Hi @newzbug. I understand your dilemma. It is very hard to deal with, kind of a catch 22 situation, but perhaps more exercise will help the neuropathy. Have you tried a stationary exercise machine like a bicycle to keep active? I too have neuropathy and balance issues. I am very careful not to fall. I have tried outpatient therapy where I exercised with the stationary bicycle for ten minutes during each therapy session and found it helpful. The physical therapist worked with me to walk using a quad cane. At first it was not easy. I now walk outside my home on uneven surfaces such as the lawn and gravel driveway. I find the cane very helpful for my walking. My next plan is to order home care therapy, when it gets cooler, to do more walking outside for balance. The home care services are provided with no cost if medicare is the primary medical insurance. There is NO deductible and NO copay regardless of residence in the USA. As for the pain, I believe it has decreased through my efforts in diet and exercise. It now has been at least 2 weeks since I have been on a caffeine free diet. I know it is difficult to do without certain foods but the gains are more important to me especially at night. The burning pain seems to be less intense. I am not on ANY medications and very rarely have been on antibiotics for an infection. I do take supplements. I am about the same age and have learned different methods in order to do things again. I am not giving up but instead learning through trial and error for what is best. I wish you well in finding what is best for you.

@newzbug @johnbishop
Dear Newzbug... All of us here can empathize completely with your struggle, and John has provided some excellent resources for your attention.

I have chemo-induced PN in my feet, legs and hands which, in my case, is similar to small fiber PN. Daily exercise is particularly important in staying mobile. My choice is a mile on a treadmill each day, plus various stretches and exercises given to me by a physical therapist. This will be life-long condition for me so I have made it a habit.

Pain/burning triggers for me include alcohol, turmeric, pepper, and spicy foods... and sitting or standing too long.

As I am unable to tolerate pharmaceuticals (like gabanoids, amitripyline, etc.) and stay clear of NSAIDs, I did find some things which have been helpful. (Please note: most of us have tried every product and procedure we have come across, and, if we're lucky, we have a few things which are comforting to us.) For my relief, it's mainly Palmitoylethanimide (PEA) -- 800-1,200 mg/day which has no known side effects nor drug interactions; and Topricin's Fibro Cream, both of which I buy on Amazon.

Hang in there and keep moving.