Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

I'm a 76 year old lady. I was just diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy..The burning of my feet and hands are waking me up in the middle of the night..I was prescribed GABAPENTIN which after reading the SCARY side effects, I decided not to take..I was also prescribed Alpha Lipoic Acid and B12 which I'm now taking..I'm also using an Electronic Stepper and will be using a Foot Heat Massager too..
I would appreciate any suggestions that have help you! Thanks!

Hi @marilynaz, The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy has a list of treatments other than medications if you want to scan through them to see if there might be something you want to try - https://www.foundationforpn.org/treatments/.

Hello, I'm a new member from Auckland, New Zealand. I've been diagnosed recently with neuropathy that affects my feet and ankles. But really, on reading posts from members, I don't think there's much wrong with me! I have burning and tingling in my feet, weak ankles and a problem with balance. Nothing compared to most of you! I'm trying a magnesium cream after reading posts about magnesium; I go to exercise classes at a physiotherapy clinic to help with balance and I have repurposed my hiking poles to help with going up and down stairs! I find compression socks help my feet enormously, but I have osteoarthritis in both knees and even mid-calf socks seem to cause weakness and pain in one knee. If anyone has a similar problem I'd love to hear how you managed that. I kook forward to being a member of this group. Even though my condition is mild, I'm pleased not to be on my own and to have information, recommendations, and opinions. Thank you!

I've had a number of trauma injuries over 45 years of life which have resulted in some significant nerve damage. Although I've seen many Specialist there has been no specific type of neuropathy diagnosis, although most is peripheral, because there's always been more pressing issues to contend with which steers Investigations in other directions.

I had a spinal injury 25 years ago and fractured 3 vertebrae after a fall on a working holiday in England. At the time although I knew I'd hurt myself I continued to backpack with a 25 kilo backpack around Europe. Hindsights a great thing but when we're young we believe we're infallable. A spinal fusion followed 6mths after I returned home. I suffered nerve damage and I've had 3 dorsal Column stimulators implanted over 20 years to help with nerve pain.
I've had a number of other injuries which resulted in ongoing nerve problems. I broke both ankles (at different times) which were pinned and put in casts. The plaster had to removed with both due to severe nerve pain affecting the external parts of my ankle. I couldn't stand to have anything touch my ankle for at least 6 mths, no shoes, no sheet/blanket and at times even having my foot in water whether it be the shower, bath, pool was excruciating. Lots of desensitisation work to help my alter my bodies response to stimulus of any sort.
I had severe type 2 diabetes for which I was on insulin for over 5 years. I'm happy to say this is now controlled through diet and lifestyle change and I no longer have any medications to treat this.
I have moderate degeneration of thoracic and cervical spine with neuralgia affecting my strength and body's response (over sensitive or sometimes lack of sensation) to stimuli.
I also have a Chiari Malformation which was diagnosed after a head injury. I stood up and became dizzy, fell and was knocked out on the TV cabinet on the way down. It's believed the impact forced my brain through my skull and into my Spinal canal. A previous cranial CT before the accident did not show a Chiari which is how this reasoning was attained. In addition to Chiari it is suspected I have Syringomyelia (Syrinx or cysts on the spinal canal) which affects my strength and alters many sensations sometimes causing intense pain other times resulting in paralysis. The Syrinx if not treated appropriately may continue to cause irreversible damage. Because of my dorsal column stimulator I have been unable to have MRI scans which has meant some diagnosis can not be ascertained. The decision has been reached to remove the device so MRI's can be taken which will happen in the next couple of weeks. I will then fly interstate in Australia to have decompression surgery and possible fusion of cervical spine. They will also decide how to treat the Syrinx. I have facial neuropathy which results in severe facial pain that brings me to the ground it is so severe. In combination with pain I have paralysis in my face, again my face responds in different ways to stimuli.

My team of specialists are somewhat baffled by the complexity of my conditions but they are slowly being able to bring it a together and gain a better understanding of what's going on and why. That's it in a nutshell, there's more to it but these are the basics. Hope this gives a bit of insight

Hi Diane @dianelow, Welcome to Connect. I have similar symptoms except for the burning. I just have numbness and a little tingling with my small fiber peripheral neuropathy. I normally use magnesium lotion at night also but have tried a multitude of others. The magnesium lotions seems to calm my feet and legs some. Lots of member experience here on Connect and the search function is pretty good if you are looking for a more specific topic. Sounds like you are doing great with the exercise classes. Balance is always a concern for a lot of us. I practice the senior shuffle year around so that I will be ready for the snow and ice when winter comes. 🙃

About the only recommendation I can make that you are probably already doing is to learn as much as you can about the condition and the different treatments that are available and stay active. If you haven't already seen the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, it's a great place to learn more about neuropathy - https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/. They also have a YouTube channel with a lot of information webinars - https://www.youtube.com/@foundationforperipheralneu4122.

Hi I am new to this group and I have tried to find the answer but haven't so I think you can help me. I have not been diagnosed with neuropathy because I can't get my MD who I have gone to over 20 years to listen to me about really believing I have it. My feet burn like "hell" and hurt. I have tried every ointment from lidocaine to voltaren to the Australian guys to magnesium oil covered with Vicks....really! Now the pain has moved up my calves in to my thighs and now my hip area. When I googled neuropathy it sounds like this so my question is if my MD doesn't listen where do I go I'm on Medicare 77 years old.