Originally Posted by DavidA

Hiya Dave
you're obviously a fan of EL&P; I've seen a good many bands in my time (& for several recent birthday parties have got bands to liven things up – I love live music) but never did see them or The Nice (I have a couple of friends who did see them; I'm told not only were they consummate live musicians but Keith E's on-stage 'antics' meant you never knew what might happen next)

I certainly do need to spend some time looking around the forums (when I was young I did Latin for a couple of years; would have been in trouble for using 'forums' rather than 'fora'). I guess now the Roman invasion is over we don't have to speak Latin anymore!

Must learn how to use Search function better as not been too successful using it so far

A quick read of your profile shows life has been beyond tough at times. Wishing you some good luck for the future. And apologies, I missed who is your raison d’ętre ?

DavidA
P.S. Your use of song lyrics got me thinking about appropriate songs for N.P. Two come to mind: The Stones' 19th Nervous Breakdown & Pink Floyd's (Un)Comfortably Numb. Am sure there must be more; perhaps someone will suggest others (if this is not bad use of the forum!!)

Originally Posted by bluesfan

Hi DavidA (aka DKELTN)

Welcome to Neurotalk. Thanks for injecting a little levity into the discussion. We can always do with a good laugh now and then.

Just to add to the numbness count - it was one of my first constant signs of PN - still is. Started on side of head, left hand, left foot then progressed to right foot, and right lower leg. Sorry no solutions for you - I do the Homer Simpson thing and ignore it. (I've also pretty much given up on the wine - low tolerance these days).

Has your doc given you any idea of the cause? - knowing that can help to figure out which treatments to try.

Have you figured out the 'stickies' yet - they can be useful and shortcut the searches?

I hope you find some answers here - keep us posted.

Cheers
bluesfan

Originally Posted by DavidA

Hi northerngal,

Really good to hear from you; I think you're the 1st person I've 'met' with similarish symptoms to mine. I do hope you've found a few things to help you.

Re the Gabapentin: the cause of my P.N. is unknown after all manner of tests. I do not have pain but the neurologist thought it was worth trying, tho' it sounded like a bit of a 'long shot' (ie unlikely to ease symtoms of numbness in feet & lower legs) & it proved to be of no help. I'm currently taking Pregabalin which I think, is the 'last throw of the dice'. So far it has not eased the symptoms but the dosage is being slowly increased every 2 weeks; time will tell if it can offer any help - one lives in hope!

Over the next few weeks I'm going to check-out the site to see if anyone has had any success with supplements or TENS machines or..............anything. I know very little about P.N. - my 'coping strategy' was to try & put it to the back of my mind & get on with life. As a coping strategy it was on a par with some of Homer Simpson's really dumb ideas.

The 1 little success I've had so far is with driving. Nowadays I drive very little but a friend has loaned me his car – a BMW 5-series – whilst he's on holiday. In his car I'm almost in a 'lying down' position - unlike my own, a Renault Scenic, where I'm very upright - & whilst it doesn't totally solve the problem of numbness whilst driving it does seem to make things easier. I wonder if you've had similar problems & found your own solution?

My very best wishes to you & everyone faced with horrible life-affecting conditions

DavidA

Originally Posted by northerngal

I still drive my regular car, a mazda crossover, vehicle. I have not had any issues with driving. Although my feet are numb and weak , my planter flexion is ok (not as strong as it used to be, but ok) my dorsi flexion is very weak. Driving is easier than walking, due to foot drop from the weakness.
I have never taken any medication for symptoms, as I have no pain , only numbness. I am not aware of any medications for numbness--that is why I questioned yours---I was hoping it was something for the numbness.
My neuropathy is thought to possibly be immune related, but this is not a definite diagnosis....more like a "best guess" from doctors because I don't really fit any reason exactly. I have taken prednisone, ivig, plasmapherisis, and rituxin for immune modulation.

Originally Posted by Susanne C.

If the foot drop is interfering with walking, have you considered AFOs? ( ankle foot orthotics) I just got mine about a month ago, allard toe-offs, and the difference is amazing, I walk much faster, I don't really need a cane anymore, and I am much more "rooted" to the ground, much more stable. No more gravel sliding noises as I shuffle along either. They are cumbersome but I got used to them quickly. Anyone with muscle deterioration from PN should consider them although they are primarily used for hereditary neuropathy as that causes progressive muscle atrophy.
Driving is definitely getting harder, my legs are completely numb to the knees. I have to switch out of my braces to drive and only drive locally. My strength gives out within 15 minutes.
I guess my theme song is "comfortably numb" since my medication works pretty well for the sharp pains in my feet and legs.

Originally Posted by DavidA

haven't quite worked-out where you are or where your 'nom de plume' comes from; may be my ignorance in navigating this site. Are you a fan of a team that plays in blue or a fan of blues music or.......?

DavidA

Originally Posted by northerngal

I have never taken any medication for symptoms, as I have no pain , only numbness. I am not aware of any medications for numbness--that is why I questioned yours---I was hoping it was something for the numbness.
My neuropathy is thought to possibly be immune related, but this is not a definite diagnosis....more like a "best guess" from doctors because I don't really fit any reason exactly. I have taken prednisone, ivig, plasmapherisis, and rituxin for immune modulation.

Originally Posted by DavidA

Guten Tag! Aloha! Hola! Hej! ..........

to everyone (& if I've not included 'your' greeting, apologies, I've never been good @ languages)

I only found NeuroTalk recently & am looking forward to wandering around its highways & byways. I guess like others before me I hope to discover a few 'tricks' & ideas to make life a bit easier – ever the optimist!

As far as I know, I've never met or seen anyone with my particular N.P. problems: numbness (no pain) in feet & lower legs. Hopefully, will get to know & learn from others in a similar situation or with background knowledge