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Message: <blockquote data-quote="viviennem" data-source="post: 963997" data-attributes="member: 31282">In my case the neuropathy that 3 out of 4 Health Care Professionals insist is "diabetic" is in fact caused by lumbar spinal stenosis trapping several nerves in my right leg. It takes the form of numbness and tingling, with a "hot" pain that starts in my right hip and sometimes goes down the nerve to my knee. I don't always have the pain, but it's getting to the point of "usually". The numbness and tingling go from the knee across the front of the shin down to the foot, but no pain there yet.Despite the fact that my blood glucose control is very good (HbA1c was 5.5 recently - usually about that), several HCPs have told me that you can still get diabetic neuropathy no matter how good your control! So why are we bothering?!!<img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite11" alt=":rolleyes:" title="Roll Eyes    :rolleyes:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":rolleyes:" />I don't believe that, though I'm not medically qualified. On the other side of the equation, my brother has right leg neuropathy but he's not diabetic - not even pre-diabetic!In your place I would be looking for a second opinion. Search out a really well-qualified podiatrist and ask her/him. If good, they really understand foot anatomy and will be able to suggest any alternatives to go back to your GP with. I go privately at the moment because of a bad experience with the NHS service - expect to pay around £30 to £35 for a first session. You don't have to go again if you don't want, and it's worth it to have your feet checked out professionally.Finally, watch the Gabapentin. I know it's widely used for nerve pain, and some people have very good results, but it crippled me. I got to the point, after about 6 weeks, when I was walking as if my ankles were tied together and I had hardly any balance - my muscles just weren't responding. Read the leaflet carefully. If you decide it's not suitable for you, you have to come off it very slowly. It's taken me 12 months after stopping it to get back to somewhere near where I was when I started, as far as mobility goes. Also, my present GP says he would never use it for a diabetic, but I haven't yet found out why! When I do, I'll get back to you.Best of luckViv13 <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite6" alt=":cool:" title="Cool    :cool:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":cool:" /></blockquote>

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