Hi all. I'm new to this particular support group and have posted under the spinal section.

But one of the problems that I am facing is peripheral neuropathy. Here is my story.

First I have severe spine issues. Surgeries to the cervial/thoracic region and lumbar region as well. Harrington Rods in both areas.

I also have diabetes and have been thru surgery for a blood clot in my left leg and pancreatic cancer.

Here is what has occurred regarding the peripheral neuropathy.

It is strange that it started in 2003 after I had surgery on my left leg because of a blood clot. When I saw the surgeon as a followup I told him I have numbness in my left leg from the knee down and it all started after the surgery. I thought it was connected to the surgery. He felt it wasnt surgery related but due to my spine issues. Also this is when I was diagnosed with diabetes so it didnt appear to be a diabetic neuropathy at the time.

So here it is 9 years later. I still have numbness in the left leg. At times it feels like it has progressed as well. At times it feels like there are pebbles in my feet and I am walking on rocks. Other times it feels as though my left foot becomes very hard feeling. It feels like my foot is turning to stone.

Also since that time the numbness now appears in my right leg, more so in the foot area. I get pins and needles feeling in the toes.

Also I have weakness in my arms and hand area.

I have been thru an EMG which showed severe nerve damage in the neck and low back; severe arthritis in both areas and neuropathy. I cant recall if the neuropathy was seen as a spinal or diabetic neuropathy or a combination of both.

Also the weakness in my arms may be due a softening (mylomalacia) of the cervical spine.

I am on Hydrocodone and tizanidine (muscle relaxant) I don't want to say that I feel great when I take the medication. Some days are better then the others. But when I don't take the medication at all I really feel it a lot more then when I am on the medication.

I am concerned about being on hydrocodone. Is it addictive and is it the best medication for neuropathy? I'm not so sure.

But I am limited on what medications I can take since I am in kidney failure and was born with 1 kidney. so taking non-steroidal medicaiont is not allowed due to the kidney failure.

I feel trapped and worried about the future and the progression of the neuropathy. I guess I am tired of living in chronic pain.

My health issues started in 1988 and it just seems that it gets worse as time goes on. I feel like the doctors are telling me there is nothing that can be done except give me more meds. How is everyone handling advanced neuropathy and what seems to work for you? I am looking for suggestions and see if that may be what i need to talk to the doctor about.

Thanks for listening.

allan