Neuropathy Symptoms but No Pain

Ed– Nor am I going to retire my cane. That was only a burst of wishful thinking. It still comes in handy. I noticed just the only day there was a flash of ice on my partner's walk. I'd seen it, so I was aware, yet as I set one shoe down on the ice (there was no stepping over it), I felt a little slide. I was using my cane, and at that moment I was happy to happy that extra "leg" on dry pavement. –Ray

Hi Ray ~ you have undoubtedly had this happen but if not, this might save someone a lot of pain, time, cost, etc. I use and depend on a cane for support of my right side because of a broken hip a couple of years ago, and I scared myself almost into heart failure when I wasn't paying close enough attention to the ground in broad daylight in the winter last year and planted the cane on a patch of snow. That cane slid out in front of me and had I not been standing right next to my car, I would have landed on the cement.
I think some canes may be obtained with a retractable spike but any more, if there is any doubt at all about walking conditions on outside surfaces, I stay put at home.
Sure hope you are having a lovely late autumn and time in general!
Blessings,
Barb

Hi, Barb

I'm going to check into those spiked canes. If they no longer exist (I can see what a nuisance they could be trying to get one through TSA 🙂 ), I'm going to investigate other sorts of cane tips that might offer a bit more grip. I saw one the other day that had a broad-ish rubberized tip, and was thinking, Ah! That might be perfect for icy pavement.

I hope yours, too, is a nice late autumn (early winter?) day!

Ray (@ray666)

Good Afternoon, Ray ~
The cane with the broad-ish rubberized tip might work for you, but for me I can imagine it would just prove to make the "slide out" from under me even faster - groan.
The only one I was able to find was online at Exquisite Canes 1-800-440-1954 and the SKU is 9051708 called "Black Adjustable Handle Cane with Ice Pick". Looking at it today, that little pick on the tip seems mighty small, and doesn't look like it would give me the kind of grip I'd need. But it's out there, just as an FYI.
Have a great - and safe - weekend!
Barb

Hi, Barb

You're right, that's not much of a spike. It might not do what you need it to do. Of course, it might work for me. We haven't had much of winter in Denver, not for a long, long time, not since the Earth turned toasty. I might get by with just a little spirit gum on the end of my cane. I'm only kidding, of course. I would like to find a cane––or a cane tip–– that would stand me in good stead ("stand me in good stead" is that a pun?) should my city ever again be visited by a difficult winter.

Here's wishing you a fine weekend!
Ray

My SFN has always been more emotional than physical. However, I do have depression and anxiety also. I was diagnosed in 2020 with no pain at that time, mainly sweating spells. Cleveland Clinic diagnosed me with SFN. I've never been able to find a good Neurologist; still looking. I do take gabapentin but not on a regular basis. My biggest problem is SAD right now. I am miserable when we have rainy weather. SFN has practically destroyed my life as I never feel like doing anything. I have no motivation or interests. I'm 69 yo and just waiting to die. Sometimes I feel so bad, I think I am going to die. This is sure not living; it just existing. I'm sure there are many in the world that are in worse shape than I am and I pray for them often. I am beginning to have pain in my feet, but it is short term.

If you’re not having any pain with your neuropathy, I would recommend discussing the Gabapentin with your doctor or neurologist. From what my Mayo neurologist told me it only helps with neuropathy pain.

Hello, pah17 (@pah17)

I'm in the same boat, although I did get a positive EMG: axonal sensorimotor PN, balance and walking grief, but no pain. There doesn't seem to be much anyone can do. My neurologist has suggested I try a medicinal food called EB-N5, which I've been on now for 150 days. I can't say that my PN has improved, although I can say it hasn't gotten any worse. Other than the EB-N5, I'm diligent about maintaining and/or improving my leg strength (stationary cycling); and also, sticking to a daily balance routine.

I wish you lots of success in getting all the relief you can. This can be a frustrating business, I know.

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)