, re:foot pain

[Guest guest]

, when I first started having pain in my feet, I thought it was from being

on them all day. I worked as an Activity Director and when I was the one in

charge for about twenty years, I could sit down whenever I needed to so it was

not noticeable.

Then I retired but decided to go back to work part time for someone I knew. I

was not allowed to sit down only on breaks and my feet started hurting so much.

I had been wearing good SAS shoes for years but it was awful. I worked for her

for two years then had back surgery. After a great deal of pain from the

surgery and I still have back trouble, therefore I started trying to go to every

Dr. I could find.

My feet did stop hurting for about two years then started in again. I had

numbness, sharp electric like shocks at times go through my toes. They hurt

mostly when I am on them even for a short time.

When I first started neurontin it helped but I started to get very disoriented

and had to use a walker and sometimes a wheelchair. Then when I was put on

lyrica, I still hurt when I am on my feet but when I sit down and elevate them,

for the most part, they let up. I usually do my housework or cooking, etc. in

ten to fifteen minutes time periods and sit down. I get by fairly well with

that but I can't stay up and do what I used to or go shopping.

I do grocery shopping but I do it several times a week so I can get in and out

in a hurry. I do wake up with pain in my back and if I am startled or have a bad

dream, it is weird but the neuropathy will start in my feet and go up to my

knees.

I was tested for fibromyalgia then tested for neuropathy. I had had MRI's ane

nerve conduction tests, and I believe it is called an EMG which verified it is

neuropathy.

I wear the fentanyl patch to help with the back and the neuropathy.

It is a very painful disease and in my case it is worse when I overdo which

means just sitting or laying down. I do have spells of it hurting then but not

near as much. I thought fibromyalgia was more in the muscles of the legs, arms,

and maybe just generally all over. I do understand that lyrica is used for that

also.

Testing is the only way to go. I do not want to promote lyrica as totally

effective but it does help. I have not gained any weight from it and have

weighed the same for twenty years or so which is 150 lbs.

I have written so much and I do hope some of it is useful for you. Please let

me know if you go for testing and what you find out.

Lois