How do you manage neuropathy and loss of balance and walking ability?

@amberamberette I am a retired occupational therapist who specializes in fall prevention. I can send you the newsletter article I wrote for the Western Peripheral Neuropathy Association. It is full of practical tips and practices to prevent falls. I focus on behaviors and the environment rather than exercise. There can be dire consequences to falls and all of us with sensory loss are concerned about falling.

I bekeive that posting paperis an excellent idea! A driend of mind , who has peripheral neuropathy has ssaid that his neurologist prescribed Metanx FC for his neuropathy and this has materially increased his balance and helped him with his neuropathy.. Habe any of you tried this partocular Rx and had similar or different results?

I've been working with peripheral neuropathy for over 10 years now. My first issue was simply falling backwards in a darkened room.
There's no magic cure. I figure my neurologist will update me if something comes up.
My affliction is one of balance, lower extremity pain and numbness. Some pelvis involvement, which causes me to be very much aware of when I might have to go pee pee.
I'm kind of a Luddite when it comes to taking these drugs that might affect my brain. I have some concerns about sitting in a chair and staring at the wall. I take Tylenol on a regular basis to help with the pain.
I've also been blessed with poor venus circulation in my lower legs, which causes an even more problem with the walking and balance.
At this point, I use rollator devices around the house and when I'm out somewhere. I keep a small one in the car.
At 77, I'm still alive with a very capable brain, but kind of a crippled body.
Carry on. Do the best you can.

@luffing Hi. I read your post and certainly understand where you're coming from. Im also dealing with most of those issues. Between Florida and mi I have dealt with 3 or 4 neurologist plus pain management Drs. I'm 83 and recently, 4 months ago, had a spinal cord stimulator inserted into my back. Abott is the manufacture, but there are others. It does alleviate some of the pain and irritation in my feet. Your Dr has to recommend it and you have to go thru a trial period before it is permanently put in your back. It is not a cure, but it masks the pain messages to your brain. Don't know if you ever thought of this, but if not it is worth looking into
Blessings , Tom

I bekeive that posting paperis an excellent idea! A driend of mind , who has peripheral neuropathy has ssaid that his neurologist prescribed Metanx FC for his neuropathy and this has materially increased his balance and helped him with his neuropathy.. Habe any of you tried this partocular Rx and had similar or different results?

If you require an assistive device to walk safely and a cane isn’t an option consider a walker with wheels or one with a seat and storage. I totally understand your fear of falling and I do too after falling twice while on vacation. My right leg gives out due to PN and I go down. So I’ve started walking with a cane for safety reasons. I hope it works.

@jenatsky A cane is great for another reason. Other people around you notice and tend to be more careful when they are near you. I am still trying to get my article online here. Western Association For Peripheral Neuropathy doesn't allow distribution of newsletter for non members until 3 mos after it is published. Not sure why. Unfortunately my article was written on another computer which I don't have access to. But I can retype it and post it here. It is full of great suggestions for living a fall free life in your home and in your environment. It is not an exercise program but of course exercise is important to the extent you can participate.