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Peripheral Neuropathy

(8 Posts)
GracesGranMK2 Sun 03-Dec-17 10:46:00

I have just been diagnosed with this although it has been fairly obvious for some time. I wondered what I could do for myself to prevent any more nerve damage, or hold it up for as long as possible.

Also, if anyone has any insight, when I saw the neurologist he also talked about a problem I have with one knee. I seem to be visiting everyone at the moment but he felt it was separate from the neuropathy whereas the physiotherapist I have been sent to thinks they may be linked and is working on my lower back problems.

The neurologist thought I might need to see an orthopod. I would be up for that as I have always had a slight problem with how I walk and wonder if some shoe help would also make my posture better and improve all these things.

Thank you for reading and I would really appreciate any sharing of knowledge you have gained.

Fennel Sun 03-Dec-17 11:38:27

I've heard about this from a friend, who has various health problems resulting from her Type 1 diabetes. Her neurologist thinks all her many pains could be due to P.N. She's only about 50.
As she has so many other health complications she's given morphine medication on and off, but it's addictive.
So I would try all other things before going down that road.
I wish you better health in the future.

paddyann Sun 03-Dec-17 12:36:14

my lovely daughter has just been diagnosed with this..to add to her Fibromyalgia,Joint mobility syndrome and diabetes....someone advised heated socks for the pain in her feet..has anyone got experience of them and what kind are best ?

Luckygirl Sun 03-Dec-17 12:46:21

I have no useful info to add GG, but wanted to send commiserations - getting older really does seem to come with a whole raft of problems. Hope you are able to find some help with this. x

GracesGranMK2 Sun 03-Dec-17 12:49:55

You have hit the nail on the head about the medication Fennel. My PN is not that advanced but it can already be quite painful (that's a British 'quite painful' - it really hurts). The neurologist was basically saying that they would keep an eye on it and there were more powerful painkillers as it gets worse - not the best consultation I've ever had.

The physiotherapy and the exercises she has given me to seem to be helping but I would like to feel I have taken more control than waiting for an appointment and expecting better painkillers.

Diabetes can be a cause but I don't have it. I do have hypothyroidism which is also on the 'cause' list. Hypothyroidism is also flagged for carpal tunnel which makes me wonder why they don't test for hypothyroidism in the way they do for diabetes and save a fortune on surgery.

hulahoop Sun 03-Dec-17 19:29:40

I got mine through chemotherapy it's especially now the weather is cold I often wear gloves in the house . I do struggle to find comfy shoes walking down steps is especially difficult .i do have some insoles I got from chiropdy which help a bit hope you get some relief .

GracesGranMK2 Sun 03-Dec-17 19:33:51

Thanks hula. It just seems to me that it is one of those areas that hasn't moved on. I know whatever I do will be holding it at bay but I am determined to do that if I can.

Yogadatti Mon 04-Dec-17 10:18:59

Unfortunately my experience of this is, no cure, no medication that helps, and chronic pain. They have no drugs developed that target neuropathy specifically and nothing works to block the burning pain if you have it. If you can remove the cause or they can locate the cause they can stop it progressing sometimes.