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Brain fog issues

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M

Matt2021

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
I have to admit that I have not controlled my blood sugar consistently since I was diagnosed back in 2012. There have been times when I have got it under control with regular exercise, diet and medicine. But there have been too many times where i have been inactive and not watched my diet.

Recently I noticed that my left foot was partially numb and I get really terrible unbearable pain throughout the left leg. I guess it is nerve damage - which is my fault for not looking after the blood sugar properly.

I went to the Dr and they prescribed amytriptyline for the pain and sent me to the hospital for tests.

I've learnt two more disturbing facts recently. First, I was shocked to learn that high blood sugar can cause brain fog. Secondly I was quite upset to find that amytriptyline can cause high blood sugar AND brain fog.

So I've been trying with no success recently to control my blood sugar (through insulin before every meal and at night )now I have found the reason why. I don't know why a Dr would knowingly give me a medication that will make my condition worse and I am not happy about this at all.

My brain is now so bad I have trouble doing my job as I can't think clearly.

I'm immediately stopping the amytriptyline and plan to try and get a bit more exercise for the pain, but I fear the pain will get worse.

Is there a pain killer that I can ask for that will not cause brain fog? Also, how long is brain fog likely to last once I get my levels under control?

Thank you
 
My experience with amitriptyline was not pleasant, prescribed for leg pain. I took 1 tablet before going to work and after about 2 hours nearly passed out, couldn't co-ordinate, felt queasy so went home, slept for 3 hours and felt a bit better. So the next day which was a Saturday I tried again but same thing, so I then took it at night and slept all night and most of the next day. Never took any more.
I suffered the leg pain for several more months as I was too scared to take anything but then I was prescribed naproxen and that has been satisfactory. Only prediabetic at the time so they didn't really know what is causing it.
I hope you can find something that gives you some relief, walking helps me, standing or ambling is not so good.
 
Hi Matt2021,

I am sorry to hear about your issues.

I was recently diagnosed borderline T2 and, like you, I suffered from "brain fog" recently (before I had the diagnosis). I don't know how you have managed your condition in the past (diet, exercise etc.) and I would imagine most people with T2 have lapses...we are only human!

I posted "my story" yesterday and have managed to get some immediate wins with a combination of adopting a low carb diet and using intermittent fasting. I started this regime just over a month ago and managed to drop my A1c from 48mm/mol to 42mm/mol (currently without medication).

The fasting is mostly 18-6 hours from Monday to Friday, so more like Time Restricted Eating than fasting. I stop eating at 6 pm and usually go through to 12 noon the next day, using the sleeping period as my ally. It's really only breakfast skipping in truth.

If you haven't tried a regime like this, it may be worth giving it a go. It's certainly helped alleviate some of the mild malaise I was getting a few months ago.

I've read about some stunning results in others with more severe T2 using a similar approach and can point you in the direction of a couple of good books which you may not be aware of if you are interested.

I do hope you can get your diabetes under control.

Good luck and best wishes.

Rick
 
Leadinglights said:
My experience with amitriptyline was not pleasant, prescribed for leg pain. I took 1 tablet before going to work and after about 2 hours nearly passed out, couldn't co-ordinate, felt queasy so went home, slept for 3 hours and felt a bit better. So the next day which was a Saturday I tried again but same thing, so I then took it at night and slept all night and most of the next day. Never took any more.
I suffered the leg pain for several more months as I was too scared to take anything but then I was prescribed naproxen and that has been satisfactory. Only prediabetic at the time so they didn't really know what is causing it.
I hope you can find something that gives you some relief, walking helps me, standing or ambling is not so good.
Click to expand...
The Dr told me to take it at night so thankfully I avoided the daytime drowsiness that you experienced. Has your leg pain improved at all?
 
Rick B said:
Hi Matt2021,

I am sorry to hear about your issues.

I was recently diagnosed borderline T2 and, like you, I suffered from "brain fog" recently (before I had the diagnosis). I don't know how you have managed your condition in the past (diet, exercise etc.) and I would imagine most people with T2 have lapses...we are only human!

I posted "my story" yesterday and have managed to get some immediate wins with a combination of adopting a low carb diet and using intermittent fasting. I started this regime just over a month ago and managed to drop my A1c from 48mm/mol to 42mm/mol (currently without medication).

The fasting is mostly 18-6 hours from Monday to Friday, so more like Time Restricted Eating than fasting. I stop eating at 6 pm and usually go through to 12 noon the next day, using the sleeping period as my ally. It's really only breakfast skipping in truth.

If you haven't tried a regime like this, it may be worth giving it a go. It's certainly helped alleviate some of the mild malaise I was getting a few months ago.

I've read about some stunning results in others with more severe T2 using a similar approach and can point you in the direction of a couple of good books which you may not be aware of if you are interested.

I do hope you can get your diabetes under control.

Good luck and best wishes.

Rick
Click to expand...
Thank you I will look into that approach.
 
Matt2021 said:
The Dr told me to take it at night so thankfully I avoided the daytime drowsiness that you experienced. Has your leg pain improved at all?
Click to expand...
Yes, I only get slight twinges in my calf if I stand for any length of time I just take 1 naproxen per day. Thank you for asking.
 
Leadinglights said:
I was too scared to take anything but then I was prescribed naproxen and that has been satisfactory.
Click to expand...
Naproxen should only be taken for short periods of time so I hope you are not taking it on a regular bases everyday.
 
Pumper_Sue said:
Naproxen should only be taken for short periods of time so I hope you are not taking it on a regular bases everyday.
Click to expand...
OMG I have never been told that, I have it on my repeat prescription and have been taking it for 4 years and recently had a meds review with the surgery pharmacist and they never said anything. I also take omeprazole as a protectant.
I might try leaving them off then and see what happens.
 
Status
This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
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