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• January 27, 2013 7:36 a.m.

  I'm almost 70 and have had diabetic neuropathy for about 15 years. I always assumed that I was being a wuss about a normal pain that came with age. Then I had kidney surgery and discovered that a 10" incision hurt a LOT less than my foot pain. I was off all pain meds on the 4th morning after the surgery and home the next day. The pain just was un-noticeable compared to the foot pain I have 24/7. Once I mentioned this comparison to my doctor, he immediately checked for Diabetes. Yep; Type 2 and apparently had been going on for quite a while. I've begun exercising and making some modifications to my diet and have reduced my weight from 275# to 250#, my blood glucose from 160-300 to 90-130 and my A1c from 8.8 to 6.2 in 4 months, but the pain in my feet has not reduced much if at all. I have tried several medicines for the neuropathy and settled on Lyrica, as the first two made me suicidal. It hasn't reduced the pain much, but it makes me a bit more cheerful. (Your mileage may vary; some people are made suicidal by Lyrica. It is also very expensive: currently about $200/mo and rising by about $15 each time I refill.)

  - Pete

• August 2, 2012 5:35 a.m.

  I have neuropathy, my feet feel like I am walking on pads, my toes cramp and turn in different directors. They are numb, sometimes my foot just pulls up towards my leg and I have no control over it. I have to hold on to it and push down. I am 73 years old and by myself and when both legs start there thing I just sit on the floor and cry trying to grab both of them and make them stop cramping. I fell for the first time getting out of bed because i could not put my foot down and didn't feel it. Isn't there anything that can be done beside having to take drugs for it. Right now my doctor put me on Lyrica which I am not crazy about taking. I was on neurontin but it didn't work. I also have Plantar Fasciitas and would like to just have the Doctor cut that band in my foot to releive the banjo string effect. Can someone help me with some answers.

  - Cathy

• August 2, 2012 3:44 a.m.

  In May of 2000 when I was 44 and working I had a my first major flare of SLE LUPUS. In the past I just had Rheumatoid Arthritis with Raynauds. During this initial Lupus major flare I was hospitalized for about 3 weeks and my Raynauds in my feet went NUTS! Starting in each foot at my toes it began destroying my nerves, working it's way up my leg to half way up each calf. I walked into the hospital when I was admitted. I left in a wheelchair, unable to walk (until months later with daily narcotic pain medication). 6 months later it also attacked each arm and hand to where I could no longer type or sign my signature, or put on mt clothes. The GOOD NEWS is over time (about 9 months) I recovered FULL USE AND FEELING in my hands. ( wish I could say the same for my feet!) Lupus later destroyed in 1 night, 3/4's of my hearing (100% of right side, 50% of left side) and left ringing (solid tones in my right ear) in my ears. Another morning I woke up and realized Lupus was attacking my appendix. The large doses required of Prednisone destroyed my right hip . The story goes on. I now require 125 mug/hr Fentanyl patches, plus Oxycodone for break out pain. The good news is after 18 months of Cytoxan infusion chemotherapy, I achieved remission from Lupus symptoms in Jan 2005 which lasted until November 2011. My disability carrier, Hartford Life Insuance, claimed I was "well" in Oct 2009 and discontinued payments. I filed a lawsuit and just WON! I will get all my l

  - Doug

• June 19, 2012 1:18 p.m.

  My peripheral neoropathy has been active for about ten years. Read about cures, pain relievers, how to reverse among others, yet rest assured at this time there is no cure nor a trust worthy pain reliever. The combination of Neurontin and Cymbalta are probably the best alternative. Lyrica works for some but not me because of the side effects. For the heck of it I take a few natural supplements but they don't seem to have any effect positive or negative. A short term pain relief can be attained by using a TENS unit. They are relatively cheap and easy to use. Again, they do not offer any cure just a few minutes of peace. I have always believed that nerve damage is caused by a body deficiency.. yet that hasn't be found to be true. Vitamin B-12 deficiency can have an effect..I sincerely hope and pray Mayo and other research clinics are investigating that aspect to curing neuropathy because it is one more tough disease to live with.

  - R D

• April 14, 2012 7:42 p.m.

  I have a recumbent, stationary bike. When I ride even 15 minutes a day, my feet are so much better. The weeks that I don't make time and ride at least every other day, my feet hurt (cramps, needle-like pain, tingling, and more). When I ride on a regular basis, my nights and falling asleep are so much better too.

  - Cher

• March 11, 2012 11:13 p.m.

  Seriously, here's an option that many doctors don't know about. I have neuropathy in my left foot. Neurostimulation surgery creates vibration that covers up (or masks) the pain in my foot. You're given a remote unit that's used to control the intensity of the vibration.

  - Tom

• March 4, 2012 10:46 p.m.

  I have been tested for diabetes but say I don't have. For the last five years my feet burn and hurt. Sleeping is a challenge. The bottom of my feet under my toes is numb and without feeling however, the rest of my foot is very sensitive. After reading the blog I am going back to my doctor for further tests.

  - Barb

• January 15, 2012 9:35 a.m.

  Recently I have developed burning in my feet. The numbness started about a year ago. I now submerge my feet in a tub of cool water and soak them for 15 minutes usually. I get quite a bit of relief this way and am able to fall asleep.

  - Susan

• November 30, 2011 7:50 p.m.

  you guys are amazing. I have neuropathy for over 7 years in both feet crawling up from my feet, ankles, now the calves. I have tried many medications including the lauded lyrica and Cymbalta. None of it worked, AT ALL. The only thing for me is high doses of gabapentin and 48 mg. dilaudid four times daily. I can not function at all becuase of this. I will also add here that I have 4 blown lumbar discs and arthritis in my back as well as the burning, stabbing and crushed glass sensation in the foot. They say I am on a high dosage of diaudid but it is the only thing that kept me in the work force for over five years with all that. I recently off on disability but dont know how long that will be approved. I blame the drug addicts for making it so difficult for those of us with Chronic pain that is never going away. We should have much more liberal access to these pain medications but no, we cant becuase the poor docs are now paranoid about prescribing due to the opiod addicted social problems caused by the addicts. thats my storry, ask for dilaudid or some dirivative of that for some relief. I guess I get down to about a 3 on pain measurement which is better than nothing. good luck all.

  - Mary

• August 6, 2011 2:27 p.m.

  I have been diagnosed as having type II diabetes for about two years. My Blood sugar levels were semi controled A1C from 6.5-9. In May of this year I had a thalamic stroke. As a lingering result I have sever neuropathy and numbness in my right let (thigh to toes)and muscle spasums. My only relief is medication Zanaflex and gabapentin. Even with meds I have hyper-sensitivity that is not relieved by anything. I have tried soft compression with support stockings and small blankets. Due to the summer heat this can leave me sweating. I have been told that this may last at least a year and may never go away due to my stroke.

  - Shirley

• February 1, 2011 8:33 p.m.

  It is just amazing to me to read about so many others who are suffering from this terrible condition! I was recently diagnosed with type II diabetes, AFTER the neuropathy symptoms began. OMG!!! The piercing pain and burning I experience in my feet is unbearable. My dr prescribed 3 - 500 mg Neurontin, 2 - 1000 mg Metformin and 1 - 5 mg Glipizide a day. My blood sugar is now under control and I've lost 24 lbs....yet, still I suffer, especially at night. Thankfully, we have a Christian-based "Compassionate Care Clinic" in our town who charge based on income. And Pfizer provides me with free Neurontin as part of their patient assistance program, as I have no insurance. Any and all suggestions to help me find relief are truly welcome! Please share what you've learned so we can all get a good nights rest for a change.

  - NiceGaPeach

• January 20, 2011 11:12 p.m.

  My father-in-law has terrible neuropathy due to his diabetes. He uses injectable insulin and has several other medications for water retention, high blood pressure, etc. At first we found that Benedryl helped. Then we also found GLA helped (Gamma-linolenic acid). We bought him one of those foot baths and use eucalyptus, peppermint and menthol soaps and lotions. Lotions that contain THC have actually helped, although I don't know what the medical marijuana laws are in your state, it really did help. Finally though, he is on a low dose of a narcotic pain reliever called Lorcet (hydrocodone and tylenol) to help him sleep at night and we have bought him really high quality walking shoes, as he walks a couple miles every day to and from work. I'm sure if he quit smoking it would also help, so if any of you smoke - quit now before it gets any worse. The vapor cigarettes work if you want them to. We are trying to get him on Cymbalta - it is a good antidepressant, but it is also supposed to help with neuropathy. Best of luck to you all, I hope that you find relief as I cannot imagine how difficult it must be.

  - Mindy

• January 3, 2011 9:02 p.m.

  I am a 48 year old female and suffer from severe pain in my feet and and mild pain in the last 2 fingers on each hand. This was diagnose as neuropathy by a neurologist and I was told it could be caused by my type II diabetes (my blood sugar was high, but is now under control), by low vitamin B12 (I guess about 10% of the population that has levels below 400 experience neuropathy.), or from Crohn's disease (a digestive disease which I've had for almost the last 38 years). Nerve conductivity in the legs was good..too good in my estimation! The pain in the feet is most problematic and sometimes feels like a shooting pain (lightening bolt) and other times as a burning sensation. As for things I've found to assist my existence..first I've bought sheepskin lined shoes.. I currently use the brand called "My Buddy" but I can't guarantee these are better than others. I found socks that are 99% polyester and 1% spandex and are not too tight. They may not be the best as a diabetic, but they sure help when you try to slide them on sore feet! Another thing I use is a sheepskin rug. (I recently found one at Sam's Club, but I'm sure there are other places you can purchase them.) I place this across the foot of my bed. Before this, my feet had to hang off the side of the bed. For those of you who can't stand to have the jeans or slacks brush across the top of your feet, while at home, roll up the pant legs so they don't touch! I hope this helps someone. I'm open to any

  - Mary

• November 17, 2010 7:42 a.m.

  Donna, I am going through the same thing right now, the pain from the cramps is unbelievable. I am searching for answers and relief. If I find it I will post here. Please I know now I am not the only one out there with this problem. If anyone has the answer please please let us know. I am begining to loss the abillity to walk, I have a eleven year old at home, I need answers fast.

  - dee

• November 11, 2010 2:10 a.m.

  If Lidocaine Patch(Lidoderm) helpful to relief my foot pain?

  - JJ

• September 14, 2010 6:52 p.m.

  I developed periferal neurapathy about 10 years ago. I was recently diagnosed diabetic. I have wondered if the neurapathy can come that long before the diabetes. My diabetes is controlled now and I am losting weight which is good. Have problems with foot pain..burning and so on....

  - jackie

• September 11, 2010 11:41 a.m.

  I am a type 2 diabetic on insulin. Recently I have had 3 episodes where my lower leg and foot cramp up so bad that the pain makes me vomit and is severe for hours. The first 2 times, I thought it was caused from shooting insulin directly into my vein on accident, but the last time I hadn't done that and it happened. It wasn't as constant but it was as painful. Is there anyone that knows an immediate relief from this or a preventative. I just want to shoot myself and put myself out of misery when this happens.

  - Donna

• September 5, 2010 1:20 a.m.

  I am 40 and have just discovered that I have peripheral neuropathy. I am not diabetic. Bloodwork was normal except for I am anemic. No thanks to my doctor he seems to have no clue. It has hit me so fast. I am told I need to see a neurologist asap from a friend who is a nurse. I don't know what to do. I have no insurance. My financial situation is the worst I have been in. We have to move do to it. My husband has many health troubles so he hasn't worked steady in three years. I am scared. I don't know for sure what has brought this on. I am worried about my heart now and strokes am diabetes. I have never had anything to serious so this is worrying me and no money or health insurance to do anything about it or have a bunch of tests and pay for medications. I am in such pain that I can't stand myself. What should I do about seeing a neurologist? Am I in serious trouble with this? Is a neurologist really neccesary? Can a regular doctor do the same things and tests? What should do I need to have done and be checked? What tests? A neurologist is to expensive. I need other options. I don't like the medications they suggest taking either for the pain. i don't like how they have affected my husband. Please help. Any options and what should I be concerned about and have checked?

  - Shannon

• August 14, 2010 8:52 a.m.

  I HAVE NEUROPATHY IN MY SHOULDERS DOWN TO THE TIPS OF MY FINGERS, AND FROM MY HIPS TO MY FEET. I DONT GET THE BURN SENSATION BUT I GET THE SWELLING AND ALOT OF PAIN. A NEW DRUG CALLED METANX AND A PAIN PILL CALLED NORCO HAS GIVEN SOME RELIEF,, BUT THE BEST ADVICE FOR ANYONE WOULD BE TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A ONE ON ONE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR MAKER,, HE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO HELP YOU THE WAY THAT WE NEED... 38YRS OF TYPE 1 ,,, I KNOW ALITTLE BIT. THANKS

  - LONNIE

• August 13, 2010 5:32 a.m.

  that's nice !! hey i was suffering from backache from last several year's. Have tried lots of things but there's no effect..

  - Pankaj

• August 3, 2010 12:17 a.m.

  I have a painful neuropathy in my left hand after a hemorrhagic stroke in 2006. I've discovered that a super-soft glove (chenille) used only when the discomfort is unbearable, provides relief. I do try to go without the glove whenever possible, so that the glove will remain effective.

  - Sally