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Neuropathy advice

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
WoolspinnerEm

WoolspinnerEm

Active Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 2
Reading on here, it appears that reducing glucose levels quickly can damage nerves! Will they heal or is this permanent! I’m so scared. Most of my body and my eyesight has been affected and medical help is limited at this time. The pain is horrendous, I don’t think I want to go on
 
Hello @WoolspinnerEm welcome to the forum.

Please don`t be afraid and don`t talk about not going on please
we are here to help you and you are not alone with this condition,
we need to know what/ if any medication you are on and when you
were diagnosed and how that came about. I`m going to give you a
link to another thread which I am involved with please read it, it
concerns your condition and will give you a lot of info rather than me
go through it all again, if your not sure of anything just post your
concerns in that thread your answer will come back to me.
forum.diabetes.org.uk

Neuropathy advice

Hi all. I’m new here and reasonably new to T2 diabetes. Diagnosed in March with a HBA1C of 117, down to 59 with the help of meds/diet, still a way to go, I know. I have also developed neuropathy in my feet which is becoming increasingly hard to deal with despite being prescribed medication. I...
forum.diabetes.org.uk forum.diabetes.org.uk
 
I now have trouble going to the loo. I’ve been constipated for months now, very unlike me , and now my rectum is just refusing to work!! What do you do! I’m already off to the hospital for an unrelated problem and waiting to hear back from a consultant about the neuropathy. At least the pain is lessened but I’m really worried now. This look serious and I can’t get anyone to listen. I’ve been using laxatives etc. But they don’t trigger a response! What if this medication is making it worse??! Oh god. Emma
 
I never know if I’m posting in the right place. I’m all over the place and frantic. I dpnt want to go on. Really. It’s too much and I can’t cope with it
 
if you are taking pain relief such as codeine, codeine mix or tramadol they are notorious for causing constipation.

if you are in serious pain then a call to 111. if you are blocked for over a week then it needs medical intervention.
 
mikeydt1 said:
if you are taking pain relief such as codeine, codeine mix or tramadol they are notorious for causing constipation.

if you are in serious pain then a call to 111. if you are blocked for over a week then it needs medical intervention.
Click to expand...
Just started on gabapentin, but looking back, I think I’ve been having problems for a while. I’ve been taking laxatives when I’m forced too but the impulse to go has gone. I’m so worried. Not on any opiates.I think the nerves in that area might have been affected. What do I do!! Oh god, now I’m panicking. I’m off to hospital today for an unrelated (I think) problem so I might not reply for a while . Sorry and thank you!
 
WoolspinnerEm said:
I never know if I’m posting in the right place. I’m all over the place and frantic. I dpnt want to go on. Really. It’s too much and I can’t cope with it
Click to expand...
If you let them know when you get to the hospital how long you have been constipated they should do something. If you are not going to hospital for a day or two, do as mikeydt1 says and call 111 without delay. You can tell them you have chronic stomach problems, just insist they come out. You may need an enema. A neighbour had a nurse come out and do this a couple of times as they were bedridden, not with diabetes, they just couldn't do any exercise to help, but it was BC (before covid). Wishing you well.
 
Rose45 said:
If you let them know when you get to the hospital how long you have been constipated they should do something. If you are not going to hospital for a day or two, do as mikeydt1 says and call 111 without delay. You can tell them you have chronic stomach problems, just insist they come out. You may need an enema. A neighbour had a nurse come out and do this a couple of times as they were bedridden, not with diabetes, they just couldn't do any exercise to help, but it was BC (before covid). Wishing you well.
Click to expand...
Thank you
 
WoolspinnerEm said:
Reading on here, it appears that reducing glucose levels quickly can damage nerves! Will they heal or is this permanent! I’m so scared. Most of my body and my eyesight has been affected and medical help is limited at this time. The pain is horrendous, I don’t think I want to go on
Click to expand...

There is a form of 'transient' neuropathy, which is sometimes called 'treatment induced neuropathy' where the nerves send out pain signals after a rapid change in BG levels.

This should improve over time, and there are multiple possible pain medications in the meantime, though it is known to be very painful.

Other forms of neuropathy and nerve damage can build up gradually over time after exposure to elevated BG levels. Keeping BG levels within the recommended range can reduce 'flare ups' of pain and help prevent the condition and symptoms from worsening.

I hope you can speak to a specialist (even if only by phone/video call) soon to get more support with your pain. Do ask your GP for a referral, and stress to them how seriously this is affecting you.
 
WoolspinnerEm said:
I never know if I’m posting in the right place. I’m all over the place and frantic. I dpnt want to go on. Really. It’s too much and I can’t cope with it
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear you were feeling overwhelmed this morning. We are here for you and want to help. Don't forget about the Samaritans if you are feeling that things are all too much (call free 116 123 any time). Please call the Diabetes UK Helpline too - they are ready to listen and to help you (call 0345 123 2399 Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)

Please don't worry about where you post things. Just keep talking to us.

The mods can always more posts if it helps to keep things together, or split other posts into new threads if that makes more sense 🙂

You may have a private message - see if there's anything under the envelope icon at the top of the page
 
everydayupsanddowns said:
Sorry to hear you were feeling overwhelmed this morning. We are here for you and want to help. Don't forget about the Samaritans if you are feeling that things are all too much (call free 116 123 any time). Please call the Diabetes UK Helpline too - they are ready to listen and to help you (call 0345 123 2399 Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)

Please don't worry about where you post things. Just keep talking to us.

The mods can always more posts if it helps to keep things together, or split other posts into new threads if that makes more sense 🙂

You may have a private message - see if there's anything under the envelope icon at the top of the page
Click to expand...
Thank you for the support. I feel very alone and getting medical help seems a myth. I have trouble even getting through to my doctors. I have to go to hospital in a few minutes but they think my abdominal pain is appendicitis. I’ve just having a scan done. I’m so tired. I’ll log on am
nd talk tomorrow probably. Once again, this support is so kind. I’m crying now. It seems to be making me very emotional.
 
everydayupsanddowns said:
There is a form of 'transient' neuropathy, which is sometimes called 'treatment induced neuropathy' where the nerves send out pain signals after a rapid change in BG levels.

This should improve over time, and there are multiple possible pain medications in the meantime, though it is known to be very painful.

Other forms of neuropathy and nerve damage can build up gradually over time after exposure to elevated BG levels. Keeping BG levels within the recommended range can reduce 'flare ups' of pain and help prevent the condition and symptoms from worsening.

I hope you can speak to a specialist (even if only by phone/video call) soon to get more support with your pain. Do ask your GP for a referral, and stress to them how seriously this is affecting you.
Click to expand...
everydayupsanddowns said:
There is a form of 'transient' neuropathy, which is sometimes called 'treatment induced neuropathy' where the nerves send out pain signals after a rapid change in BG levels.

This should improve over time, and there are multiple possible pain medications in the meantime, though it is known to be very painful.

Other forms of neuropathy and nerve damage can build up gradually over time after exposure to elevated BG levels. Keeping BG levels within the recommended range can reduce 'flare ups' of pain and help prevent the condition and symptoms from worsening.

I hope you can speak to a specialist (even if only by phone/video call) soon to get more support with your pain. Do ask your GP for a referral, and stress to them how seriously this is affecting you.
Click to expand...
You give me hope. Thank you. My doctor said she had referred me, but I haven’t heard back. I hope being sent to hospital doesn’t mean I’ve missed the call! I’m just so scared. The future looks so bleak
 
WoolspinnerEm said:
You give me hope. Thank you. My doctor said she had referred me, but I haven’t heard back. I hope being sent to hospital doesn’t mean I’ve missed the call! I’m just so scared. The future looks so bleak
Click to expand...

Big hugs to you (((@WoolspinnerEm)))

Do let them know at the hospital how hard you have been finding things recently.

Hope you can feel more optimistic about the future soon.
 
Hello @WoolspinnerEm sorry you are feeling so down its not nice when you feel out of sorts,
my neighbour/ friend had a similar constipation problem and was referred to a specialist who
sorted it out with medication, hopefully you will get a good result too.

As @everydayupsanddowns said don`t worry about were you post at the moment someone will
sort it out.

I see you have been put on Gabapentin for any nerve damage, I am also on Gabapentin it may
take a couple of weeks before it starts working so bear with it, can you tell us how much you are
taking (mg) and how many times a day? Most Diabetics gradually get back to normal after a while
and have no need for medication when this happens to you talk with your Dr before stopping this
medication and they`ll gradually wean you off.

Please keep us informed with how you are coping and any results you receive from HCP`s (Health
Care Practitioners) we are here for you and the forum is open 24/7, don`t be alone.xx
 
KARNAK said:
Hello @WoolspinnerEm sorry you are feeling so down its not nice when you feel out of sorts,
my neighbour/ friend had a similar constipation problem and was referred to a specialist who
sorted it out with medication, hopefully you will get a good result too.

As @everydayupsanddowns said don`t worry about were you post at the moment someone will
sort it out.

I see you have been put on Gabapentin for any nerve damage, I am also on Gabapentin it may
take a couple of weeks before it starts working so bear with it, can you tell us how much you are
taking (mg) and how many times a day? Most Diabetics gradually get back to normal after a while
and have no need for medication when this happens to you talk with your Dr before stopping this
medication and they`ll gradually wean you off.

Please keep us informed with how you are coping and any results you receive from HCP`s (Health
Care Practitioners) we are here for you and the forum is open 24/7, don`t be alone.xx
Click to expand...
Just back from the hospital. I’m shattered. The consultant at surgical said he thought I was in the wrong place and has referred me for a colonoscopy. It’s one thing after another. I just want to go to the loo normally now. The gabapentin is taking the edge of the pain.
im on 300 mg three times a day. Built up grad over three days. Gosh, I’m so tired and still somehow got to cook. I’m so grateful for all the advice. I’d love to know more about resolving the bowel issues, now the pain is tolerable that worries me. Nothing is moving but then again I’ve only had one meal in two days! The hospital didn’t let me eat or drink!
 
Glad the gabapentin is having some effect @WoolspinnerEm

No wonder you are exhausted - pain itself is very tiring, and you’ve got lots going on on top of it all.

Really hope the toilet visits can return to some sort of normality soon. Have you been given anything for it? Or are you trying any over-the-counter options?
 
WoolspinnerEm said:
I never know if I’m posting in the right place. I’m all over the place and frantic. I dpnt want to go on. Really. It’s too much and I can’t cope with it
Click to expand...

I just wanted to send you a massive hug @WoolspinnerEm It must be so hard for you, feeling like you’re getting another ‘kick’ when you’re already down.

I hope you can get things sorted. There must be something out there that will help with the bowel problems. Suppositories? Movicol? Lactulose? Don’t give up. Keep pushing for the help you need. I know it must be horrible for you but there are lots of people here willing you on.

Look after yourself and seek extra real-life support if you need it. That’s what they’re there for. X
 
Last edited:
So glad you are getting some relief with the Gabapentin, its worked very quick for you.

The hospital will send you some medication to empty your bowels for your Colonoscopy
but you need relief now, in Hospital as an inpatient they give you Laxido which is an orange
tasting dissolvable powder twice a day which works very well but usually takes a couple of
days to work but is very effective or as @Inka said a suppository may suffice.

It is available on prescription and comes in a box of 30 sachets it sorted my neighbour out
who was told he may have to go under the knife to sort it out until he saw the Consultant
who prescribed Laxido and it worked the same day he took it his face was a treat when he
knocked on my door with a big grin on his face and thumbs up, what a relief he said now he
has become regular everyday.

Remember we are here for you to support you so you don`t need to be alone, your virtual
friends are available if it becomes unbearable phone for an Ambulance 111 is difficult to get
through at the moment unless you are real lucky, take care stay safe, xxx
 
It may be that you are already doing this but drinking more water can help and it won't do any harm .Hope things improve for you soon
Carol
 
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