Reasons for My Neuropathy - Is it Neuropathy?

[CheriCheri]

I have been dealing with moderate to severe pains in my feet, and occasionally my ankles. I have been handed nearly every drug used for neuropathy pain:  muscle relaxers, gabapentin, cymbalta, vicodin, NSAIDS, yet none of them have touched the pain. The most effective medication so far has been the muscle relaxer. My GP stopped the NSAIDS in fear that it may damage my kidneys.

My hx is mild DM currently under excellent control.  My exercise has been limited for the past year due to amount of pain and my "unsteadiness" due to the pain and muscle weakening.  I can tolerate mild stretching exercises daily and have been able to ride my exercise bike a few times a week. I have a history of depression and anxiety but was doing quite well until the pain began to take over my life.  I am depressed because I can't do what I used to do.  I used to ride my bicycle 10 or 15 miles several days a week, and walk several miles at a time.  Now I can't do either. Shopping is difficult and it is very difficult to concentrate at work due to the pain.  I see a chiropractor once a week.  Even he is puzzled about the pain.

One pain specialist tested the nerves in my lower legs, found that the sensory nerves were damaged and immediately assessed it as diabetic neuropathy. I have been told that keeping my blood sugar in control would control the pain.  Well, that is completely WRONG for me.  I increased my gabapentin per the pain specialist and that had no effect.  I was given a TENS unit but that increased the pain.  I feel like I have inflammation in my feet, but both doctors (GP and pain specialist) disagreed.  

I have several lumbar disks in my spine that are slightly compressed.  I was told that this had nothing to do with my problem. Yet, I saw a podiatrist and she told me she thought the disc problem might be an issue.  She also said my circulation is fine and she saw no "mechanical" problems with my foot.  She also tested to check for sensation and said I had perfectly good sensation in my feet.

I have no numbness and have complete feeling in my feet.  The pain is more like someone has pounded my feet with a hammer and that my feet are severely bruised.  I rarely have tingling.  When I touch my feet, the pain can be intense.  I am wearing Dansko shoes as it takes some of the pressure off the metatarsal bones.  I wear light socks.  I cannot handle any support socks as the pressure increases the pain.

I would appreciate ANY help or suggestions.  This is sapping my energy and ruining my life.  HELP!

[CheriCheri]

Oh, I forgot to add I also take Nortriptyline.  While I am adding information I will mention that my father has a similiar type of pain and he has never had diabetes.  He has a variation of Parkinson's and a bad tremor.  My physicial therapist thought she noticed a fine tremor.

[Carol in PA]

I have found that taking B Complex vitamins has helped my neuropathy.
I tried one of the "Energy B12" supplements, letting the powder absorb on my tongue.
Five hours later, I noticed that the pain and pressure sensation in my feet had gone.
Wow, I guess I have a B12 deficiency.

In my case, I know that the pain, depression and anxiety is caused by Lyme Disease.

Wishing you the best,
Carol

[berniebren]

I have been having similar problems.  I started having trouble wearing shoes, it seemed that shoes felt like they were squeezing my feet no matter how loose they were.  I cannot wear dress shoes at all.  My feet tingle and sharp pains shoot through my toes (especially the pinky toe and the one next to it.  My legs feel cold and tingly.  I cannot stand to be arround air conditioning without a covering on my legs and feet. I sometimes can barely walk without shooting pains in my feet.  There have been a few times that I think I will be in a wheelchair soon if they don't find something definite. I have seen neurologists, neurosurgons, pediatrists.  The neurologists have done the nerve tests in my legs, they said everything was good.  They suggested fibromialiga. (I don't think so).  The neurosurgon, sent me for a full spine MRI.  Found buldging disks.  (My back hurts really bad somethimes) but Dr does not think this is causing feet and leg problems.   The Pediatrist did another nerve test this one without the needles, just electric shock.  The results said I Had mild neuropathy in my legs, and nothing could be done.  I just don't believe any of them knows or cares what is really going on with my legs.