Re: Peripheral neuropathy

In Reply to: Peripheral neuropathy posted by Bruce Hammond on August 07, 2000 at 19:58:55:

: Hi, I am a 46-year-old man who has had peripheral neuropathy for about 2 years. I have quite a bit of numbness and shooting pains in my feet. I take 3000mg of Neurontin at bedtime so I can sleep. I tried to space it out over the day but it leaves me doped and woozy and I can't function normally so I just bear the pain throughout the day. I seem to tolerate the dosage all at once in the evening. I have been to 3 sets of specialists, and have had many tests. Diabetes and liver disease have been ruled out as the cause of the condition. I have no other physical problems or take any other medication. I find wearing shoes extremely painful, even loose fitting ones. I had a back injury about 10 years ago that has stabilized but not gone away. My feet seem to be better or worse in symmetry, never one better and one worse.

: 1. Has anyone found anything besides Neurontin effective in pain relief?

: 2. Does anyone know if back injury can be related to Neuropathy?

: 3. One doctor said eventually the pain would lessen. Has anyone found this to be true? How long does it take before this happens? Will I even be able to feel my feet at this time?

: 4. Do others with this condition in their feet find that their feet are either both better or both worse but never one better and one worse?

: 5. Can anyone refer me to any helpful pain management methodologies?

: 6. Does anyone know of any reasons for neuropathy that are not pathological?

Bruce,

Neurontin seems to help some, but try Ultram, Pamelor, or elavil as a supplement. Maybe even some Aleve. Wear sandals or go barefoot whenever possible.

As far as causes, you should be tested for diabetes, B-12 levels, and folic acid levels. As far as symmetry, both my feet burn, or don't burn. Same with the hands.

Eb Blakely