Hello Everyone,
I am new to Neuro Talk and boy do I need advise.
I was diagnosed with the PN about 7 weeks ago and my primary Dr put me on Gapapentin 300 mg twice a day. Worked great for about 5 weeks. Then the burning and sharp pains, pins and needles got much worse.
Back to where I couldn't sleep with sheets on me again! So, I went back and he said to double up the doses to 600mg. 2 to 3 times a day. It's alright if at night but I am a zombie during the day too druged out feeling, and I backed down again to 1. Anyone have any suggestions for me? I also have very swolen feet too which makes walking hard as well. I am currently out of work don't even no if I could handle working and have no medical insurance as well.
So can't afford to go to a neurologist in my area either. I am wondering if there are any comfortable shoes you can buy to help with the pain??

Go to the first page of Neuro Talk and read the four stickies. Any question you would ask the answers are there. Everyone here has some kind of Neuropathy. I beleave we help each other more than all the doctors combined.

George

Hi
You have come to the right place.
Lots of helpful people here.
I'm no expert but I think you should be getting at least a second opinion.

Hi
I was on the neurontin also, never could adjust to feeling like a zombie. Didn't help much either. I'm on Cymbalta now, and it's much better for me, but we are all different.

As for shoes, I like Birkenstocks. Expensive, but worth it to me, for the comfort and safety they provide. I am also diabetic, and must watch my feet carefully.

There are some wonderful people on this board, I'm sure they will be along soon with more expertise than I have.

I'm around Clearwater. Where are you located?

Hi, has the doctor done any blood tests to try to find out what is causing this
like a 3 hour glucose tolerance test or anything else ?

Did all my bloodwork. I am not diabetic but levels were elevated. Told me to take vitamin B12 1500 mg. a day.

The B12 [ methylcobalamin ] is certainly a good idea, sounds like your B12 levels must have been low then, sorry to harp on about diabetes but it is the most common cause of nerve damage and a good one to rule out and often looked over if levels aren't really high but in a prediabetic range which can cause the exact same damage as a full blown diabetic.
I was told by a GP I had no sign of diabetes going by an overnight fasting glucose test, he said it was completely normal at 4.6 or [82.9] in your numbers, but when i got to see a neuro he said the overnight fasting glucose test is not something he would go by to rule out diabetes at any level and ordered the glucose tolerance test which showed I had prediabetes.

Thanks for your input your not harping just being helpful and thas exactly what I need.
I'm going to ask for a glucose tolerance test I think this week. I am wondering if you are prediabetic do you generally need meds?? And if so did that help the conditions taper off a bit???

I used to LOVE Birkens too but after a few years I got very painful •Heal Plantar Fasciitis and a podiatrist told me not to wear them. Said to wear a good sneaker now I can't even imagine how much pain sneakers would cause with my feet today!! So trying to find a comfy shoe as my feet get really swollen too. I am from Cape Coral, Florida.

.....I am currently out of work don't even no if I could handle working and have no medical insurance as well.
So can't afford to go to a neurologist in my area either...........

It is very important that you have a neurologist who specializes in PN (the majority of neuros don't), if you really have been diagnosed with it. That's the only way you will get proper treatment.
As for shoes, I wear New Balance 574's, or Dr Scholl's walkers - both with velcro (hook & loop) fasteners. I do have one pair of Scholls that are lace-up walkers, though.
The innersoles come out and you can insert gels and cushions, or orthotic innersoles very easily. Roomy at the toe, soft uppers.