Helpful treatment

Posted by fran77 @fran77, Dec 26, 2024

I am 76 yr old female. I've had PN for approximately 8-9 years. I take 1200 mg Gabapentin which works well for me with no side effects. From what I read, I know I am blessed.
About 3 years ago, I did participate in a treatment for PN. It wasn't a promise of a cure. I did and do find it helpful. It consists of using NerveSpa 2 x a day. It helps control the pain. It consists of a tens unit but putting your feet in water. It's very soothing. The treatment also consists of MedMassagrer which is for circulation to the feet. That is done 2x a day for 30 minutes each. Also, Red Light Therapy. This is for helping the nerves heal. This takes a few minutes each day.
When I was going to the office for the initial treatment, I got a spinal adjustment from the Chiropractor as this treatment plan was administered by his office.
I have found all of this to be very helpful because I haven't needed an increase in Gabapentin. As to whether my PN has improved, I can't say. But it hasn't gotten worse.
This information is not meant to be a how-to but general knowledge of this treatment. As with any treatment, there is the proper way to do it.
It took untold years of how I got PN so I also don't expect a quick recovery, if any.
I have no regrets about paying for this treatment, which I now do at home.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

blessedsista24 | @blessedsista24 | Dec 26, 2024

Welcome ❤️
Thanks for the info I was prescribed gabapentin 300 mg at night .I just found out I have PN.when I stand for a little while my toes goes numb and my legs start feeling numb and wobbly.
I haven't started taking it yet 😕 because of the side effects.
But I also have unbalanced walking. Have had it for the past year .only thing they say is vestibular hypofunction and Neuropathy
It's been a life change.
I'm only 59 and can't work now .

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Dec 26, 2024

Hello @fran77, Thank you for sharing what has helped you manage your neuropathy symptoms. Welcome to Connect. Do you mind sharing a little more about your diagnosis and the neuropathy symptoms you have?

topsz | @topsz | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @blessedsista24 "Welcome ❤️ Thanks for the info I was prescribed gabapentin 300 mg at night .I just..." + (show)

How were you diagnosed? Any back pain? Thank u

blessedsista24 | @blessedsista24 | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @topsz "How were you diagnosed? Any back pain? Thank u" + (show)

No.
I was having dizziness while walking so the neurologist done the nerve test on my legs and feet

susancav | @susancav | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @blessedsista24 "Welcome ❤️ Thanks for the info I was prescribed gabapentin 300 mg at night .I just..." + (show)

Don’t be afraid to take the Gabapentin. It shouldn’t worsen your balance issue. As for any other side effects you can talk to your physician about them and he can adjust. You should try it. I take 900 mg 3x a day. It will take the edge off your pain.

blessedsista24 | @blessedsista24 | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @susancav "Don’t be afraid to take the Gabapentin. It shouldn’t worsen your balance issue. As for any..." + (show)

Thanks ❤️

topsz | @topsz | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @blessedsista24 "No. I was having dizziness while walking so the neurologist done the nerve test on my..." + (show)

Can you explain his the nerve test is done? Is this painful? Thx!

fran77 | @fran77 | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @fran77, Thank you for sharing what has helped you manage your neuropathy symptoms. Welcome to..." + (show)

I was diagnosed by my PCP. I had no idea of what it might be. My symptoms were and still are tingling. He said I have idiopathic PN. He did a short explanation and start me out on 100 mg daily. Over the years I was worked up to 1200 mg.
I have the PN in my toes on both feet and if it gets very irritated, I can feel the tingling into the balls of my feet.
After reading comments on Mayo Clinic website for PN, I got a better understanding of what i was up against. I saw where a few people said going gluten free helped them. In the past I was GF for about 8 years because I broke out in a painful skin rash. So I tried it and I was then able to wear shoes and socks. I counted that as a big win. For some odd reason it didn't decrease the pain and I still had to take 1200 mg of gabapentin. I don't understand the logic behind that.
I then decided to go to a Muscular Neurologist to see if I could learn more. I had one visit with the Dr and will go back mid January for the 6 month followup. Then I will see his nurse practitioner. In the meantime I had an EMG to rule out large fiber neuropathy.
Since my symptoms are comparatively mild, I'm not expecting to learn anything new. There maybe a nugget of information that could be of help to me. Just like the GF diet. One never knows where things might lead.
I am very grateful for the progress I have made especially when I read about so many people suffering.

blessedsista24 | @blessedsista24 | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @topsz "Can you explain his the nerve test is done? Is this painful? Thx!" + (show)

I layed on my side on the table and then the nurse put little sticky things on my legs and then she started telling me it would feel like a little electricity shocking me at different parts of my lower extremities and it wasn't that bad .and I was told that day I had neuropathy but nothing was said about treating it .I guess because they were trying to find out why I was so Unbalanced walking

topsz | @topsz | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @blessedsista24 "I layed on my side on the table and then the nurse put little sticky things..." + (show)

Thanks for that info. I have an appt next week with neurologist. I’m not sure what to expect because I have back pain with the tingling toes. And I am walking off balance for the most part.