Neuropathy - seeking the truth!

[jtu91952]

Originally Posted by IceMan50

I have neuropathic damage to the left side of my body from years of living with unchecked blood sugars. My left arm is noticeabley smaller than my right. When I was put on insulin last Nov. and finally got serious about control I started walking on a daily basis to fill the exercise requirment for control. At first I could only walk for about a 1/4 mi. before my left hip became very painful and my left calf would knot up in a cramp. I would have to stop and rest it for a couple of minutes. Gradually over the last 5 months I have extended my pain free distance to about a mile and a half. So my experience tells me that if it can't be reversed it can be halted. But only if you are able to control your blood sugars at near normal levels. High blood sugar causes neuropathy. Take away that condition and many things become possible.

Good Luck..!!!

I too have been diabetic for a long time (12 yrs). My bs was not controlled either. I was told that I was getting nueropathy because I had no feeling in my toes, and the back of my legs hurt awfully with i walked a short distance. When I finally decided to get real and started controlling my bs, I worked with a dietician for meal plans (carbs/calories) and i started a walking program. I see a podiarist every 2 mos. and a nuerogolist . I am doing fine now. Before 2 yrs ago i couldn't even walk 200 feet. Now I walk at least 3 miles a day. My a1c was 8.1, it is now (as of last month) 6.0. I thought the podiarist sad I had neuropathy, but I KNOW he mentioned poor circulation. I just did a search on ******** and it says neuropathy can be reversed.

[Mommyof4]

My Neuropathy was at it's worst when I was pregnant. Neurontin is actually only approved to control Epilepsy so I have not heard anything about it actually causing seizures. I have done fine with it for 2 years now and all of the times in between that I wasn't pregnant. The Celebrex has also helped me greatly.

I started taking B supplements to improve my energy levels. I take Calcium + Vitamin D, a B Complex Vitamin, Folic Acid, Acidophilus to prevent yeast infections, and Cranberry pills to prevent bladder infections since my bladder doesn't completely empty... Too much information, I know

I have noticed a huge change in my energy levels. I haven't had the problems with Neuropathy that I used to but I think that might be because I move more since I have more energy. I hope that makes sense.

[jtu91952]

Originally Posted by Mommyof4

A GP can not tell you if you have Neuropathy or not. Neuropathy actually has nothing to do with poor circulation. It is nerve damage plain and simple. I have Neuropathy and sadly, mine is a permanent condition. The nerves are damaged from high blood sugars so they regenerate all except the endings which are what you use to feel. It's kind of like scarring. Mine has been so intense that I couldn't put socks on or stand for long periods of time.

I would recommend that you go to a Neurologist. They can put you in for an outpatient Nerve Function Test. This is the only test that can tell you for sure what is going on. I am now on Celebrex and Neurontin for mine and it is managable. HTH

Mommy, i never said my gp told me i had neuropathy. i said my podiarist. And he did refer me to a neurogolist. Let me tell you. She did sooooo many tests, including the nerve function test. I too took celebrex. it did me little good so I stop taking it. It did not help with the burning or the tingling in my legs and my feet. I could not even wear shoes on my feet. Finally my neurogolist took fluids from my spine to have it analyzed. Sad to say I was in so much pain and agony, i can't tell you all the tests and different things these drs put me through. All i can say is i'm glad i am on the road to recovery. This is because I decided to take my health into my own hands. At one point i was taking 24 pills for diabetes, high bp, high cholesterol and thyroid problems. Now i just take 2 bp pills, 1 thyroid pill and a baby asprin and my lantus 50mg + humalog sliding scale. I now walk 3 to 5 miles each and every day with very little pain. One thing I was not confused about is that my podiarist did tell me i had a faint pulse in my ankles and I had nerve damage in my toes. It was so bad, I had to have those ugly granny shoes. I am better now, so i guess the nerves did mend.

[modert]

Originally Posted by jtu91952

Mommy, i never said my gp told me i had neuropathy. i said my podiarist.

I think Mindy was referring to the fact that my regular doctor did some really basic nerve tests on my feet and then told me my nerves were fine... It was rather ridiculous and it ticked me off a bit.

I have been doing some reading and my understanding is that neuropathy can be caused by many things - metabolism, circulation, muscular and skeletal changes, etc.

I decided to go back to my chiropractor for my neck and shoulder pain, but he also discovered that I had some lower back problems too. Now, after 3 weeks of seeing him, and doing some home excercises for my back, the burning in my feet has started to lessen. It could be a coincidence, but time will tell.

[jtu91952]

Originally Posted by jdimassimo

I think Mindy was referring to the fact that my regular doctor did some really basic nerve tests on my feet and then told me my nerves were fine... It was rather ridiculous and it ticked me off a bit.

I have been doing some reading and my understanding is that neuropathy can be caused by many things - metabolism, circulation, muscular and skeletal changes, etc.

I decided to go back to my chiropractor for my neck and shoulder pain, but he also discovered that I had some lower back problems too. Now, after 3 weeks of seeing him, and doing some home excercises for my back, the burning in my feet has started to lessen. It could be a coincidence, but time will tell.

Boy oh boy, that's exactly where my pain started too. i kept complaining about lower back pain, and my gp kept telling me it was due to no exercise. of course, that was a bunch of crap, because even then i attempted to walk 3 to 4 miles, but the pain was so severe i kept stopping along the way. I then changed doctors and he started giving me too many pills. He blamed all my misery on diabetes. Well i have been diabetic since 1992 and did not have to tak 24 pills.. I finally went on the computer and researched each prescription and discovered some of my bp meds could cause back pain among other things. I cut out the liptor, toprol xl, amaryl, avandia, glucophage, zestril, zetia, celebrex, etc. My pain disappeared and i was able to increase my walking. Unfortunately, today i walked my 3.5 miles and it was difficult. So maybe mommy is right, the pain never really goes away. I mean the back of my calves hurt and burn something awfule. Well got go soak them in something to relieve the soreness and burn. If you get some answer to your tingling and burning feet please post it. Im sure we all can learn and need to know how best to help ourselves.
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