TT,

Thank you for your kind response. I know my wife sees me for who I still am inside. She has been extremely understanding and caring. I hurt since I can not share the things in life that we both enjoy. This too will pass. I have no doubt we will make it through this. We'll just keep plugging away.

Although I do feel that my pain pales into comparison to those that have served our country and sacrificed through illness, injury, loss of limb, and the ultimate sacrifice. I have dedicated my off time to serving our vets. I have found this to be a great therapy for me. Organizations such as the Patriot Guard Riders and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association have provided me a way to continue to serve my community. (I served in the US Navy from 1990 - 1995).

Thanks again for the kind words.

Dewey

Hi Dewey, how great is it to be of service even when it takes something out of us at times. Comparing levels of suffering and pain is impossible to do rationally. Since you have been through much already, I am sure it helps those who are fortunate enough to be connected with you.

I am appreciating your appreciation very much. And happy to know you can always count on your close relationship(s) to remind you of what is the most valuable in life.

We agree that missing out on the normal fun activities is a tough position to be in. I miss my bike riding, long hikes, etc... I too hope to dedicate more time in service for others since it takes me away from my small self.

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving! Best Wishes TT

Welcome, I feel badly for anyone having to deal with neurological issues because of how frustating mine are yet I see others in here with a lot more issues than I have.

Good luck and best wishes seriously.

Hi NM Dewey,
Although I haven't posted an official new member introduction yet, I'm sitting bedside (in a nursing home) with my 56 year old husband whose PN has mystified mystified three neurologists (seeing number 4 next week, one who specializes in neuropathy) and countless other doctors who have seen and tried to treat him since October when he became blind and January when he could no longer walk. I'm learning a lot from this site, but I want to share something from the caregiver's perspective.

On the first anniversary of my husband's initial trip to the hospital, he asked me, "Has this been our worst year or our best year?" And I had to say, both. Although he is in constant pain, we are on the brink of financial ruin, he hasn't been home since January, we've become closer, and are communicating much more intimately than before (the'best' part) . Is every day rosy? Of course not! Every day pretty much sucks for him, which makes it hard for me, too. But, because he's not angry all the time, doesn't wallow in self pity, can even laugh sometimes, it's bearable. Scary, but bearable. We avoid the "woulda, shoulda, coulda" and live by a few mantras, mostly focussing on doing the next right thing, and remembering it's not what life hands us, but how we deal with it. I hope this helps,
Sandy in Texas

Sandy,

I will say a prayer tonight for your Husband. Even though I have daily chronic pain I understand that things could be much worse. I actually count myself fortunate and blessed for what I have. I have Brothers and Sisters that are tormented on a daily basis by the demons of war along with serious illness or loss of limbs. I have learned much from my brave friends and feel blessed for what has been bestowed upon me.

Hang in there!!!

Much Respect,

Dewey

But will try not to complain. Sorry Dewey. It sucks and is frustrating. I am a young fit 57 year old who is an organizer for an outdoor group. Had an aortic valve repair 2 years ago and spent the last year and a half rediscovering hiking, biking, climbing, caving, and kayaking. At the end of last Winter while snow shoeing, my right foot began to get numb off and on. eventually it moved into the left as well but not as bad. Knew nothing of this condition. Have experienced panic, grieving, helplessness, and occassional depression. (but won't dwell there) Have been to several doctors including acupuncture and massage. (no known cause) I've been able to still do most of my activities with some discomfort. Don't think I can do really long hikes anymore though. I don't know anyone with this condition and have gone it alone. Lately the burrning, iching and pain is not showing up. I have refused all the drugs recomended and have only taken supplements and am experimenting with a prescription of B vitimins called "Metanx". Flip flps are the mosr comfortable but now it's winter. I have a spcae heater under my desk at work and I sit here barefoot (keep your feet warm) At home under my computer I have a heating pad under my feet. this is the first forum I've joined. Once you accept the condition there is little info out there with helpful ideas as to what is safe to do, what to wear, and where will this condition end up. My question now is, "Is it worthwhile to go to a place like Mayo or Cleveland clinic? Is anything working to repair nerves anywhere. Okay that's probably enough for a firs posting.

Welcome to NeuroTalk. We have an active PN forum here with many people with many different situations.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html

I would suggest to you to take your Metanx on an empty stomach. B12 is not easily absorbed properly in the presence of food (particularly fiber).

Also one thing strikes me about your introductory post.
I would look to lacing those shoes too tightly. This can compress the nerves which are at the top of the instep of each foot.

I found this information and made a post about it.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ghlight=lacing
This affects me considerably now that I am older. Compression can hurt!

There are other things as well, like insulin resistance(pre-diabetes), etc. But if you don't have symptoms in your hands and only the feet, I'd look at mechanical compressions first.

I was told I was pre diabetic by my thyroid doctor. I went on a crash diebetic diet, lost about 15 pounds. Looking good is a boost even if you don't feel good LOL. I had the glucose tolerance test a couple months later and was told I had no diabetes but I stay away from anything white. flour, sugar, pasta etc. All other tests were negetive. However, they found protien in my blood and urine which sent me through cancer testing for myaloma (just to add to the nightmare) so far everything came out negetive for cancer. In the summer I wear flip flops, or these cool water crocks I found. If I have to wear closed shoes being a size 12, I have to wear a 13. I wear ankle supports with my hiking boots so I don't twist an ankle. I had orthotics mae but can't wear them because they are hard. Found a really comfortable pair from "Sofsole", the closest thing to a flip flp sole. I've looked for diabetic shoes that would have a lot of top room but they don't seem to make shoes for people who are still attempting extreme activities. Thanks for the advice on both the laces and Metanx.

I'd like to throw this out there. After my nuerologist came up against the wall, he said come back in 6 months. He said we could try several IVG or is it IBG treatments. I guess some kind of a platelet transfusion. (Is that smart, risky, or just a pasification?) The guy who runs the nueropathy foundation "Damian" months ago in a phone conversation told me it cured his rare, long time misdiagnosed condition. I also went to a pain clinic and they told me they could do a nerve block that could reboot the nerve. Or it could paralize me if they miss) I actually made the appointment but plan to cancel it as I'm not sure they know what they are talking about. Anyone have thoughts on these options. Panic and desperation can cause us to try some dangerous things. I don't want to make matters worse.

If you were diagnosed prediabetic, even tho your GTT wasn't remarkable... you could still have problems.

There are supplements that help with diabetic neuropathy.
One is Benfotiamine (an improved form of thiamine B1).
This has been used for years in Europe with success. Also some diabetics use acetyl carnitine to improve metabolism at the mitochondrial level. Chromium can help with improving glucose movement at the cellular level.
Next time you have tests, ask for a fasting INSULIN level. This tends to rise before the diabetes II starts, as a rule, and give a clearer indication of where you are along the path of insulin resistance.

If you were put on a heart/lung machine during your surgery?
There may be a connection there too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postperfusion_syndrome
It is possible to have some circulatory problems after being on the bypass machine. Since your foot gave out during a COLD situation, circulation might be an issue for you. Have you been tested for peripheral artery disease? Do you smoke?
Are your feet cold all the time, or worse when cold?
There are two supplements I am trying myself, that improve blood flow... you can Private Message me if you want more info. I'll need to know what drugs you take now. And what supplements you take besides the Metanx.