Hello,

I'm new here. I've been diagnosed with PN with I have no pain at all -- but my balance is terrible.

I'm in Atlanta and am trying a new neurologist at Emory in Feb. The guy I've been seeing keeps saying, "There's no treatment -- see you in six weeks." ???

I take Fish oil and the Lipoic supplement.

I use a TENS unit on my feet and legs every day. I think -- maybe? -- it's helped very slightly. I can walk w/ a coffee cup without spilling now. I've been using the TENS since Sept.

I'm thin, eat well and workout. I'm 54.

Is there anything you've done that has helped your balance?

Alley

Are you dealing with numbness then? Or muscle weakness?

John did balancing exercises to improve his balance along with chiropractic care.

Just numbness pocket on bottom of feet and calves.

Is the balance issue due to not feeling firm on the ground with your footing because of the numb areas?
Maybe special shoes ?something with a firm flat sole to give stability?

Well, I've been wearing firm flat soles for years.

Do you happen to know of a good shoe for people w/ neuropathy feet?

I'm open to anything at this point.

Alley

i would highly recommend balance therapy. It helped me greatly not so much to avoid losing my balance but to help prevent actually falling when i did lose my balance. both my feet up to half way up the calves are dead numb. The numbness also continues past my knees. do a little research to find out what physical therapy places are well equipped to do this type of therapy. There are harnesses and machines that are used to simulate walking on uneven surfaces, to catch yourself when you lose your balance etc.

Do you know what caused your PN and do you know what your B12 level is? Even if it's a low-normal, I would consider adding in a B12 and B complex supplement.

In addition to the balancing exercises, John used the Rebuilder which is similar to a tens unit. It really helped to restore the flexibility in his ankles and his pain.