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Replies to "Hello Leonard. Thanks for reply. 35 years is a long time. Have you ever got a..."
Neuropathy | Last Active: Jun 13 6:09am | Replies (111)
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Hello Leonard. Thanks for reply. 35 years is a long time. Have you ever got a diagnose of how you got neuropathy? And is yours large nerves or small fiber neuropathy? Did yours ever burn? I have only had this 4 months. First just the bottom of my feet but already coming up to my knees. I myself had EMG on Wednesday and all nerves are working fine. They said no neuropathy. But this feels like it is right on my skin. I suppose that would be called Small Fiber Neuropathy. You take any medications or supplements? Sorry if that sounds nosey. I suppose I am new to this so the Anxiety of it is terrible. Just became a Grandpa 3 months ago. Now worried about what could happen to me. Thanks for your reply. God bless you.
Replies to "Hello Leonard. Thanks for reply. 35 years is a long time. Have you ever got a..."
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Hi, Jerry I've been dealing with this for the past couple of years. I'm 72. A year ago, I had a laminectomy at 4 levels in my lower back. Spinal stenosis was causing horrific pain in my hips/legs/feet and I could hardly walk. The surgery resolved the leg pain right away... and it was then that I noticed the numbness in my feet. Like you, I have to wait to see a neurologist. I was referred in September, but the doctor's office is not even scheduling new patients until after January 1st. I see see my podiatrist, and she performed a skin biopsy a couple of weeks ago. She also sent me for an EMG that I had two days ago. I won't get results from all those for two more weeks. After my surgery, I read a lot and watched a lot of youtube videos.... and I began taking R-Alpha Lipoic Acid and Benfotiamine right away. A month ago, my podiatrist added a script for Metanx, a food supplement (capsules) that requires a doctor's prescription and made specifically for neuropathy symptoms. It "seems" to already be making a slight difference. Your mention of anxiety struck a chord with me. I have had issues with anxiety all my life, and this disorder has definitely increased my anxiety levels. I imagine the worst and hope for the best. And the lack of any definitive treatment plan for neuropathy numbness/tingling/pain adds to the "what might happen" in my head. Have you been referred to Physical Therapy to see if that might help at all? I go for a deep tissue massage every few weeks (all I can afford) and that does also seem to provide some relief. I try to walk everyday. I try to get to the gym a couple of times each week to use the machines to get my legs moving. I've bought special shoes to try and find more comfort. Worst for me is the balance issues I see to have from this. They seem minor... and I haven't fallen... but the wobbliness messes with my head. Like you, I also have the sense that I feel the numbness and tingling up my ankles and the sides of my legs at times. I am getting a lot of benefit and good information from the wonderful people in the Connect groups. I hope you are, as well, and that you are realizing that you are not alone!! Hang in there! Best wishes, Grandpa (congrats)!!