Wow I'm glad I found this place, it gives me great hope. So here's another Newbie's story (now that I've managed to put it together in a congruent way which I think makes sense).

Peripheral Neuropathies and I go way back (only recently have they become severe). My first experience in the 1970's had a doctor suggesting MS, but I decided to check out chiropractic treatment first and it worked wonderfully.

Over the years I finally learned that I had what was probably a pinched nerve which could be compressed by certain changes in my ergonomic environment (it took a long time to figure that one out, because unless I fixed the change, the chiropractic didn't stick). These neuropathies would be in my hands, face and eye! I've always assumed that they were the result of either the automobile or bicycle accident I had in my youth. Not a big deal.

Well now I have been dealing with a significant neuropathy in my feet and buttocks and I'm not diabetic. Hm. As I thought about it I finally recalled that this one hasn't been lifelong, but only since around 2004. In the winter my feet would become sensitive to showering. No matter the temperature, it could feel like EITHER ice picks or hot lead. I mentioned it once to my (then) MD, she dismissed it.

Only now do I think the time may be significant. Around the same time period I experienced a change in health, being diagnosed with a type of reflux (not GERD) that required high doses of Nexium to control. It was absolutely necessary. The symptoms were very socially disabling (extremely loud barking, throat clearing, copious, overflowing amounts of mucous) and so I began that regimen.

Anyway. I continued dealing with my yearly foot issue (which sometimes included bugs under the skin and burning), and also with the other neuropathy as it occurred. About two years ago Nexium was taken off my Insurance provider's formulary and I was forced to find another way. This was a good thing, and led to what is now a long-term remission. Still, I kept some around for emergencies and have used it on and off.

Well, last May the foot symptoms came on (not winter?) and STAYED! When chiropractic didn't help, I wracked my brains to figure out the ergonomic change I could fix. Hey, guess what, I replaced the toilet around then... not so easy to change as a chair! I've been trying different seats.

Since then I've tried multiple therapies to no avail. I just found the following site, and guess what? Nexium is on the list!

nervepainhelp.com

I had no choice at the time but to take it (knowing that it affects the stomach's ability to absorb Calcium, Magnesium and B-vitamins, I took supplements - my blood numbers remained "normal").

Well, right now I'm dealing with a chronic foot sensitivity (and a whole spectrum of unpleasant sensations - "pain" level ranging from 4 to 8 out of 10) - but here's the rub. When I SIT, it worsens a LOT. Like pressure on my buttocks/thighs are compressing something? I've been to a couple of Neurologists, bottom line: Small Fiber Peripheral Neuropathy and Pressure Parasthesia. It can come and go, it may yet go - here, let's start with Gabapentin. Turns out that stuff stones me totally, even at a low dose, and it isn't working (he said it should work within a couple of weeks).

So I now think I have two things going on, a possible drug related Peripheral Neuropathy with an ergonomic one (I recently worked very hard to take off 30 lbs - but now I feel like I'm sitting on my hip bones - I'm not thin, by a long shot, but I guess I lost a lot of fat from behind - and this tingles like crazy!).

The only odd thing is that walking makes it all feel better (not gone, just better) most of the time. Walking is my primary exercise, 1-3 miles a day (more on weekends). Driving, however, is a nightmare. With the pressure on my behind, my feet hurt so much it is difficult to control the pedals - and I must drive to get to work. This is very depressing. I also feel I cannot travel because of this so no vacation.

However, I'm very glad I found the sticky because it has given me great hope. Based on my history it would seem that this is healable, hopefully catching it about 15 months in (instead of YEARS) will be to my advantage.

Funny, this isn't the first forum I've become a member of with a "hopeless" condition. Like I said, total remission of that other condition. So I have no reason to not believe the same won't happen here.

Anyway, that's my story. I'm starting the supplement regimen and will attempt a second round of physical therapy (now that I know a lot more than I did a year ago). I can't say I'm happy to be here, but it is good to have a place to discuss this stuff.

Nate