Peripheral Neuropathy - Anyone else?

If you have muscle cramping or tightness or even sharp pain in your feet or toes I've found that massaging my husband with the hypervolt, using the rubber tip on the lowest setting, around the calves, thighs and glutes helps with blood flow and relaxes the nervous system. However, be careful with your feet as the stimulation can get your feet to excited. I've found the Penetrex cream used throughout the day helps his feet temporarily.

Has anyone had luck with lidoderm patched?

The lidocaine on my feet does not really help, might actually bother them more. However the roll on lidocaine icy hot really settles my legs, adding some cooling foot lotion on my feet, and 900 mg of gabapentin, and most nights I can get to sleep. My neuropathy is from chemotherapy. Have you tried the patches or any roll ons?

Was taxol a drug used in the chemotherapy treatment, because that's how I got it also; breast cancer chemotherapy treatment. I noticed both bottoms of feet more than a month ago and now both ha D are slightly numb also. Lightheadedness My oncologist didn't prescribe anything; just said it would go away. I read on here it might leave in 3-5 months and then maybe only partially. I read two drugs that might be used; duloxetine or pregabalin for peripheral neuropathy. Do you have any knowledge of these being used?

Yes. I have Chemo Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). I was treated with taxol. I take Duloxetine in the a.m. and Gabepentin 300mg at noon and before bedtime. My feet rarely bother me at night but buzz all day. Some days are worse than others. I finished chemo 7/2020.

Just turned 70. Walk a couple of miles with dogs per day. Need to lose 25 lbs - or more - there I said it.. My last physical showed pre D but not there - home test 2 hours after eating sandwich and oj 2 plus hours ago was 126.

But the bottom of both feet started feeling numb months ago. If I overdo it - the same area can feel bruised. Have had a few cramps. Foot doctor has an about past injury - I fell through a floor 25 years back and for a long time my back could go out - learned how to manage - three disks dark on film later.

Medicare said today on 1st attempt they only help with badly damaged feet from full-on D - Seems strange as there is non D neuropathy. My questions - I purchased inserts from the same doctor - a little better - not much - said I needed shoes - which are the most trusted - and should they be ones with inserts that do not remove? Pads seem so thin. I am dropping sugar and Mayo suggested no artificial, use Splenda morning coffee but gees no weekend yogurt now and then? Nervous because walking is our thing - our beloved dogs in the afternoons, a weekend trip to close by areas to walk nature ect. I do not understand exercising and the need to rest them. Confused on shoes or treatments. Not sure what step one is but I super worry about perm damage. Let me tell you I was diagnosed with acute anxiety after serving. Partly DNA partly injury, partly stress which I battle even after losing my job during covid and working at home now. Medicatiopns they have me on are several and I do not know how to find if any push the issue? Honestly - and openly - the only time I was never full on anxity - was with THC from another state - for a short time felt no need for the heavy meds. Please give me some starting point - direction - I appreciate reading every post of what others do. I can only do the best I can but weight loss now is my highest priority.

By luck, I bought my wife a foot massage - one of the nice ones - the balls - heat - compression but I do not know what level will possibly help me and which would hurt me more. If we have numbness - how do we know? I can barely feel a heating pad on my feet after walking - a little relief and I can feel some heat but my hands feel more heat. I am desperately trying to find a path. I am still Pre D - but I have N numbness and have had for months upon months. To not be able to walk my dogs or walk parks on weekends at 70 would be horrible for me as that is all I have. I walked Walmart today with my pads my doctor sold me inserts and I am supposed to exercise so why when I get home am I hurting worse?

Hello @martinguitars, Welcome to Connect. I've always struggled with weight until the past year or so. Intermittent fasting and lowering the amount of carbs I eat has really helped me lose weight and maintain it. There are a couple of other discussions I think you may find helpful:
--- Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/
--- 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/
--- Low-carb healthy fat living. Intermittent fasting. What’s your why?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/low-carb-healthy-fat-living-intermittent-fasting-whats-your-why/.

Have you made any lifestyle changes to help with the weight loss?

Hello @martinguitars. My husband has only had neuropathic pain but no numbness so unfortunately, I can't speak to that. However, I know that some form of exercise is good. The pain might be worst afterwards however motion is lotion and it's important to keep moving. My husband walks every day and often times the pain is worst afterwards however, the walking keeps him mobile and strong.

I have no pain just numbness in hands, feet and lower legs. I guess I was lucky as mine didn't get debilitating until I was about 76 (now 85). It has progressed to the point where I use a rollator for my walks outside the house.