Hello to all,

This is a first post and any suggestions would be welcome. My father-in-law was diagnosed with PN about 6 - 8 years ago. He or the doctors really don’t know how this came to be. He was a part time farmer and around 11 years ago one of the cows pinned him, this injury may have set in motion the debilitating condition he is in today. He has been to many doctors and has been told his circulatory system is fine, and overall he is in good health. He has gone through the leg/foot pain, but this has seemed to subside. His current complaint is numbness and a very cold feeling in his feet. Having this current condition does not enable him to walk very well. He does use a cane. I don’t think he has been on any prescribed medications. Sorry, I can’t give much more information. Any suggestions on how to bring back a little “feeling” in his legs, be it over-the-counter Medication or RX meds. He has thought about spending money on these massage/heating units you put your feet on, but I’m not sure if any of these devices are worth the money.

Thanks so much

you're trying to learn about this painful condition.

It's a simple yet complicated thing to have. Simply put it's 'chemistry' of our bodies that causes the pain, and then subsequent pains. It is either 1-hereditary; 2-acquired [toxins-drugs, meds, toxins, diseases set it off {diabetes, infections, Strokes..you name it}]' or 3- trauma- such as getting 'pinned'. There are a few medications which either 'over-ride' or 'short-circuit' these pains, but some work for some, not for others...we as humans are all different.

I suggest you go to the top of this page and look up the 3rd topic called a 'Sticky', Topics of interest There is a LOT of info there, but it's good stuff everyone active here has gotten and sorted out from the internet and our experiences that seems worthwhile. It's an introduction to all the different aspects of PN and it's varieties .

After that, read some of our past posts....some of us have different types of PN, caused by all sorts of reasons, some of us have other conditions that complicate things, BUT, I guarantee you that we all DO understand that PAIN!

After that, I'm guessing that you will have lots of questions still. I've had this thing for 4 years and I've questions yet to ask! Your dad is lucky you care enough to try and understand! Few folks do, you know. Good thoughts to the both of you! - j

Nothing more to add. You'll find friends here. Perhaps you're dad can go on the computer and get to know us all here.

And what a lucky fellow your dad is to have a son so concerned.
Bless you for that.

Melody

P.S. Just realized you were referring to your father -in law. This makes you even more special!!

Hi Victor and welcome to this forum,
"Being pinned by a cow",the very first thing i thought of was damaged spine, has he had a MRI of his spine ?

Brian

I wonder if Brian is right?? That spinal issue was the first thing that came to mind for me also.

There are a lot of great, knowledgable people on this forum. Please take to heart the suggestions. And welcome to this forum.

Billye

I'll also welcome you to the PN forum - you'll find this is an extremely knowledgeable group of people who will share anything they can to help your father-in-law as he struggles w/ PN. As Dahlek said the causes of PN are almost myriad >100 different types and what helps some will have no benefit for others - everyones' physiology is different. You'll find very helpful people here who can guide your father-in-law about the benefits of vitamins and other supplements, nutrition, calcium, magnesium, attitude, exercise, Anodyne therapy, magnet therapies, deep infra-red heat therapy, etc, all of which can help reduce and reverse the symptoms of PN.

Re: your comment about the cold - for me that is the single most difficult type of pain I deal with constantly, extremely cold toes and feet for which no medication gives me any real relief. Sometimes my feet are in fact cold to the touch, but other times, like right now they are normal temperature but the dysesthesia registers as extreme cold in my brain nonetheless. HOWEVER, some months ago my wife bought a mattress pad that has a built in heating element - sort of like an electric blanket but underneath. In any case, I turn it on ~15-20min before I come to bed and the warmth on my feet and lower legs eventually allows me to go to sleep - thus far it is the only thing that usually helps me - maybe something similar might be of use to your father-in-law.

Best of luck in your search for answers - you'll find a lot of valuable insights here.
Alkymst

Thanks everyone for your input. His spine is Ok, it's just the constant cold in his lower legs and feet, he can walk but gets wobbly. We suggested a few things to him today, and I will do some research on vitamins. This forum has been very helpful.

thanks again.

I just have a brief comment.

Farmers have a lot of risks in their environment for neuro issues.
For example high % of Parkinson's occur in farmers. This is due to exposure to chemicals and especially pesticides.

So please consider this trigger. Toxins are a well known trigger for PN as well.