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 ?

I understand completely what you're going through. I'm a 1 1/2 into my experience and, unfortunately, it keeps progressing a bit a time.

I started on Gabapenton about 9 months ago. Initially a small amount, but now I'm at 2400 mg per day. It took me bit to adjust to the sleepiness, but got over it. You, too, may adjust. I'd stick with it a bit and see if you can adjust, too. I believe gabapentin is much cheaper than some of the newer alternatives. Since you don't have insurance, this may be a consideration.

I'm still searching for the best shoe solution. Every so often, I have to stand a lot in a single day (like yesterday). By the end, my feet are killing me. But as soon as I can lay down a bit, they do improve.

I wish you all the best. I'm still trying to figure this out for myself, too. I'm not even quite 50 and not looking forward to this for the rest of my life. But, it appeas to be the hand that I've been dealt.

Regards...

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

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.

Hi everyone, I am new on this site and don't know how to navigate it quite yet. Hopefully this will get out to you, and I'll be able to get the information I'm looking for and the much needed help that may come with it. The problem is peripheral neuropathy whose main cause is Sjogren's Syndrome. The patient is my 77 year old mother. Her main and worst problem is constant horrible burning of her lower extremeties. At times she swears her whole body is burning up! We have exhausted every known remedy, at least the ones the doctors have suggested...Lyrica, Cymbalta, Neurontin etc. with no results. She is literally as are we her family, at our wits end. She suffers and along with her we too, every day. I feel that I have lost my mother, because she seems to be in her own world, because of the constant burning etc. Please if anyone has any information, please respond. I, she are desperate! Thank you!