numb feet - hard to stand/walk

feet numb, no pain sitting/lying, just standing. numbness parathesia in ankles up to calves,can't walk normally because of sore/tired feeling in feet when weight-bearing,  have top neurologist at HUP and neurosurgeon, no diabetes, A1C is 5.3, been on prednisone since 01 for autoimmune disorder like PMR, now down to 4 mg a day, blood work all good, normal brain mri, had laminectomy L-3 to S-1 last year for lumbar stenosis radiculopathy,some peripheral neuropathy by emg but minor, physical therapy 3x week for strength/mobility - no medical explanation of complaints or recommended treatment. Am energetic at  80, and ok from ankles up, but disabled by condition - now can't travel well, can't play tennis, played serious singles to 2005, can't jog, dance, etc. Itch terribly now, hair follicles on face, sore nipples.  Help?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Your symptoms are due to peripheral neuropathy since all other causes of your symptoms have been ruled out. Sometimes no cause can be found for neuropathy and some people have been found to have hereditary predisposition to neuropathy.
The hair growth on face occurs in elderly men. Itchy skin may be due to dryness as the skin becomes increasingly dry in old age. Make sure you keep your skin well moisturized and drink plenty of water.

[ed164]

Hi. Many thanks, What can be done to alleviate the neuropathy? Need to walk again!  Ed164

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Yes I do understand that you really want to be able to walk again especially since you have been so active even at this age. At this point it is difficult to think of anything else apart from physical therapy to regain motility. Please continue with it and take nutritional supplements with B12. I wish you all the best and speedy recovery!

[Carol in PA]

Ed:
When my feet began to go numb, I started supplemental B vitamins, on the suggestion of a friend.  The feeling returned the next day, after two months of being numb.
When I began taking a powdered sublingual B vitamin with B12, the neuropathy improved within a couple hours.  What a relief!

You may find this article to be of interest:
Effective Treatment for Neuropathic (Nerve) Pain
by Jacob Teitelbaum MD
http://www.endfatigue.com/health_articles_o-q/Pain-effective_treatment_neuropathic.html

Dr. Teitelbaum's website, endfatigue (dotcom) has book notes for his book, "Pain Free 1-2-3."  
http://www.endfatigue.com/book_notes/Pf123_book_notes_overview.html

He has many suggestions for both you and your doctor.

Wishing you the best,
Carol

[ed164]

Carol - really appreciate your advice, will try to find sublingual B vitamin with 12, and will read Dr. T's article.  My home is in Doylestown, just north of Phila.  We Pennsylvanians have to stick together, right?  Best.  Ed

[ed164]

Hi - Thank you again for your advice and good wishes and most of all your concern.  Ed

[Carol in PA]

Ed,
I had tried several B12 supplements before, with no noticeable results.
The one that worked for me was Now Foods, Instant Energy B12.
This has all the B vitamins.  Actually, I tried it because I have chronic fatigue and this advertises for "energy."  I didn't notice much relief of fatigue yet, but it has done wonders for my neuropathy.
http://www.iherb.com/ProductDetails.aspx?c=1&pid=5286&at=0

Check your messages in your In Box, I'm sending you some information.
Carol

[ed164]

Last Post Comment of yours that I now have is 11/02 at 12:05 P - but recall another exchange between us, which I can't access for some reason.  My email is ***@****. Would you please re-send your last email?  Also, I couldn't open your last e-mail for some reason.  Thank you.  Ed

[Carol in PA]

Medhelp sends an email to notify you of a new message in the Medhelp inbox.
You might need to log in with your password to access that.
Medhelp does not want email addresses posted, although some get through.
I think this is for safety reasons, as the postings can be read by anyone.
The private messages can be accessed only by the people involved.
I'll try again.
Carol

[ed164]

Just completed iHerb order w/ your Referral No,  For me, a real learning experience. Thanks again,  Will keep in touch.  Ed