Correlation between peripheral neuropathy and low RBC?

Good morning, Larry–– You've touched on precisely what was on my mind: Is there even the remotest possibility of a connection between neuropathy and some other chronic condition––or, in our case, between neuropathy and a low RBC? Please don't misunderstand me: I trust my doctors; I believe they're capable, caring people. However, what disappoints me is sensing not the least curiosity when I ask about a possible connection between one condition and another. It is as if––as you say––when a connection is not incontrovertible (or solidly within a doctor's specialty), there's little reason to pursue the matter. Best of luck to you, too! ––Ray

@michhino : Type 2 diabetes, can be cured! That is the good news! It is a disease of choice according to many scientists. The "cure" is simply changing what you eat and adding some exercise. My sister has been overweight for years and in her late 50's developed T2 diabetes. Her doctor told her to start eating primarily vegtables and some fruits. She gave her a book of recipies. After only 2 months she was cured!! Gone! But old habits die hard and after a couple of years she slipped back into her old habits and the diabetes came back. So this has to be a lifetime commitment. But look at all the misery, pain and cost that will be avoided! No neuropathy is a HUGE benefit right there as we all know that once you get it you are stuck with it.

Crossette; It may appear that you may not experience the life of diabetes and PN. Needless to say, I have been fighting diabetes and neuropathy for over 5 years and although with proper foods, exercise, etc. I am not able to find a complete cure for both. Yes, people will react differently on a temporary basis to certain medication, insulin, but from my personal experiences there is ultimately NO CURE even though with proper meals, exercise, etc.. As of course, you can not simply live on veggies and fruit! And yes, I have the food book for T2 diabetes consumption which I no longer believe in. Currently, I continue to remain insulin dependent with few meds such as metformin to drastically and quickly reduce glucose so PN will not be extremely painful. Yes, PN will not disappear and/or be cured BUT if doctors knew on how to help a severe diabetic in the first place instead of anticipating financial gains, I would certainly not be in the sad and devastating painful stages with PN in the first place!!! Now, I continue to deal with both medical situations which have a negative bearing in my life as I move forward. I have molded myself to ignore the pain and discomfort plus accepted it's simply a part of remaining life personally as, NO CURE !

I have been wearing the compression socks all day. I get swelling were the compression sock ends all the time

There’s a potential loose association between low RBCs and PN. PN can be associated with MGUS, a bone marrow disorder that is generally benign involving plasma cell overproduction. It can be associated with anemia. A blood test called serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) is done to screen for that. I would ask your Dr to do that test. If abnormal, you would see a hematologist for follow up. A serum total protein and serum albumin can be done along with it. If albumin is low it can cause swelling and is often overlooked as a cause for swelling. I assume your heart, liver and kidney function has been checked already.

Ray, I have the same problem with balance but no pain, thank God! I also have weak muscles in both legs & swollen feet to boot. I have to use a walker for the imbalance & have started an exercise program to strengthen my leg muscles. I do have some swelling in both feet most of the time. Do you also have leg weakness? Thanks for any input you may have. Barry

Ray, I failed to mention I also have low RBC and I do wear compression knee high stockings for my leg & foot swelling! Bad balance is my biggest problem! I forgot to include this info in my original note. Barry

I also have had low red blood count and mean cellular volume over 100 for at least 20 years, along with increasing neurological damage and loss of mobility. Last Winter I did a deep Google dive on my symptoms, blood tests, and health history. Only one diagnosis fit—Pernicious Anemia. A hematologist tested my intrinsic factor antibodies. They’re very high, showing that I cannot absorb B vitamins in food. So I began daily self-injections last November. Improvement is gradual after so many years, but many things are better and I finally have hope. I urge you to see a hematologist asap. The specialists I saw suspected all kinds of genetic issues and advised saving for an electric wheelchair (which I may yet need!) PA is especially common after an autoimmune thyroid disease and can run in families. Knowledge is power….