. Frequent foot sprains and feet problems as a youth.
. Have been over 6 feet tall and over 200 lbs. most of my life.
. In Army, suffered foot trauma from running in boots.
. Diagnosed with gout at 28. Have been taking allopurinol for over 20 years
(one doctor suggested this drug could cause PN in rare conditions).
. Feet hurt and ache after exercise and yard work starting in mid-forties.
. Had Aortic valve replaced at age 45.
. Feet numbness and pain increased in next year or so. Ankles became stiff
and limited my physical ability to play basketball with my daughter.
. Began to notice hands became sensitive to cold at age 48, pain started
shortly thereafter. Hands are affected most from the last joint to the tip.
Hard time opening containers or grasping. Hand strength still good. I hold
my hands in my armpits a lot.
. I am now 51, still working but have moderate pain almost continuously
which effects my physical activities and my mental attitude.
. Induction test confirms PN but no known cause.
. Began taking Ultram for pain in 1997 but was afraid of addiction so I
limited it to one a day when I hurt most (from early afternoon to early
evening.) Started 300 Neurontin in 1997, did not help so I stopped.
Had to increase Ultram to 2 pills in 1999. In 2000, started Neurontin again
at 1800 and increased to 2400 (4-600s at meals and bedtime). Stopped Ultram
unless in lots of pain. Neurontin helps about the 70% pain relief level.
Also began taking B12 at 1000 level.
. Other meds and vitamins: Heart - Linoxin, Tambacor, Coumadin; Blood
Pressure - Diovan; Gout - Allopurinol; Senior vitamins with antioxidents and
herbs; glucosamine;DHEA
. I exercise three times per week, strength training but nothing I have to
pull on, arctic track type machine that doesn't require foot pounding too
much (my ankles are stiff and toes hurt), best is stretching and warming up
in stream room (My PN likes warm, hates cold.
.I currently live an almost normal if very uncomfortable life. I do notice
progression like my toes are clubbing, my instep requires support. My ring
fingers are also clubbing a little. My ankles and wrists may be atrophying a
little.
Thanks, Jim
Jim Langley
jlangley@dessolutions.com