Yep - I have buzzed/vibrated for over 20 years and not even epsom salts soaks helped that. So, along with the pins & needles and numbness I've learned to ignore the usual symptoms of PN. Once I got the PAIN controlled the other 'symptoms of PN' became relatively easy to live with...at least for me. I'm still using the Fentanyl Transdermal System (the generic Duragesic Patch), 125 strength, changing the 2 patches every 48 hours. This is the only med I am using for my PN and it's working just fine and I am able to function normally and I am getting along just fine. LOTS of testing was done to find a cause but nothing ever showed up. Now, at almost 76 years of age, I no longer care about the cause and I am grateful for having lived a full life and am looking forward to whatever time I have left. Now, I'm

Bravo, Dan!!!
Cathie

Did you ever have or ever get over the dreadful fatigue and/or stomach/gut issues?

I could probably have your wonderful attitude of just living with it and not finding a cause, if I only had the burning, buzzing, icy feelings, fasciculations and periodic agonising joint pain but felt well enough in myself on an everyday basis. However the fatigue and stomach issues are making life more difficult causing me a great deal of the time to be lethargic with no motivation to do much at all - which frustrates me no end!

Perhaps I'm a wimp and a wuss!

Ok, I'm recording a message to my feet: You have reached a number that is disconnected.

I guess this is another thing to mention to the folks at Mayo next month. Weird that I've never experienced it before in the 10 years I've had neuropathy. But the "spider webs on the skin" sensation that started a few months ago was new too.

Yeah, there are definitely worse things than having your feet vibrate without your permission. Like drop dead autoimmune fatigue, forget-how-to-spell-my-own-name brain fog, stomach muscles on strike, etc. But the exhaustion, cognitive dysfunction and gastroparesis I've had long enough to get used to, whereas the neuropathy is somewhat unexplored territory for me.

Thanks for the replies. Guess there are a lot of you in my area code.

fanfaire

Hmmmmmmmmm the number has been disconnectedworks for me, but then again--this body never listens to anything I tell it!!!!!

It's good to know that the vibrations mean those nerves are either getting better or worse, that does make it so much easier to understand!!!! Just kidding guys, I have heard this many, many times.

I think it's great we can share this info and still laugh with each other.

I have the vibrating cell phone sensation too. Usually in feet and ni my calves, sometimes i touch the part that is vibrating and it goes away. This type of sensation in completely normal. I agree with all, just ignore the call

For Megan - Yes - I'm very familar with the fatigue problem. I am a retired military man and have exercised all my life - even after the onset of PN over 20 years ago. I am no longer able to run nor do the heavy duty calisthenics as I will soon be 76 years old. I still do a few basic exercises and walk a mile or 2 most mornings. Although my pain is controlled and reduced by the Fentanyl patches, this and my age prevent me from maintaining the excellent health I once enjoyed so fatigue remains a problem but not one I dwell on. Fortunately, I don't have and never have had a "stomach problem". Food, meds, etc never affected me adversly and I am very fortunate in that respect.
But, let me be clear about something. My PN pain is excruciating and if it was not controlled I would be one miserable SOB. Untreated and undertreated pain is a major problem suffered by PNers and those with many other conditions. Fortunately, more and more physicians are learning (and accepting) that pain is a legitimate medical condition and are treating their patients accordingly. So, if you suffer from chronic moderate to severe pain you MUST find a physician who is willing to work with and treat your pain. If she/he won't then fire them and find one that will.
I don't know what kind of "stomach/gut issues" your talking about but a good gastroenterologist should be able to help you with it. Again, keep looking until you find a doctor that will treat your condition. I am not trying to minimize your fatigue/stomach problems - just urging you to find proper help. Good luck and keep us informed.

I agree it is important to address chronic pain and to try to do what you can to either get rid of it or make it manageable. Unfortunately, I have exhausted my options because my gastroparesis (which I suspect is related to the PN) prevents me from taking most pain medication, and I am allergic to adhesives, so no patches. So I make do with topical remedies, alternating rest with activity, and mostly grinning and bearing it.

It can be quite difficult to find a doctor who knows their stuff and will take you seriously, but I agree it is worth the effort. And I am hoping the Mayo guys will have some treatment ideas that I can tolerate so I can do things that will help me even more, like walk further.

It would be nice to get rid of not only the vibration stuff but also the really sharp sudden pains that make me yelp.

fanfaire