The wonder of neuropathy

[Brendan]

Hi all,

I am newly diagnosed as type 2 (well 3 months ago). My main concern is that the reason I went to the doctors was because I was suffering from pains in my feet and hands. So the inevitable has happened and I have been diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy I thought that was supposed to be a long term side effect so maybe I should have gone to the doctors earlier. Had an EMG last week and knew that I should be concerned when the report began "tests indicate significant" Waited to hear from the doctors surgery as they were supposed to have the results on Friday of last week. Nothing was forthcoming from them so I phoned them today, only to be told by the receptionist that it was confirmed that I have Diabetic Neuropathy. I am seeing a doctor in the morning but am very concerned about this, apparently it cannot be cured but is treatable (I know everybody else on here has heard that 😛)

I suppose my question is, does anybody else have this condition and how are you coping with it?

Comments and advice very welcomely received.

Brendan

 

[AJLang]

Hi Brendan I dont have neuropathy but just wanted to say that I hope that they find an effective treatment for you

 

[Caroline]

My doctor and the practice nurse are arguing over mine being arthritis and neuropathy. At the minute it is not too bad as long as I take regular breaks to sit down.

 

[Copepod]

Brendan - although you were diagnosed 3 months ago, it's reasonable to assume that you actually had type 2 diabetes for months or even years before that. While diabetic neuropathy isn't curable, many people find that symptoms improve with a period of nearer normal blood glucose levels. So, it's the whole picture that you need to discuss with your GP - blood glucose levels, diet, exercise, pain relief for neuropathy etc. Managing blood glucose levels is easier with a blood glucose test meter, so worth asking your GP to prescribe strips and teach you how to use records to modify diet, exercise etc - if they can't / won't prescribe and / or teach, then there are links available on internet to point you in the right direction.

 

[Brendan]

Have been to the doctor this morning. Report from the EMG states significant generalised neuropathy Not really what I wanted to hear but I suppose it was inevitable. Have now been prescribed Gabapentin and advised to come off the Amitriptyline. Hopefully this will work because at the times the pain is unbearable, at least I know the cause now and can look at the treatment 🙂

 

[trophywench]

Yup - agree with what's been said - exceedingly important to get your BG down and keep it down, however you achieve that (drugs, low carb, whatever) also there is a 'cocktail' of supplements that may help but I have no idea whether it does or not.

http://www.diabetes-support.org.uk/info/?page_id=597

 

[Brendan]

Hi Copecod and trophywench,

Yes the doctor and nurse both agree that to have this level of Neuropathy I have been diabetic for quite a while. My blood sugar levels have improved tremendously over the past three months (since diagnosed) from hba1c of 10 to 7.3 so definitely moving in the right direction. I do have a tester and strips and will continue to use these on a regular but not excessive basis.

Thank you for your comments

 

[Northerner]

Hi Brendan, sorry to hear about the neuropathy It's excellent news that you have made such good progress in getting your levels under control - this will really help minimise any future damage to your nerves and hopefully the medication will work well for you and relive the pain you have been feeling. Many people find that their nerves can be particularly sensitive in the first few months after diagnosis, especially when they have managed to quickly reduce their blood sugar levels, so hopefully as you become more accustomed to stable, improved levels over the months to come, the neuropathy will be easier to deal with.