gotten a lot of different viewpoints as to what you should do. Now, It's up to you to figgure out what YOU SHOULD do?
Be aware, that IF there were some easy solution for PN pain we all would not be here. Shucks, we would all be off having fun and making boodles of money or something!
As you go to see new docs, I know how easy it can be to expect: Some AH-HA! moment and all is explained and take this pill and all will be well! It is never ever that way. It usually consists of some long road of diet, medication, exercise, supplements and, to me most important: ONE DURN GOOD ATTITUDE!
The attitude is what essentially won my current neuro over on my own behalf. Willing to try, to learn, to speak up when things are good or not. And to keep up that silly stupid HOPE! I keep telling myself I'm not nearly as bad as I could be? [Would be BAAD IF I'd kept my first neuro!-still shuddering at that thought!] and knowing that as long as I STRIVE for some, any improvements I'm not losing ground! I count little things, such as being able to walk X more steps than the day before w/o serious pay-back, being able to have an attention span that's greater than a gnat due to meds, and any other positives that I can find.
Exercise does help, stimulates the circulation that in turn helps nerves regrow or recover. Gets that circulation going to help your overal vascular system. That all in turn helps you metabolize foods better and avoid many diabetic issues.
We should expect a lot? But, getting anything useful to help in the dealing with this stuff is often the best we GET. I truly wish it were better and more satisfying tho.
I don't think you are wasting time w/the neuro at all! I do agree with others that a good endocrinologist on the 'team' would definitely be a dynamite pair tho....They come to your problem from different 'angles' and will/can work together to work hard on you for you to get you where you best can be? If I were you, I'd ask your GP and neuro for a reference or three...'Interview' some endos and see which one you'd like as well. That way, you'd be 'watched' from all possible problem areas and could avoid really potential nasties down the road.
SHOULD your neuropathy get worse? YOU are gonna have to prove and document that you have been working and working HARD to get your diabetes issues under control before any doc is gonna try to look further for other potential diabetes or other issues. That is plain common sense.
I can only give you some of these: 's and encouragement for now. As well as a bit of courage - it takes courage to deal with this all. I suspect that you have lots! - j