Peripheral Neuropathy - Anyone else?

Posted by maallen1943 @maallen1943, Aug 1, 2011

I am 68, have type 2 diabetes, and have developed bad neuropthy in my hands an feet. Doctors give me no help.

Does anyone know anything about this probem?

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@suzed

I went food shopping today, and the pain was so great, could barely walk. The entire foot feels broken, and can barely think. It's getting so bad, I don't want to go out.
The pain specialist has me on Pregabalin, building up to higher doses, but that only stops the pain temporarily. Do they not have any other solution? He knew I had CRPS and neuropathy months ago, and this long delay only worsened my condition to the point of my being permanently crippled.
Why can't I be helped? Lidocaine patches are a joke, and haven't even been referred to a specialist who can insert spinal cord stimulator device. This has ruined my life and independence. At my wit's end.

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You should see a neurologist, preferably one who subspecializes in peripheral neuropathy. For a temporary quick fix, soaking your feet in epsom salts or applying Voltaren cream or gel has helped some people. Some people have benefited from alpha lipoic acid, which requires a doctor's prescription. These may or may not work for you. I have found that wearing thin socks is better for me than wearing thick ones, although some people swear by thick hiking socks. If you can get to the underlying cause of your neuropathy, that would be best, because you might be able to get treatment for it. In too many cases there is no cure, so you have to learn to manage your symptoms with proper diet, exercise, sleep, and destressing. It's best to be as proactive as possible with your health. It may mean such things as meditating, researching online, finding a specialist on your own, or changing doctors. You are more than your peripheral neuropathy.

REPLY
@suzed

I went food shopping today, and the pain was so great, could barely walk. The entire foot feels broken, and can barely think. It's getting so bad, I don't want to go out.
The pain specialist has me on Pregabalin, building up to higher doses, but that only stops the pain temporarily. Do they not have any other solution? He knew I had CRPS and neuropathy months ago, and this long delay only worsened my condition to the point of my being permanently crippled.
Why can't I be helped? Lidocaine patches are a joke, and haven't even been referred to a specialist who can insert spinal cord stimulator device. This has ruined my life and independence. At my wit's end.

Jump to this post

Alpha lipoic acid (600 mg capsules) is not a prescription substance in the US. Where are you located? You can get it online or at any drug store or vitamin shop.

REPLY
@lagrange5

You should see a neurologist, preferably one who subspecializes in peripheral neuropathy. For a temporary quick fix, soaking your feet in epsom salts or applying Voltaren cream or gel has helped some people. Some people have benefited from alpha lipoic acid, which requires a doctor's prescription. These may or may not work for you. I have found that wearing thin socks is better for me than wearing thick ones, although some people swear by thick hiking socks. If you can get to the underlying cause of your neuropathy, that would be best, because you might be able to get treatment for it. In too many cases there is no cure, so you have to learn to manage your symptoms with proper diet, exercise, sleep, and destressing. It's best to be as proactive as possible with your health. It may mean such things as meditating, researching online, finding a specialist on your own, or changing doctors. You are more than your peripheral neuropathy.

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alpha lipoic acid Is an over the counter supplement, it’s a fatty acid. I use fish oil. I learned from my physician prescribing it, but the pharmacist correcting me that it’s OTC!

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@lagrange5

You should see a neurologist, preferably one who subspecializes in peripheral neuropathy. For a temporary quick fix, soaking your feet in epsom salts or applying Voltaren cream or gel has helped some people. Some people have benefited from alpha lipoic acid, which requires a doctor's prescription. These may or may not work for you. I have found that wearing thin socks is better for me than wearing thick ones, although some people swear by thick hiking socks. If you can get to the underlying cause of your neuropathy, that would be best, because you might be able to get treatment for it. In too many cases there is no cure, so you have to learn to manage your symptoms with proper diet, exercise, sleep, and destressing. It's best to be as proactive as possible with your health. It may mean such things as meditating, researching online, finding a specialist on your own, or changing doctors. You are more than your peripheral neuropathy.

Jump to this post

Very much appreciate your advice and comments, Lagrange. My pain specialist has yet to learn the underlying cause of the neuropathy even though I've been seeing him for months. He appeared too busy referring me on to three other pain-in-the who couldn't comprehend my pain nor gave me needed advice. I did get a feather stroke down the leg, and was asked if it hurt??

I believe the peripheral neuropathy and CRPS occurred after a revision surgery by an orthopedic surgeon who undoubtedly damaged nerves and tissue from 5th metatarsal along lateral side. This coupled with my 2 autoimmune diseases along with foot arthritis was a disaster in the making. You gave a very helpful comment about a neurologist specializing in neuropathy, and in hindsight, that should have been my first choice. But I had no guidance nor recommendations. I will try the thin socks, epsom salts, and alpha lipoic acid Thanks again for your encouragement.

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@crossette

Alpha lipoic acid (600 mg capsules) is not a prescription substance in the US. Where are you located? You can get it online or at any drug store or vitamin shop.

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Forgot to mention I stopped taking it because it didn’t help.

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@lagrange5

You should see a neurologist, preferably one who subspecializes in peripheral neuropathy. For a temporary quick fix, soaking your feet in epsom salts or applying Voltaren cream or gel has helped some people. Some people have benefited from alpha lipoic acid, which requires a doctor's prescription. These may or may not work for you. I have found that wearing thin socks is better for me than wearing thick ones, although some people swear by thick hiking socks. If you can get to the underlying cause of your neuropathy, that would be best, because you might be able to get treatment for it. In too many cases there is no cure, so you have to learn to manage your symptoms with proper diet, exercise, sleep, and destressing. It's best to be as proactive as possible with your health. It may mean such things as meditating, researching online, finding a specialist on your own, or changing doctors. You are more than your peripheral neuropathy.

Jump to this post

Nervive is a product sold at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada it has ALA and vit. B12
Just started using it although I did not have a Vit B12 deficiency. Try anything for a month to see what works. I am now trying NeuroPure only available online in US very expensive if it works it will be worth every penny. Only two weeks in to this product 2x a day lots of herbs and supplements. Pray to God that something relieves the constant pain. Not so lucky in my area trying to get a doctor been waiting two months with Health Connect that's a joke. Still waiting for a referral call for a specialist from the walk in clinic doctor on duty. God help us everyone.

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@suzed

I went food shopping today, and the pain was so great, could barely walk. The entire foot feels broken, and can barely think. It's getting so bad, I don't want to go out.
The pain specialist has me on Pregabalin, building up to higher doses, but that only stops the pain temporarily. Do they not have any other solution? He knew I had CRPS and neuropathy months ago, and this long delay only worsened my condition to the point of my being permanently crippled.
Why can't I be helped? Lidocaine patches are a joke, and haven't even been referred to a specialist who can insert spinal cord stimulator device. This has ruined my life and independence. At my wit's end.

Jump to this post

Hi, I have written in before, and have serious peripheral neuropathy, and osteoarthritis in knees so have some troubles ...However, I have found that with AOR High Dose R Lipoic-acid, twice daily, with pregabalin 150 mg morning, noon and bedtime, no burning, tingling pain, etc, and feel absolutely no pain when laying down. My problem is the soles of my feet, as the previous writer said, terrible pain when walking, enough to make me stop every fifty or so steps, it is so bad it brings (almost) a tear to my eye...I cannot find out if it is PN or something else, plantar fascitis has been ruled out, so doctor just says, oh, must be your neuropathy.. Any suggestions, I have tried any number of socks, devices, creams, gels, etc, sandals with no socks best for me.

REPLY
@roosterry

Hi, I have written in before, and have serious peripheral neuropathy, and osteoarthritis in knees so have some troubles ...However, I have found that with AOR High Dose R Lipoic-acid, twice daily, with pregabalin 150 mg morning, noon and bedtime, no burning, tingling pain, etc, and feel absolutely no pain when laying down. My problem is the soles of my feet, as the previous writer said, terrible pain when walking, enough to make me stop every fifty or so steps, it is so bad it brings (almost) a tear to my eye...I cannot find out if it is PN or something else, plantar fascitis has been ruled out, so doctor just says, oh, must be your neuropathy.. Any suggestions, I have tried any number of socks, devices, creams, gels, etc, sandals with no socks best for me.

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I understand when you say you have used a variety of creams and gels. Frustrating and expensive. I have a prescription pain cream. It is prepared by a compounding pharmacy. There are various “recipes” that your neurologist can request. It sounds like you need something to calm those nerves (Gabapentin, etc), numb the pain (lidocaine) and maybe reduce inflammation. I have a cream with three ingredients. $115 will last me six months or more. I only use it at night, on my hips, and occasionally during the day on a troublesome spot. If you haven’t tried that, you might. You can contact the pharmacy yourself, get the information on ingredients and price, then message your doctors office. They should be glad to help you.
It has to be a compounding pharmacy!

REPLY
@suzed

Very much appreciate your advice and comments, Lagrange. My pain specialist has yet to learn the underlying cause of the neuropathy even though I've been seeing him for months. He appeared too busy referring me on to three other pain-in-the who couldn't comprehend my pain nor gave me needed advice. I did get a feather stroke down the leg, and was asked if it hurt??

I believe the peripheral neuropathy and CRPS occurred after a revision surgery by an orthopedic surgeon who undoubtedly damaged nerves and tissue from 5th metatarsal along lateral side. This coupled with my 2 autoimmune diseases along with foot arthritis was a disaster in the making. You gave a very helpful comment about a neurologist specializing in neuropathy, and in hindsight, that should have been my first choice. But I had no guidance nor recommendations. I will try the thin socks, epsom salts, and alpha lipoic acid Thanks again for your encouragement.

Jump to this post

hoe do epsom salts help

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@roosterry

Hi, I have written in before, and have serious peripheral neuropathy, and osteoarthritis in knees so have some troubles ...However, I have found that with AOR High Dose R Lipoic-acid, twice daily, with pregabalin 150 mg morning, noon and bedtime, no burning, tingling pain, etc, and feel absolutely no pain when laying down. My problem is the soles of my feet, as the previous writer said, terrible pain when walking, enough to make me stop every fifty or so steps, it is so bad it brings (almost) a tear to my eye...I cannot find out if it is PN or something else, plantar fascitis has been ruled out, so doctor just says, oh, must be your neuropathy.. Any suggestions, I have tried any number of socks, devices, creams, gels, etc, sandals with no socks best for me.

Jump to this post

Soaking feet in Epsom salts in lukewarm water has worked for some people. My neurologist said they don't know why. If you haven't already done so, you might want to try it. So little is known about PN, that sometimes anecdotal information is best. Whatever you can pick up from others who can share their experiences.

If the pain is concentrated around the big toe, it could be gout, which means minimizing or avoiding purine producing foods. Montmorency cherry juice concentrate taken over time acts to reduce gout and arthritic symptoms. Again, the doctors don't have a definitive answer for why, other than they believe it's a chemical in plant.

Hope this helps.

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