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yankee87

(2,330 posts)
Sun Nov 6, 2022, 04:21 PM Nov 2022

Progressive Neuropathy

Well. I've diagnosed with progressive neuropathy and there is no cure. Right now, cannot walk without using a walker. Bottom legs burn all the time. This will lead to me not being able to walk at all and being in a wheelchair. After that, either the neuropathy or a opportune infection will take me. It could be a year, or ten years. Thank goodness, I have a great family. Just asking for any advice, prayers, good vibes, etc. My entire medical now is trying to keep me as comfortable as possible. Scared shitless.

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in2herbs

(3,069 posts)
1. First off don't take on a defeatist attitude. I suggest you see a podiatrist and get fitted with a
Sun Nov 6, 2022, 04:50 PM
Nov 2022

pair of orthotics. Visit the Healthy Feet Store website, it is full of info and shoe variations. You will need a firm, not hard and not heavy, pair of shoes and wear them all the time except for sleeping. Propet puts out a comfy tennis shoe that will accommodate orthotics. The shoes must be laced or velcro closed. Start getting acupuncture in your feet and legs -- on a regular basis. At first, at least once a week and in about a month to 6 weeks you can start to extend the visits, but you're likely going to need it every 3-4 weeks for the rest of your life. Some have had improvement with TENS treatments. Soak your feet in epsom salts up to above your ankles. Dr. Teals has herbal epsom salts, those are better than regular ES. Use more ES than the directions call for and start with the hottest water you can stand and keep you feet soaking till the water cools. Even when you're wearing shoes do your best to walk only on even surfaces.

CBD oil helps with the inflammation and pain. Increase the mg dose bottle until you find relief. If you are as bad as it sounds you probably need to be taking 2-3 oz or more a day of 2,500 or 4,000 mg. It's expensive.

Be sure you are taking a multi-vitamin. Some sites recommend ALA (alpha lipoic acid). Some have obtained benefit.

Massage your feet and calves every night before bed.

They're right, there doesn't appear to be a cure that a medical doctor can prescribe so you can be your own doctor or let them determine your future.

Good luck,

in2herbs

(3,069 posts)
5. Understand that the remedies I suggested are not a pick and choose type of thing. ALL must be
Sun Nov 6, 2022, 08:14 PM
Nov 2022

done.

Most insurance companies now include acupuncture in their coverages and Medicare pays for orthotics -- but I don't think a lot of orthotic companies know this. I think it's one pair every 2 years, but not sure.

It is a war you are fighting, while it may slow you down it doesn't have to disable you.

Again good luck.

Lulu KC

(4,013 posts)
2. Ashwaghanda
Sun Nov 6, 2022, 05:03 PM
Nov 2022

It may help with comfort, it may not. Worth a try it seems. It made a big difference for me with inherited peripheral neuropathy. Best wishes to you.

pansypoo53219

(21,683 posts)
9. i pray my walking barefoot all the time prevents this. after a few years the bloodflow in my feet
Sun Nov 6, 2022, 09:54 PM
Nov 2022

was decernable. i'm in WI, no idea why floridians wear shoes.

cbabe

(4,099 posts)
10. Per my foot doctor:
Sun Nov 6, 2022, 11:01 PM
Nov 2022

Best shoe brands are hoka bondi, hoka arahi, brooks ghost, brooks dyad, brooks addiction. Pricey but worth it.

Use inserts with the shoes.

Never go barefoot. Use house shoes. Brands are fit flop and Chaco.

Also do Achilles’ tendon stretches.

https://www.healthline.com/health/achilles-tendon-stretch#achilles-stretches

Ibuprofen helps.

Response to cbabe (Reply #10)

FailureToCommunicate

(14,312 posts)
11. Sorry to hear this, but you seem to have a strong will to press on. If it
Mon Nov 7, 2022, 05:24 AM
Nov 2022

eventually comes to needing a wheelchair, which can be safer in some ways then constant risk of falling, you will find chairs, especiall power chairs, have come a long way. And, of course, with the passage of the ADA so much of our world has become more physically accessible when using a chair.

Anyway, good luck, and keep the positive attitude.

-FTC

Response to yankee87 (Original post)

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