I'm confused about how to go about posting a message. I think I posted this same message on another thread but I don't see it anywhere so I decided to post it again on here. I apologize if it's double posted....Rosie

I want to tell my story hoping it may help some of you who are suffering with this dreaded disease. Around 2005, I had pain in the big toe on my left foot. I self diagnosed it as probably a toenail fungus. I kept putting tea tree oil on it but it got worse over time, and then my right foot had the same symptoms. One day in the summer my feet turned bright red, and I had an unbearable burning pain. I called my doctor and she said it could be an allergic reaction to the rubber flip-flops that I was wearing. I got rid of those sandals but it didn't help.

And then, thanks to the internet and our wonderful world of "High-Tech", I decided to do my own research on Google. When I put in all my symptoms, I came up with "Peripheral Neuropathy". I printed out about 50 pages of info, and brought it all to my doctor. She skimmed through it, and said, "Mmm, interesting". She then scheduled me for all kinds of tests over the next 5 years (MRI, EMG, CatScan, all kinds of blood tests, physical therapy, anodyne treatments, and a lot more that I can't remember. During that time I saw 3 different Neurologists, a Hemotologist, and even a Podiatrist. As it turned out, I don't have Diabetes (for which I am thankful) so my neuropathy was labeled "Idiopathic". One Neurologist told me it was probably "Small Fiber Neuropathy". He put me on Amitriptyline which I discontinued after about a month because I didn't like the side effects, and I didn't think it was helping.

There were 3 important things that made me realize the doctors knew nothing about PIN. First of all, the Hemotologist said it was labeled "Idiopathic" because the idiot doctors didn't know what was causing it. Secondly, not one doctor discussed supplements or nutrition. Thirdly, and MOST OF All, the idiotic Podiatrist after taking x-rays talked me into having surgery to remove the toenails from my big toes, saying it could be ingrown toenails. He even gave me a date for the surgery. When I got home, I had a discussion with myself, and talked myself right out of that scam. I called him and told him I did NOT have ingrown toenails. He said to let him know if I changed my mind. He was the biggest idiot of all. At least all the other doctors said they couldn't help me.

I have researched and found many support groups for PIN. I've changed my diet, added and even discontinued different vitamins and supplements that other people recommended. I decided I was going to learn to live with it, and not go on any prescribed medication for as long as I could bear the burning and pain in my feet. Last month I went for a follow up with my doctor, and she suggested I have one more test which was a "Cardio-Vascular" test for oxygen and blood flow to my legs, due to the fact that I was a smoker for years (now smoke free for the past 10 years).

The test proved that I had no problems with circulation but my doctor suggested I take a whole aspirin (500mg) every day, I was already taking the 81mg. She said to take the 500mg instead because it couldn't hurt, and it just might help because it is an anti-inflammatory. At the same time that I started the 500mg of aspirin I added a multivitamin which I had discontinued because it had B6 which I believed too much of could aggravate neuropathy. I do have a special regime of vitamins and supplements which I will post if anyone is interested.

Now the following is the reason why I'm telling you all this: "FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS SINCE STARTING THE 500mg OF ASPIRIN, THE BURNING IS ABSOLUTELY GONE". I can't believe it, I can wear my sneakers and sox all day, and there's no burning. I haven't even had to use the mint lotion at all, which I used especially at night for the burning pain. I still once in awhile get a few stabs of pain in my big toes, and I know I will always have neuropathy, but if it stays the way it is right now, I will be so happy, my fingers & toes are crossed.

I feel a great need to put this info out there but we each have different kinds and symptoms of PIN. I strongly recommend anyone taking pure aspirin to make sure it's enteric coated and taken with food, and be aware of side effects with stomach problems. There is so much more I do as far as supplements, nutrition, and exercise that all comes together in keeping my neuropathy at a bearable level. I would be happy to share with anyone who is interested. For now I able to go on with my life without the miserable burning. Every once in a while throughout the day, I look at my feet and say out loud, "I can't believe it, thank you God!"