I had been in the same boat with you for many years until I was introduced to a spine stimulator. I was using several different topical ointments that gave me some relief. The best one I have found so far is CVS' lidocaine lotion and I still use it even though I've had a stimulator implanted earlier in the year. Like you, I sometimes feel like that all I ever do is deal with PN. The condition has killed my social life except for a couple of friends and my family. I'm 77 and I've been retired for 12 years. I never thought I'd miss working until I no longer had a job. Or I should say, a paying job. Now my job is taking care of my feet and hands. I'm still waiting for my first paycheck to arrive.

Regarding narcotics, what have you tried? I'm taking a combination of 10mg of oxycodone and 5mg of methadone. Along with 3200mg of gabapentin each day, they are fairly effective at giving me some relief without making me feel like I am in some kind of stupor.

I wish you the best of success as you look for some answers.