Dearest catdog, We hear you and we understand.

We are here for you. Your pain is real and your loneliness is too. I am almost completely housebound at this point. And I cannot drive, but I hope to able to drive in the future.

Is there a pain support group or a program teaching methods of handling pain in your area. I don't mean medications, I mean relaxation and meditation, use of heat, exercise, and other means of managing pain. I also see a therapist once a week. This kind of pain damages not only my life, but lives nearest to me, and I owe it to everyone to get as much help as possible.

Also there ARE several medications on label for the pain of neuropathy, particularly Cymbalta, which I have taken since 2010, and other SSRIs, and any one of the drugs for seizure disorders (Gabapentin, also called Neurontin, Depakote, and a host of others).

I was taking Naproxen Sodium (Aleve, an NSAID) and it was my 'go to' magic pain relief, UNTIL, I began having gastric pain every night. Once I stopped the Aleve, the pain went away. Now I take Tylenol, which isn't as effective, but provides some help. It's a mixture of medications, different for each of us.

The key to progress of many of us is finding a team of professionals to support us with medications, therapy.

Exercise in a wam water pool is central to my feeling of well being...it keeps me flexible and doesn't add to my pain. In fact it helps.

Don't give up.........keep asking for help, You deserve it.

Hugs, ElaineD