Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Diagnosis

[JMV]

@JMV you say your fingertips are very sensitive. That doesn't sound like diabetic neuropathy to me. Like @Pumper_Sue, I reckon a neurology referral would be in order. Sensations that you experience could be caused by a neurological disorder - I have PLS, a variant of MND, so both Sue and I know from past experience that a neurological referral is appropriate. If you do get a neuro appointment, don't expect a diagnosis. All neurological diagnoses are diagnoses by elimination, because of the similarity of many conditions. And interesting tests - one of the standard ones I had was for tertiary syphilis!

In the meantime, I don't think that amitriptyline will do anything other than make you dopy, but what you could try is CBD oil, both Sue and I use it. Doesn't make you dopy - in fact there are no side effects. If it doesn't help, try a stronger dose. It doesn't work for everybody, but when it does it's amazing.

Finally, you will face the relentless phrase "It's the diabetes". You have already experienced that at the first presentation. It may not be the last! It took me 2 years to get past that one, and five years to get a diagnosis. Mind you, PLS is a very rare disease, everyone who has it in the UK could gather in a tennis court and maintain social distancing. I'll tell you that you don't have that, it's entirely a motor neurone problem originated in the brain. Or what's left of it!

@mikeyB, thanks for your interesting comments.
Yes, I've heard lots of good things about CBD oil too.
I will see what the neurologist has to say, when I eventually get to see one and will continue to follow my own intuition regarding whether whatever it is is diabetes related ;-)

 

[JMV]

Hi @JMV and welcome

When I had carpal tunnel syndrome I had odd sensations with some tingling fuzzy fingers and hands with clumsy control and weakness dropping cups, pens etc. My hands felt swollen but they weren't. There is a link between diabetes and carpal tunnel. It is progressive and can start to become very painful and spread up/down the arms Just a thought as what you're describing with your hands sounds a bit like how carpal tunnel started for me with a change in how things felt and not being able to do finger prick tests easily.

I've got peripheral neuropathy and get the feeling of something covering my feet even though nothing is against my skin. Peripheral neuropathy is sometimes referred to as 'glove and stocking' as the hands and feet are the 2 areas of the body most affected by peripheral nerve damage and change in sensation.

I hope you get some help and reassurance with it and the correct treatment.

@Flower Thank you. That's very interesting. Sounds very similar regarding the hands. Not so much similarity with the feet. I really thought that my feet were feeling fat because I was sitting at my desk all day and not moving enough and that my hands were maybe to do with posture at the desk, using the keyboard etc. However, when I'm not at my desk, like over the Christmas beak, it doesn't seem to make any difference. I went to see an osteopath, in case I had any trapped nerves or anything but all was ok.
I am really keen to see what a neurologists has to say.