Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Welcome to the Neuropathy group.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet other people who are dealing with neuropathy. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living well with neuropathy, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

I’m Colleen, and I’m the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. Chances are you’ll to be greeted by volunteer patient Mentor John (@johnbishop) and fellow members when you post to this group. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.

We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.
Let’s chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What concerns would you like to talk about?

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

@silvern12

I am scheduled for the booster covid Pfizer shot on Wednesday and I have mixed feelings. Everyone I know has gotten it and no reaction. I was with fever and muscle aches after second shot only lasted a day. However since then I have been diagnosed with idiopathic axonal sensory motor peripheral neuropathy. I feel it in my feet stiff and partially numb. I also have been experiencing over a month violent migraine like headaches. All tests negative. Drs feel tmj and cervical arthritis. I am very concerned about getting the shot after reading all the comments. Is their any real evidence out there. Will be flying end of month to our new home in Arizona and I am around my young grandchildren so I do want to be protected. I worry either way. All these comments worry me to go ahead and get shot. Pharmacist didn’t have any information regarding neuropathy. Thankyou for any information that can be provided.

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From what I’ve read on numerous medical sites, chat rooms, FB and online news shows the virus and the long term effects from it are far worse than your unfortunate side effects from the vaccine. You’ve already gotten 2 why chance needing to kick yourself for not getting the booster and then becoming severely ill. Just my 2 cents! Good luck

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@wilcy

I wake up and put ice on feet! Only thing found to work!

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I have the same issue and I keep 2 pairs of cold (gel pack) socks in the freezer. I put them on and go back to sleep.

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The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy is holding a webinar in November that some of you might be interested in attending.
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FPN Webinar: Biomedical Research 101 -- Wed, Nov 3, 2021 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT

Patients and scientists alike recognize the importance of scientific research to increase the understanding of peripheral neuropathy, lead us to new treatments, and give us hope for the future. But do you understand fully the research process and where patients can play a part?

Please join us for our upcoming webinar, Biomedical Research 101, to learn the basics of biomedical research terminology, to understand the basics of the clinical research process, and how to find out about current peripheral neuropathy research. Kristy Townsend, PhD, will provide a quick course in research basics, as well as an update on some of the recent research projects focused on peripheral neuropathy.

A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6924826904544731149

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Hi Everyone - My name is Denise and I have neuropathy from lung surgery (pleurodesis - both lungs), and a hysterectomy. I take Pregabalin which really works well for me. I have very little pain and I am able to move around more freely. The only side effects are dry mouth and some dizziness/disorientation. I can live with the side effects because I am able to do so much more when I take Pregabalin, than when I don't take it. I tried Gabapentin but it did not help me to resume my life the way Pregabalin does. I was told about 30% of people who have this lung surgery have pain problems post-surgery.
Thank you for letting me introduce myself. I am looking forward to reading your posts!
Denise

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@denisemarys

Hi Everyone - My name is Denise and I have neuropathy from lung surgery (pleurodesis - both lungs), and a hysterectomy. I take Pregabalin which really works well for me. I have very little pain and I am able to move around more freely. The only side effects are dry mouth and some dizziness/disorientation. I can live with the side effects because I am able to do so much more when I take Pregabalin, than when I don't take it. I tried Gabapentin but it did not help me to resume my life the way Pregabalin does. I was told about 30% of people who have this lung surgery have pain problems post-surgery.
Thank you for letting me introduce myself. I am looking forward to reading your posts!
Denise

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Hi @denisemarys, Thanks for sharing what helps with the neuropathy from your lung surgery. There is another discussion you may also find helpful. I also shared my neuropathy journey along with other members in the following discussion -- Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/.

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I learn so many interesting things here about the condition that I have (axonal sensory neuropathy) and possible side effects of the condition and the available medications. Thank you, all of you, for sharing about your experiences.

I am so grateful for gabapentin and lyrica ... they enable me to live fairly close to normal. I have pain every day but most of the time, it's low grade and I can ignore it. Being with people and running on the beach are two activities that help me ignore it.

One night, I made a mistake in reading my doctor's instructions regarding a new medicine that was added and I didn't take the gabapentin. Omigosh, I awoke at 5 in the morning with incredible pain - like I was standing in a bonfire with flaming swords being thrust up through my feet into my body and swarms of wasps stinging the parts of me that weren't on fire. Hell could not be worse. I called my doctor and laid in bed suffering for 3 hours til his office opened. As soon as he got in, the service gave him my 'urgent' message, he called and told me to take the gabapentin. In about 1/2 an hour, I was better; exhausted, but the bonfire/swords/wasps subsided. I learned to double check doctor's instructions and I found out what untreated neuropathy feels like. My condition is progressive, so it will be even worse if I ever forget to take my medicine or run out of it. Peggy

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@johnbishop

Hi @denisemarys, Thanks for sharing what helps with the neuropathy from your lung surgery. There is another discussion you may also find helpful. I also shared my neuropathy journey along with other members in the following discussion -- Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/.

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Not sure where to ask this question...do others feel more pain in toes when wearing socks? ...if so any suggestions...thanks...cathy

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@mcd123

Not sure where to ask this question...do others feel more pain in toes when wearing socks? ...if so any suggestions...thanks...cathy

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Hi Cathy @mcd123, I have to wear compression socks for lymphedema so my feet always feel a little uncomfortable. Before I started wearing compression socks I had some really comfortable, stretchy, soft socks made of bamboo fibers - https://www.amazon.com/bamboo-socks/s?k=bamboo+socks

Is the pain in your toes due to feeling too tight or is it more that something is touching the toes? There is another discussion started by @lorirenee1 that you might want to look at - Has anyone bought Toe Socks? --https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-bought-toe-socks/

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@pfbacon

I learn so many interesting things here about the condition that I have (axonal sensory neuropathy) and possible side effects of the condition and the available medications. Thank you, all of you, for sharing about your experiences.

I am so grateful for gabapentin and lyrica ... they enable me to live fairly close to normal. I have pain every day but most of the time, it's low grade and I can ignore it. Being with people and running on the beach are two activities that help me ignore it.

One night, I made a mistake in reading my doctor's instructions regarding a new medicine that was added and I didn't take the gabapentin. Omigosh, I awoke at 5 in the morning with incredible pain - like I was standing in a bonfire with flaming swords being thrust up through my feet into my body and swarms of wasps stinging the parts of me that weren't on fire. Hell could not be worse. I called my doctor and laid in bed suffering for 3 hours til his office opened. As soon as he got in, the service gave him my 'urgent' message, he called and told me to take the gabapentin. In about 1/2 an hour, I was better; exhausted, but the bonfire/swords/wasps subsided. I learned to double check doctor's instructions and I found out what untreated neuropathy feels like. My condition is progressive, so it will be even worse if I ever forget to take my medicine or run out of it. Peggy

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I am currently taking 1100mg of Gabapentin adding 100mg per week toward md recommended dose of 2600mg daily. How much are you taking and what was titration schedule? Happy for your results!

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I'm at 1200 gaba twice a day and a 325 Lyrica at night. We need to raise the gaba or add something else as I'm in pain most of every day, I get a few hours relief when I focus on something else. We started with one 300 gaba each day, it worked for awhile, then 3 of those, then my doctor referred me to a neurologist who did testing and official diagnosis. Gradually, she raised it as my condition progressed, then referred me to a pain specialist who has gradually raised it to present levels,I hope that helps. I don't remember exactly how much when. I hope that helps ... Peggy

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