I'm amazed at how many of you have neuropathy. I have been told I have peripheral neuropathy but I probably have other types as well. Thanks for the responses. This has plagues me for the longest time. As I tried to explain to my mother about this yesterday, I decided to ask my PT community and see what I could get. As always, you guy have come shining through.

I can't take all the Neurontin as prescrbed because I'm like you, Ellie. I couldn't wake up. All I wanted to do was sleep. My doctor had me "taper up" to the large dosage and I still can't do it. It erases my memory, increase my appetite, makes me dizzy and nauseous. I had tried Lyrica and it made me worse. The Neurontin/Gabapentin calms the pain but I can hardly live with it. One of the worst side effects is the fact that you feel like eating all the time.

I didn't realize there were other meds available. That's interesting.

Mary: Thanks. You're so right. It is maddening. It's the most irritating pain I have ever had. I was at a point that I would almost do anything for relief. However, we have to draw the line. When the choice is, pain or a zombielike state, I have to try to choose the pain. There is no way I can drive under the influence so staying at home is a popular option for me if the pain is that intense and I have to take the meds.

This disease takes over your life in many ways. It's got to be one of the cruelest of all ailments. I am amazed at how many people have it but the people that don't have never heard of it. It's like pulling teeth trying to explain it to my family. How do you tell somebody that your feet are completely numb but the pain in them is excruciating? How many times have people asked: How can you feel pain if they're numb? It's very very strange.

caseysmom: I've never heard of that medication. I'll ask my doctor about it. Does it give the same side effects as Neurontin?

kokopup: I knew someone that had cancer(God rest her soul). She had chemo induced neuropathy. She couldn't feel her feet or hands for 6 months before her death. She fell so many times because her feet were numb, she was covered with bruises. I felt so bad for her. It's interesting to hear that your's is worse at night. So is mine. About twice as bad. I also take a low dose of Lorazepam for sleeping.

My doctor doesn't know where mine came from. I'm not diabetic. I continue to dream of the day that we all find a medication that we can take or relief comes in some other way.