What exactly is Neuropathy?

Posted by emilitalawson @emilitalawson, Jan 10 11:11pm

I have Polyneuropathy which I thought was numbness in my hands and feet due to poor circulation but apparently it has nothing to do with the numbness I'm experiencing. My hands are virtually useless.
Is it an "age thing?" I'll be 84 this month.

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

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 11 7:37am

Hello @emilitalawson, Welcome to Connect. I hope you are not feeling all alone with the useless hands thing. I'm 80 and have had neuropathy going on 30+ years. My hand strength and usefulness has also seen better days. Interesting question is it an age thing but I'm not sure anyone can provide a good answer. I'm sure hand strength can be more related to our age. On the flip side, I do think there are some things we can do to help our condition and symptoms. I think you have a good start just by asking the question and trying to learn more about your condition.

My two favorite sites to learn more about neuropathy:
--- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/living-well/
--- Neuropathy Commons: https://neuropathycommons.org/neuropathy/neuropathy-overview

You might want to read through the following discussion to read the experiences of other members:
--- Neuropathy in Hands: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/neuropathy-in-hands/

Do you mind sharing when you were diagnosed with Polyneuropathy and any treatments you have had that have been helpful?

hendricks60 | @hendricks60 | Jan 11 7:49am

Thank you.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 11 7:56am

In reply to @hendricks60 "Thank you." + (show)

Hi @hendricks60, Welcome to Connect. Have you been diagnosed with neuropathy or looking to find some information on neuropathy?

hendricks60 | @hendricks60 | Jan 11 3:23pm

Diagnosed with it and am trying to get information to mitigate or moderate it in my feet. Thank you.

fred101 | @fred101 | Jan 12 12:19pm

Me also. I have been trying anything and everything but to no avail. I think it is just part of growing old and parts waring out! I am an 80 year old Vietnam Veteran and way past the 70,000 mile warranty unfortunately- but very thankful I have lived this long. The VA Medical Center here in Grand Junction, CO has been very good to me all these years, but I am out of options now and highly allergic to opiates so don't have help when it comes to all the pain that continues to worsen and numbness. Semper Fi.

Berk | @gba | Jan 12 2:57pm

In reply to @fred101 "Me also. I have been trying anything and everything but to no avail. I think it..." + (show)

I am 84 and had neuropathy in my feet 4 years. I found the Scrambler calmare, a treatment for neuropathy. I had 12 treatments 1 hour , over 6 weeks. My pain is now GONE. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover the treatment. Do the research. Good Luck! Semper Fi!

fred101 | @fred101 | Jan 12 3:14pm

Thank you sir! I will definitely look into this one, as have not run across it before. Happy New Year, stay safe, and Semper Fi.

sarahfloranne | @sarahfloranne | Jan 12 4:04pm

Can pain, tenderness & hot skin in a leg be diagnosed as neuropathy or a blood clot.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 12 5:39pm

In reply to @sarahfloranne "Can pain, tenderness & hot skin in a leg be diagnosed as neuropathy or a blood..." + (show)

I have idiopathic small fiber PN and had a blood clot in my right leg in the calf area late last year. I just remember it being a sharp pain without having an injury. I also had more swelling but thought it was due to having lymphedema in my legs. Here's more info on your question:
--- Sign Of A Blood Clot In Leg - Do you know the symptoms?: https://www.stoptheclot.org/about-clots/blood-clot-info/.

If you are having pain in the back of your leg, I would definitely talk with your doctor about your symptoms.