I just joined this evening and am a bit shy, even at the age of 57!
I have peripheral neuropathy due to undiagnosed diabetes for around 10 years. I have the usual symptoms of numbness, burning, shooting pains in my feet, lower legs and fingers. I had worked as an RN for 37 years and had to quit working a year ago as I was unable to concentrate either from the pain or lethargy from pain meds. Thank God, I took out long and short term disability through our benefit package at work and now have been authorized for SSD, so I have an income to help with the bills. I have tried almost every RX for nerve pain and found a few that do help but I am very dose sensitive. My doctor has referred me to Mayo Clinic in Rochester,MN. and have an appointment in Nov. So, I am curious if anyone else has gone on to a larger medical community as in Rochester and what their results were. I am trying to see if our insurance will cover this refferal, and if it does, will it be a repeat of all the testing I've already had over the past 8-10 years. My fear is becoming addicted to pain meds, even though I take Darvocet 2-3 daily and Vicoden at bedtime only. I have been on Amitriptylline & Lyrica that do help somewhat but I live with this pain every day and night, with the worst pain at night. I will appreciate your advice. I can't imagine living the rest of my life on strong pain meds every day. Thank you!!