I apologize if I sound like a broken record, but I have so many questions and feel so confused. I guess I just want simple, concise answers to a complex problem.

I am 51 and was diagnosed with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy after a lengthy bout with plantar fasciitis. I take 300mg Lyrica and 50mg Zoloft daily, Flexeril as needed and of course my best pal, Ambien. For the most part the painful electric shocks from the bottoms of my heels up through my ankles and in my hands and fingers have subsided (with a few "breakthrough" shocks). I still have a constant buzzing in hands and feet, but no burning.

My question and concern is with the zaps and sparks of electric sensations that occur predominantly in my wrists, arms, and legs. These zaps and sparks sensations even happen in my face, neck and collarbone area...weird, I know. I also get "hot patches" that come and go, mostly on my legs. The neurologist made me feel that these sensations I just explained are "probably more related to your fibromyalgia." Until now my fibro didn't affect me this way. I honestly feel that diagnosis was a cop out.

As I explained when I first joined this group, my 72 yr old dad was diagnosed with PN a couple of years ago. I couldn't begin to tell you his meds and dosages, and he is still in tremendous pain. He describes his feet as being numb when he walks, yet burning and stinging. He has the electric shocks going through his toes, so far his hands are not affected. It is difficult watching his quality of life become less. Selfishly, I wonder if this is my future! I am suppose to be able to take care of my parents when the time comes.

Hi Teacherfeet
I have the same symptoms as your dad, no matter what I do the burning/stinging always comes back. The supplements that have been recommended on this forum have helped tremendously. I also don't teach any more, I have taken a Management position and it works better for me, I am more in control and not ruled by the bell.
Did your Neuro consider a genetic link, I am waiting on the results, my dad also had a PN diagnosis.
Hope you both find relief soon.

R-Lipoic Acid stopped the burning pain for me. It wasn't until I added Pantothenic Acid (vitamin B5) that the shocks & needle jabs abated. I still get a few, but more in the nuisance category than distress.

Doc

Thank you for your reply.
I'm sorry you are suffering with this crazy condition. Which supplements do you take? I take so many pills, I gag at the thought of having to swallow even one more. But I guess we do what we have to do.

Actually, I left the classroom this year and became a school librarian. The stress isn't as high, but I'm still ruled by the bell.

What is the test for a genetic link? Would knowing change the treatment?

Thank you for your response.
Where would I purchase R-Lipoic Acid and Patothenic Acid? What dosage is recommended?

There's an excellent thread on R-Lipoic Acid (RLA) right here:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread130991.html

There's a "stabilized" form that's being recommended.

I take 100 mg RLA w/ 500 mg pantothenic acid (B5) and 1000 mcg B12 (methylcobalamin) in the morning, at least an hour before any food, and another 500 mg B5 before supper.

We use any quality brands we find online, depending on what's on sale when we get it.

Doc

R-lipoic acid "stabilized" should have that on the label.

I find Amazon is a good supplier lately, with free shipping at over $25. Their prices can be the lowest online I found, but be careful and read each offering carefully. They can make mistakes.

Many of us use Doctor's Best brand. I use it for my Benfotiamine as well.

Also iherb.com has both and has always been good, accurate and affordable.

Puritan's Pride is also a good affordable source. But they do not have R-lipoic or Benfotiamine yet. I use Puritan's for many things, including my methylcobalamine.

Did you and your Dad get B12 testing? Vit D testing?
Many elderly patients can be low in B12. NIH even recommends all persons over 50 take it in supplement form.

Get your test results, and do not accept "normal" from the doctor as the test ranges that are reported are old and out of date. You should be at 400 or above to be "normal" now. Living in lower ranges can result in nerve damage and considerable pain which over time may be not reversible.

Thank you both, MrsD and Dr. Smith. I see I have some research to do. You are both always so helpful. BTW I talked with my PCP yesterday and he is getting me an appt with another neuro for a second opinion (and my peace of mind). You know how sometimes you just don't click with a doctor?!?!

Blessings,
Sheila

All too well. (More often the doctor doesn't click with us.) It can take years to build a team, and then for reasons beyond our control, we lose a member for some reason or other. Too bad we can't arrange trades with other patients...

Doc