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Is it Neuropathy? They cannot stand to be touch or cleaned. They cannot stand to sticker a needle for blood tests, etc.

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I have neuropathy in one leg from my hip to the tips of my toes - running along the bottom of my foot. I also have something called Notalgia paresthetica - which is a form of sensory neuropathy that effect the upper back.

While the leg neuropathy is painful at times - a feeling like knives are being shoved up the bottom of my foot - the main feeling is one of an intense burning - tingling and numbness- like your leg is falling asleep. The back neuropathy is a burning itch - very intense to the point you feel like you want to peel your skin off. However, neither is a pain that i would describe as sensitive to the touch.

So based on my own experience I wouldn't be inclined to think neuropathy is what's causing your seniors pain. Still, as 97 points out - there are a lot of different versions of neuropathy. One telltale sign is that usually there has been some type of injury to the area of pain - or near by, at least.

Can you get the person to a neurologist for an examination? In some ways traditional pain meds don't really address neuropathy. Although gabapentin is frequently prescribed for it - it didn't work for me. The only relief I've ever gotten from the Notalgia paresthetica is a prescription strength Lidocaine cream which numbs the area.

If the senior is in relatively good health besides the pain - I know, that statement doesn't make a lot of sense - I guess what I'm trying to say is - that if hospice isn't a realistic option - other than a neurologist, perhaps ask the persons regular PCP to refer them to a pain clinic or pain specialist.
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As this began happening to my Mom, I was constantly bugging the doctor for a reason. If there is a test they didn't run on her, it is only because it wasn't invented.

She needed serious painkillers to be handled at all. When this escalated to the point of agony last Thursday, hospice was brought in. There was no other place left to go.

Since then, she is on Hourly morphine. It is controlling her pain.

I now understand that as the process of dieing begins, lots of pain Often happens. She stop eating two days ago.

I believe you should bring in hospice. They can control and manage the pain. It may well be the only choice you can make
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KatieKate
I'm sorry to hear your mom is on hospice. I'm glad she is getting relief from her pain.
Ricky6, my BIL has neuropathy. I have seen him call out in pain but it seems to be just in his legs. I checked just now for diabetic neuropathy and see that on the web md site there are many types of neuropathy that can manifest in different parts of the body, causing pain in different places. So yes, it looks like it could be from neuropathy. I hope you are able to get your friend help.
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Rainmom reminded me that when my mother at 95 fractured several vertabre that  the lidocaine patches (prescription strength) were very helpful. However her insurance wouldn't pay for them unless she had shingles. Not approved for her condition but really helped her while she was in rehab and had access to them. . She was on blood thinners and had elevated liver enzymes so other pain relievers were not appropriate.
Might be helpful for Billy's friend.
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