Hi guys! I've just recently joined but as you can see I talk and share a lot. I've been diabetec for 25yrs and have had neuopothy of the feet for the last three. My neuropothy was not 'bad' and with medication that was at a high dose was not bothered by it very much. This changed on Dec.10 when I woke up in agonizing pain from my hip to toes. I had to be put on pain medication and my doctor stopped my high dose of amitryptiline, which is an antidepressent that is often used for treating this kind of nerve pain and have stared on Lyrica. With the pain killers and Lyrica the pain has lessoned to managable levels however the 'sensations' that I feel in my feet and legs is still enough to drive me crazy. Is this 'normal' does anybody else have any experiance with neuropothy? From what I understand carpal tunnel is a form in a sense and I haveallready had my right wrist operated on once and need it and my left done as well. I find that my wrists and feet/legs tend to flare up at the same time as well. Any insight, suggestions comments etc are appreciated.
Schmancy
I just ran into a diabetic
I just ran into a diabetic friend of mine that I haven't seen for a long time. It sounds like she has the begining signs of neuropothy and she is very scared. I figure that this has got to be something we need to talk about more! This is something that effects more of us then we probably even admit or understand. The unknown creates fear as it is unknown! If we talk, research and support each other it will provide knowledge and understanding. I don't want to be afraid of my life which is why I started this Blog. I also think this is a subject that needs some attention for the 'younger' diabetics. I was seven when I was diagnosed and had no concept of what neuopothy was nor did I untill I began to experiance it. Then to be told oh yeah thats just because of your diabetes get used to it. There are a lot of things that happen to us that are 'out of our control' that it would be nice to be able to take some control back!
Oh well that is my little rant, hope it gets some of you thinking though.
Schmancy
I have an appointment
I have an appointment tomorrow with my endocynologist about this very topic. I'm 24 years old and may have neuropothy. My right leg feels bloated at night time, and I have an open sore on my foot. I'm terrified by images of what can happen. I'm taking all steps to ensure that I eat right and check my blood sugars. I guess i'll find out tomorrow what the results are. I must say that I am quite scared as I am so young still. My dad is also a diabetic and is now in a wheelchair, and blind in one eye. Mind you he has never taken care of it. I just can't deal with how unfair it is to treat your diabetes right and then find out you may have a serious complication.
I wish everyone the best of luck.
Keira
Keira, how did your
Keira, how did your appointment go? I hope that everything is well with your foot and leg. I know that personally I have had times in my life that I did not treat my diabetes/body with the respect that it deserved. But knowing that dosen't make it any easier either. I'm 32 with a young child and have full knowledge of what can happen to me. It is scary for any and all of us. While I was disrespectful to myself I didn't do anything outragous, just didn't keep in good control. Crazy thing about that was I was trying to lash back at my now ex-husband. Silly thing is I'm the one paying for it how many years later. We just don't know how our bodies are going to react we also need to remember that these things happen differently and affect us all differently too.
Smiles :)
Schmancy
Hey Schmancy, Diabetic
Hey Schmancy,
Diabetic neuropathy can be a difficult beast to control.
If you want to learn more you check this link out.
Travel well
I've read most of all the
I've read most of all the links, thanks Deshy. Do you know of any more litarture? Is there anything positive out there? Even just some education, it is an 'invisible' disibilitiy and people have a hard time understanding why I would be in pain or moving slow etc. It is hard to concentrate and be positive when your body is yelling at you. I also personnally feel that this subject isin't talked about enough. I have had my rough times with my diabeties but overall I've been an in target diabetic. I am both sadened and angry with this new found 'friend' of mine.
Schmancy
People with Sjogren's also
People with Sjogren's also develop neuropathic pain. Some of them have seen it decrease with a regular high dose of vitamin B12. This may not be relevant for you, but it may be worth looking at.
Mostly, I know more about shingles pain, which, at the worst can become a peripheral neuropathy and stick around.
I can see how neuropathy would slow you down. Plus dealing with pain takes a lot of your energy
Anet
Thanks for the B12 tip, I'll
Thanks for the B12 tip, I'll look into that. I have heard about the shingles pain and they acctually treat the two with the same type of medication. I am taking Lyrica at the moment which has been used to treat the neuropathy caused by shingles.
It is true about pain being exhausting. People who have not experianced it just have no idea!
Schmancy