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Diagnosis: Idiopathic Peripheral Neuropathy and Restless Leg Syndrome
Male, just turned 78 and in what I consider pretty good physical and mental shape. Work out at gym regularly, Mediterranean diet, etc. My feet felt a little odd about a year ago - painful some nights, no problems daytime. Visited Podiatrist, my regular internist (who also specializes in geriatric medicine) and a Neurologist who specializes in neuropathy. All three did in-office reflex testing and first 2 said no to neuropathy while Neurologist said "didn't think so, but let's schedule you for an EMG and nerve conduction study (mild electric shocks) on your legs/feet.
Tests indicated the neuropathy and RLS.
I guess I was somewhat stunned. He asked if I had any questions and, quite frankly, at that point I didn't know or think of questions I should ask other than "should I continue on the Gabapentin my Internist recommended." He said "Yes" if that ha been helping you at night, which is has somewhat.
I have to admit that I am lost as to know what to do now. I am also panic-stricken as to my future. My Neurologist didn't suggest any follow up. Now that I have somewhat settled down I am not going to sit back and so say "Oh woe is me!" I've always been very proactive with my health and I want to continue with that attitude!
Your advice and experience would be a wonderful thing for me, thank you!
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Good wife!
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1 ReactionThis an "FYI"... a new, non-opiod pain reliever has just been cleared by the FDA. It is called Suzetrigine and will go under the name Journavx. It supposedly blocks sodium channels to pain receptors.
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/fda-approves-new-type-opioid-pain-medication-1st/story
I will be following this closely.
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3 ReactionsI'm so sorry, @mikead63, those nighttime symptoms sound incredibly tough. The burning, the stiffness, feeling like your feet are a different part of your body... I know that feeling all too well with RLS, especially when it wakes you up.
I'm fairly new here, but I've dealt with RLS for years. Sometimes just getting up and walking around a bit, or doing some gentle stretches can help break that feeling. Some people also find relief with hot or cold foot baths.
Have you talked to your doctor about your iron and ferritin levels? For RLS, specialists often like to see ferritin higher than what's considered 'normal' for general health. It's definitely worth discussing your actual numbers with them.
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2 Reactions@jessysis Thank you! I was not familiar with one's ferritin level, but will check with my physician.
@heisenberg34 this is such a good news, one that gives us hope of a neuropathic pain free life! In Canada it is not approved yet but it supposed to be by mid 2027.
Thank you
@corneliagd Don't get your hopes up yet. I did a trial of this drug. Unfortunately, it didn't help with my pain. Not to say that it won't help many others. Ask your doctor if he will write you a script foe a 30 day trial.
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1 Reaction@jessysis
I use a homeopathic -Hyland’s Restful Legs PM.” also have one for leg cramps wonderful products
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1 ReactionI also tried it for 30 days. It helped a little bit, but not enough to continue using it.
900 mg. Gabapentin at night helps with my RLS and getting to sleep at night. I also have unspecified peripheral neuropathy in my feet.
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2 Reactions@shellparadise I have been using Hyland's Leg Cramps dissolvable and it will release the worst leg cramps and muscle stiffening within minutes. I always keep a bottle with me.