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.

Nobody seems to know why I have this, but it's slowly getting worse. It started around 2010. I hardly noticed it in the beginning, now I notice it!!

I've been using a TENS unit since September.

Can you share how John uses the Rebuilder? Where does he put the pads? (I've been putting one pad on my foot -- close to my toes -- and the other on my calf.)

I've had tons of blood work done by a neurologist and a rhumitologist, but just saw my wonderful GP yesterday who took blood for B12 and thyroid. (Although I'm guessing that was already looked at w/ my other blood tests.)

And thank you so much!

Alley

John uses it in a foot bath with epsom salts. Each foot is in a separate tub. He uses a split tub that came with the rebuilder. You have to have each foot in its own bath. He place one lead in each tub and then runs the rebuilder. You also have the option to use a conduction gel and apply the leads to the soles of the feet (One on each foot) Scroll down to the bottom of the link to see a pic of the tub. John bought his years ago for about $400 and was a good investment for him. Home | ReBuilder Medical

Be sure to get copies of all your tests and labs. You would be surprised at what gets missed or doesn't get tested at all. Glad your GP is testing your B12 and thyroid. Your B12 should be above 400 at a minimum. If you are taking any supplements with B12 in it when you got tested, then it may be artificially elevated. Blood serum is not the most effective means of assessing B12 but is a good start.

Be sure to get copies of all your tests and labs. You would be surprised at what gets missed or doesn't get tested at all. Glad your GP is testing your B12 and thyroid. Your B12 should be above 400 at a minimum. If you are taking any supplements with B12 in it when you got tested, then it may be artificially elevated. Blood serum is not the most effective means of assessing B12 but is a good start.[/QUOTE]



Thank you so much!!

What is the best way to assess B12?

And do you have a recommendation on which supplement or are shots better?

I've been vegetarian for 30 years and I'm going to feel pretty silly if it turns out that I did this to myself. I eat a lot of dairy so I assumed that I was B12 safe.

Thank you again!

Alley