[Cheryl]

Hello all - I have been reading some of the threads here and decided I should join. Seems like a really good group and I look forward to talking to you. I was diagnosed with PN about the same time I was diagnosed with Type II diabetes about 7 or 8 years ago. Started in hands (2 carpal tunnel surgeries) helped the severe pain but hands are still numb. Felt strange sensations in legs and feet near that time. Have tried most all the traditional meds (the worst med by far was Topomax) no real serious pain killers yet, however. Pain has worsened. I have seen numerous neurologists, even a rheumatologist. Tested for lupus, MS and all kinds of things. Blood sugar is pretty well controlled - currently A1C of 6.5 and the highest ever was 7.3. Doctors didn't know what else to attribute it to so they called it DPN. Just stopped my second trial of Cymbalta - helped very little. Neurontin seems to work best but makes me soooo tired. I try to use the treadmill most evenings (TRY) for about 30 min. I have just under 2 years before I can retire. Love my job but I'm worn out. When I retire at 55 I will have worked for NYS for 37 years! Have recently acquired the TENS unit and seems to help somewhat. Can hardly feel anything when attached to my feet. Currently taking 900 mg Neurontin per day. I have Lidocaine patches (and they are effective as far as helping the burning feeling) to use when needed. I have ruptured tendons in both feet but podiatrist isn't concerned. Feet are starting to look strange - toes beginning to curl under, right foot turns in noticably. Feet and legs burn and sometimes I think I will lose my mind. Started on paxil and that seems to help the anxiety.

Phew enough about me - talk to you later.

Cheryl

[glenntaj]

--welcome to Neurotalk, and come on over to the peripheral neuropathy forum:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=20

Lots of good people and expertise over there.

It is true that when one has diabetes, the neuros often attribute the neuropathy to that immediately when some further investigation is often called for. But it's also true that there's mounting evidence that neruoapthy can occur in those with impaired glucose tolerance well before they would be diagnosed with frank diabetes. (If you search under my name, you'll find some posts and references on that latter subject.)

[DM]

Hi Cheryl and Welcome! Thanks for sharing your story. Sounds like you've got a lot going on. That retirement can't some soon enough, I'm sure...

My DH has a tens unit and he loves it. It's his little miracle in a box.

Look forward to hearing more from you..

Oh, and everyone here is really super nice, so glad you decided to join us..

take care.

[dorrie]

Hi Cheryl! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

[Darlene]

Cheryl,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Nice to see you have come to be with us. There are a good number of people to assist everyone.

Looking forward to seeing you around. Again welome!


Darlene

[AfterMyNap]

Hi, Cheryl, welcome to NeuroTalk!