Hi ~ I'm sorry you're dealing with this. It IS very painful and nasty. I sure wish you didn't have it.

I have nerve damage from surgery, and it's permanent unfortunately. I've had it for 27 years now - ugh - and I've tried lots of medications. I also was on Gabapentin and I HATED it. It made me gain 20 lbs of water, made me feel "loopy" and foggy all the time. I told my doc about it, and he put me on Topamax. I've been on that ever since. I don't have any side effects from it at all !! And I also don't have any PAIN or burning/tingling/zaps/etc. It works GREAT for me. I'm not saying that someone else wouldn't have any side effects. It's possible that they might. But if they can get rid of the burning, tingling and zaps, maybe its worth it, huh?

My feet ARE numb tho. That's just cause of the damage done during surgery. In the shower, I can't tell if the water is hot or cold. I get alot of cramps in my feet too. Plus I have severe sciatica. Usually the pain medication I'm on takes care of that -- I'm on Opana ER and Lyrica along with the Topamax, plus Cymbalta.

Anyway -- sometimes neuropathy is permanent and sometimes it's not. So if you've had it for about 1 1/2 yrs ago, I'd say it's probably permanent, but I'm NO DOCTOR so I can't say for sure. it could very easily heal itself, and go away. Only time will tell. Nerves heal themselves at the AVERAGE rate of one inch per month -- and when they heal it's not very comfortable, so some of what you feel COULD be healing !! The Lord only knows.

I wish you the very best. God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee