Peripheral neuropathy FREEZING

My main issue is my legs from the knees down are always freezing cold. My husband says my feet feel warm to him! I feel like they are blocks of ice and painful. My balance is a nightmare. I use a rollator. All the time. Even around the house.

I was diagnosed with PN with no known cause. Last year I was diagnosed with "Adrenal Insufficiency" and must wear a medical alert bracelet at all times.

My first fall was in 2001 and my last fall was exactly one year ago 2026. Total falls only about 5. I can feel one coming on and get down quickly. I was a fainter. Began when I was about out 10 years old. I fainted in class a few times in class and could always get out of class.

I all but bound to my recliner. I sleep in it most nights.

My husband is an Angel. He helps me so much. I feel helpless. He is my rock!

I am always cold. Especially from my knees down. I keep an electric blanket on my lap and legs all the time. Heat and Hydrocodone help with my pain.

Reynauds symptom is the first I have heard that can explain freezing calves and feet. So painful.

I will research more and check with my Endochronalist.

I have peripheral neuropathy due to high light chain levels causing axonal dysfunction. I am taking R-B for a b-cell lymphoma.
The worst part is leg weakness below the knees and my toes are often freezing. But luckily I feel well otherwise and am still snow skiing. Electric socks, Lenz brand to be specific, have been a game changer when out in cold weather. However, the socks do come with a warning. Could be dangerous if you have complete numbness and turn the heat up too high. Easily controlled thru my smart phone.
Just a thought.

@johnbishop I have neuropathy that makes laying on my left side difficult because I get such bad tingling and numbness in my left foot trying to sleep. I take 1200mg of Gabapentin at hs plus pain meds and still have problems. Once I get to sleep it's ok. Having extensive back surgery on Wednesday 5/20. This pain management Dr has me using tens which caused terrible pain night before last plus he's trying to decrease Hydrocodone by one pill before surgery. I can't do it. I have too much pain. My L3-L4 is almost closed. Do you have an opinion about this or am I in the wrong place? This is my first time on this site.

Welcome @carmie, You are in the right place. Sorry to hear you are in so much pain. Nerve compression in the spine can cause a lot of pain. Hoping your upcoming surgery next Wednesday will provide relief and get you feeling better. I'm glad you found Connect as there are many discussions on back surgery that mention L2-L4 and more. Here is a search link that lists the different discussions and comments by members if you want to learn what members with some experience have shared - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/.

You mentioned the tens unit didn't help with the pain. Did your doctor explain why he wanted you to decrease the pain pill dosage before your surgery? Do ice packs or a heating pad help at night?

@johnbishop

Possibly the pain pills may interfere with the pain meds given by IV during and after surgery.