idiopathic peripheral neuropathy

Posted By Marjorie Kravitz on April 25, 1997 at 10:31:04:









My condition has been described as sensory idiopathic neuropathy or polyneuropathy. I am not a diabetic, nor do I have any apparent cause for the painful burning feet that sent me to a series of podiatrists, orthopedists, and neurologists. I am now taking 50 mg/day desipramine and .5 mg of clonazepam 3/day. From web searches and various doctors' suggestions, I also take magnesium, Vit.E, Evening Primrose Oil, and Lipoic Acid. Do any of these nonprescriptive supplements hold any promise for repairing nerve damage or preventing further damage? From what I've read, clinical trials show that drugs with nerve growth factor show great promise for diabetics with PN. When will patients with idiopathic PN be able to benefit from these drugs? What is the significance of the numbness I feel in the lower legs when I walk at a brisk pace? Is there any hope/probability that I will ever be able to resume my daily half-hour walks (at a brisk 4 mph), visits to craft shows and museums, touring and traveling?
Thank you in advance for addressing this complex series of questions for what has been described as one of the most frustrating conditions to treat.
(I submitted a similar message today but didn't see it posted so have tried once more)