Non Diabetic PN

[DPegg]

I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and I'm not a diabetic. I'm on Gabapentin, Oxtellar xr, Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg and one pain med for bad pain. I have also developed bladder incontinence and having pain in my right hip and when driving I have pain down to my foot. I'm he being an MRI on my back Tuesday. Can sciatica nerve problems cause all this and PN? Sometimes when I get in the shower the water hits my feet and the pain is so unreal it's like pain from shingles. Now here's one other thing when I wake up in the morning i have no pain in my feet until i get up and start moving around. I do have restless leg syndrome and cramps in my feet real bad. All my tests are good and blood work is all good.

[Swallowpoint]

Dear DPegg, Like most responding on this site--I am NOT an MD. And except for my own PN am in perfect health at age 75. Your nerve problem indeed seems connected more with sciatica. As for night cramps---I had those before taking large quantities of Potassium. Some say the magnesium and potassium must form a certain balance. I take eight to ten grams of potassium powder in the water I drink throughout the day and have no night cramps. I also put other nutrients in my water--the potassium most certainly totally takes care of my night cramps which in the past could occur nearly anywhere. As for taking anti-convulsants----think twice about that unless you really have seizures, also? Also, in this column, I have answered to others to take much niacin. Yet also warn about the niacin flush. After a week or two you will barely notice any flush. But only take straight niacin (nicotinic acid). It is medically proven to improve circulation. Think more about causes of nerve damage and in your case what might have caused sciatica. That might not be related to the PN. Two years ago I fractured my lumbar back to where the doctor said I would never recover. It is now at least 95% out of 100% recovered. And during that time, my PN has been stable and has been for a decade since it began. And my PN is "no big problem"--just a discomfort. So, I am lucky. ---Eric

[DPegg in reply to Swallowpoint]

My PN is unbearable to the point it is effecting my work it makes it hard for me to focus all I can think about is the pain. I am 55 yrs old and this I believe is the worst thing at this point I have had to deal with. I appreciate your help and wish you the best.

[Swallowpoint in reply to DPegg]

Again, as you first described it sounds like sciatic or spine and coccyc involvement as well as PN? Fortunately, my three lumbar fractures did not extend to sciatica. But my dad had sciatic injury from an auto accident so I heard how painful that was. But possibly such acute pain might imply an injury which will improve with time and exercise like my spine problem? But keep the pain killers in reason to avoid a GI bleed on top of your major problem. (I had one of those a year ago.) Also--best of luck and recovery. --Eric

[honeybug in reply to Swallowpoint]

Wow are you blessed !!!😊🌸

[joebeddall]

Hi DPegg.I have suffered with PN 7yrs now.Had all the related tests,tried all sorts of drugs.There appears to be no cure.I have finally settled for Pregabalin Capsules (Lycria).They give me a lot of relief without other after effects.Keep reading HanthUnocked,it is very interesting and updatingGood Luck

[Teri0905]

In addition to the others on here who have given good advice to you also and to me, I recently discovered some help. Get a therapeutic massage. You may be off balance if your body. I got a massage this past Friday and what a difference even one has made so far! Therapeutic treatments can be so helpful where Drs cant. I also have severe neuropathy, and osteoarthritis, and all the Dr can do is give me pills. I do not have diabetes. No one has helped until I tried massage. Now I am going to see if I can do one every week until I see the results I want. But after one massage it is noticeable that my feet are more aligned and the sciatica I had down my left leg has nearly gone. I bet after a couple more it will be completely gone. Worth a try!

[cindylou222]

I read where gabapentin can cause incontinence....