Neuropathy symptoms - What specialist to see?

Hello @suzva, Welcome to Connect. A neurologist is the type of specialist that normally deals with diagnosing neuropathy. Most drugs and treatments can help with the pain but don't do much of anything for numbness which is my biggest complaint as I don't have pain with my neuropathy. I'm glad to see you are advocating for your own health learning as much as you can about the condition. I think that is the best thing anyone can do to become aware of available treatments while learning more about their condition. You will notice that we added to your discussion title so that other members might be able to share their experience and offer suggestions they might have.

I'm not sure I would ignore the diabetes connection with your neuropathy. I come from a family with a history with diabetes. My mother developed diabetes in her late 50s but both of my younger sisters developed diabetes in their late 20s and were on insulin. Both of my sisters mentioned the pain and numbness in their feet and my sister who is no longer living was told at one time amputation may be in the future for one of her feet. I have never been diagnosed with diabetes although I have been in the pre-diabetes category for most of my life and the numbness symptoms started in my toes in my late 30s. I posted my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.

Here are a couple of really good sites to learn more about neuropathy:
--- Neuropathy Commons: https://neuropathycommons.org/neuropathy/causes-neuropathy
--- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/webinar-diabetic-pn-with-rodica-pop-busui-md-phd/

Can you see if your doctor will give you a referral to see a neurologist?

Thanks, John...I've read about yours and others journeys. I have actually felt guilty about complaining because there are so many others that have been dealing with debilitating symptoms, and mine seem minor in comparison.
I haven't ignored the diabetes connection, but there are so many different types of neuropathy, and some can actually be "cured" by fixing the original problem. I don't like the fact that the doctors I've spoken to automatically blame it on the diabetes or the fact that I'm getting old (I'm acutely aware of that fact!!)
My doctor has been very good about referrals when I ask. I can get the referral, getting the appointment is a whole 'nother story!
Thanks again

I am being treated by a chiropractor for neuropathy in both feet. I am not diabetic. Treatment involves infrared light treatment, electrostimulation, foot vibration, and mega supplements. This is a long process to repair nerves in your feet. Months. My feet have improved a LOT. No more needles, hotness
Still tingly but I can feel my feet again. You just can't give up. All this was not cheap, but it is working. There really is no other way. Traditional medicine has no treatment or relief , only drugs to mask the symptoms. And they don't work very well if at all, eg Lyrica.

The only thing that really helped was physical therapy. I went to a PT clinic that specialized in stroke recovery. They had equipment and exercise that specialized in balance recovery. I went 3 time a week for a year. I could hardly get from front porch to the car. I was no longer driving and using Lyft and Uber when my family could not take me. After a year of PT I am able to walk with a rolling walker and I can once again us my cane around my house. I have been diagnosed with CIDP and I have infusion therapy every 2 weeks with a drug called PRIVIGEN/ I am treated by a neurologist who treats neuromuscular disorders.

Well said. Doctors are becoming acclimated to the fact that neuropathy may be a side effect of pre-diabetes. Best to do everything possible to lower A1C to help delay progression.