are seeking help and have stories of severe reactions to diseases. But I'm looking for some positive feedback on treatments and lifestyle that allow you to live with this disease. My life has been a battle and I don't know how much fight I have left. I'm 71 years old. Thank you for listening.

My large nerves were damaged when I came down with Vasculitis. It inflamed my medium arteries and the decreased blood flow damaged my nerves.
For me, I use Aspercream on my feet or anywhere else I hurt. It calms things down a bit.
Best wishes to you all.
Susan

You are not alone 🤗
-- Have You Made Any Kind of Peace With Having Your Neuropathy?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/have-you-made-any-kind-of-peace-with-having-your-neuropathy/
-- Living Well with Neuropathy:
https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/

Are there different degrees of severity with Periferal Neuropathy?

Trying to taper down from lyrica 25 mg daily; have been on it just a couple of weeks after switching from gabapentin; lyrica is causing blurred vision. The neuropathy is spreading upwards from feet and is scary!

I don't have pain when I walk and am steady. There are plenty of steps in my house for exercise and at this point I I can negotiate them just fine. They have kept me in shape.

If by different degrees of severity you mean pain levels and impact on quality of life, I would say a big yes, depending on which type of neuropathy you have.

-- https://neuropathycommons.org/neuropathy/neuropathy-overview