Greetings from SD!
 

I just joined this evening and am a bit shy, even at the age of 57!
I have peripheral neuropathy due to undiagnosed diabetes for around 10 years. I have the usual symptoms of numbness, burning, shooting pains in my feet, lower legs and fingers. I had worked as an RN for 37 years and had to quit working a year ago as I was unable to concentrate either from the pain or lethargy from pain meds. Thank God, I took out long and short term disability through our benefit package at work and now have been authorized for SSD, so I have an income to help with the bills. I have tried almost every RX for nerve pain and found a few that do help but I am very dose sensitive. My doctor has referred me to Mayo Clinic in Rochester,MN. and have an appointment in Nov. So, I am curious if anyone else has gone on to a larger medical community as in Rochester and what their results were. I am trying to see if our insurance will cover this refferal, and if it does, will it be a repeat of all the testing I've already had over the past 8-10 years. My fear is becoming addicted to pain meds, even though I take Darvocet 2-3 daily and Vicoden at bedtime only. I have been on Amitriptylline & Lyrica that do help somewhat but I live with this pain every day and night, with the worst pain at night. I will appreciate your advice. I can't imagine living the rest of my life on strong pain meds every day. Thank you!!

please come visit the PN forum, just scroll down the page till you find it....that said.....you need to do some research on vitB 12 and benfotiamine (fat soluble thiamine).....aslo need to be worked up for celiac, that said come visit us at the gluten sensitivity forum... good luck

Neuropathy is no fun
 

Hello, and welcome to our community

There's lots of info here about neuropathy.

My mom has diabetes, so I know the ill effects it can have.

I've been using LED and infrared light thereapy pads for about two years now. They have helped me tremendously. The Neuropathy Centers of Amercia advocate these for neuropathy. I stumbled onto them at the rehab center in '07, I believe. Ended up with 3 pads right now. Long story short, I was so amazed when my husband got one (12-2008) for an auto accident that I jumped out and bought 2 "Pain Buster" pads. One to show and one to sell. I am very interested in getting this technology out to people who suffer aliments. I just don't have a lot of time to devote to it right now. Working on it. Here's a link to my upline. I don't have my web page yet. PM me if you have any questions about them.

http://www.healthlightz.com/

This link is the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of America.

http://www.neurotca.com/index.html

I have 2 sisters that are RNs. I know how devoted they are two their nursing career. I know you've worked very hard taking care of everyone. I guess it's time to let others take care of you.

Hope you get your pain level down, break the pain cycle. It don't seem like you're taking a lot, so I wouldn't worry about being addicted or developing a dependency. You have to do what you have to do right now. It will be okay. (MVA in 10-2000) I refused meds for a long time, afraid of the side effects and dependency problems. Don't know if that was good or bad just realize there's always a trade. I know where you're coming from. I suffered a lot because I didn't accept heavy meds but I don't regret the guarding. You may want to get into yoga and relaxation techniques and pray, to help you cope with the pain.

Of late, I'm trying a nautropathic healer. She's great but she's leaving, so that is disappointing.

Don't give up. There's lots you can do.

Looking forward to reading your progess and you input to others here.

Just wanted to welcome you to the community! I think you'll find some answers here, and I KNOW you'll find support!

Hi Cheri
 

My name is Cheri Too!! Wow very seldom see someone spell it like mine. I'm new on here. My sister is battling diabetes too. She hates the meds also. There are meds that aren't addictive. Ask your Doctor. And have you ever heard of cleveland clinic? They help with this problem and the doctors are great. Hope you get help quickly. I will pray.

just wanted to welcome Cheri and Cheri

from Cheri :D

:grouphug:

http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/r...totheGroup.jpg

Hello and welcome to you both, Cheri! This is such a great place with many friendly and helpful people.

We're so glad you found us! :)

i didn't realize the font was so big on my thread..lol sorry folks.