Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Hi @jakedduck1 I found walkers without wheels are more difficult to maneuver. They are meant for people with little mobility. Originally I used a walker with 2 front wheels and 2 sliders in the rear. I had more instances of tipping but luckily no falls. It was scary. Once I switched to the 4 wheel walker with the seat I had no near falls. It was a big help. From there I later learned to walk with a quad cane. Toni

Hello. My neuropathy began in 2008 after chemotherapy. Since then it has gotten worse which may be due to being diabetic. I am using diabetic footwear, but I believe the thick soles along with neuropathy may be effecting my balance somewhat.

Hi Renee @faithwalker007 the quad canes I have are adjustable for the height. There are notches to place to the correct height which is about mid hip level. Hopefully yours can be adjusted accordingly. Wish you well. Toni

I’ll have to get a different one.

@sunnyflower
Here are some seizure meds that can cause Neuropathy.

Dilantin/Phenytoin
Phenobarbital
Tegretol/Carbamazepine
Depacote/Valproic acid
Trileptal, Oxtellar XR/Oxcarbazepine
Lamictal/Lamotrigine

I believe that Neurontin/Gabapentin may also contribute to Neuropathy just like some seizure meds have increased seizures in some people.

Take care,
Jake

Toni, I totally agree with your comments about walkers. I've tried them all, and my four-wheeler is the very best!

For the correct height and best way to use the cane see a physical therapists who is familiar with canes. The therapist will be your greatest resource in learning which cane would be best for you, a quad or single leg cane. I had gone to physical therapy outpatient services once a week just to learn exercises to do at home. It was there I first learned about quad canes. The therapist had brought it to my attention. Without the therapist I would have never thought to benefit from a cane. I think it would be a good investment for at least one visit to determine which cane would be appropriate and to use correctly. My insurance did pay for my visits after I met the copay. Check with your medical insurance. Wish you well. Toni

Hi @robo37 , my wife's PN started after her 2nd chemo infusion on 2/26/14. It has gotten slowly but steadily worse over the years. She is not diabetic. Her neuropathy manifests as severely burning feet and ankles. Lately her worst areas are her heels (mostly right one). Her feet get swollen and very red. She says they are angry, and I know that is how they feel to her. She suffers. She uses medical marijuana to help deal with the pain. She says sometimes it feels like she is walking on sponges or pillows or something, that they feel strange, not normal when walking. I do not think it affects her balance too much as yet. Do you do anything for your pain? You've had yours a lot longer, 12 years. I feel badly for you, do you have a good support system (loved ones, friends, family) in your life? Best, Hank

Hello @robo37, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear your neuropathy has gotten worse. I have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic and also try and walk carefully due to balance issues. I have small fiber peripheral neuropathy and have always liked wearing comfortable shoes so I mostly wear ones like Sketchers with memory foam linings. My Mayo neurologist suggested that I wear a more supportive shoe but I haven't found any that I like that are comfortable. There are a few other discussions you may want to read through and learn what others have shared.

- Chemo-related Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/1st-time-at-mayo-for-neuropathy/
- If the shoe fits, wear it!: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/if-the-shoe-fits-wear-it/
- Having trouble keeping your balance?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/having-trouble-keeping-your-balance/

Have you tried any exercises to help with your balance?

Jake, I am so sorry to hear about your falling and crawling! Ouch!! I will be praying for your safety and quick recovery. 🤕. Warmest wishes, Sunnyflower