Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Hi John, thought I had lost your post but had wanted to say that it is much better to arrest the pre-diabetic condition because there is no medicine to treat neuropathy once you have it, that I know of. This we do know, that diabetes is one of the main causes of neuropathy.

I could be wrong, but I think it is rare for neuropathy to be reversed. It is much, much better to get sugars under control and prevent full-blown diabetes which affects micro and macro vessels everywhere in the body including vital organs and eyes.

All the best, Sunnyflower

@testudo Hi John, my name is Hank and I would join Sunny in welcoming you here. Not sure what is normally done for someone who might be prediabetic. But my fervent hope is that you do not have neuropathy. The reason I say it that way is, as Sunny mentioned, peripheral neuropathy is virtually incurable with the current medical technology extant today. The first thing you may want to do, in working with your doctor, is to understand about your possible diabetes diagnosis.

Next, if it turns out you are continuing to have unwelcome feelings of pain or discomfort such as what you describe in your feet and ankles, you might be interested in seeing a neurologist. There are some options for being tested for neuropathy. There is a nerve conduction study that could be dome, a skin punch biopsy and an EMG (electromyography) test, among possible other things.If you are developing neuropathy, and you are in pain, especially if it's intolerable, there are treatment options for the pain, i.e. drugs, CBD, THC, other things that people try. These you can discuss with the neurologist, but you will find people here on Connect very eager to help and share their knowledge and experiences with others, so don't be shy about asking.

I believe there is a primer on Connect somewhere as to how to navigate around. I have been here since January 2020 and have pretty much learned on my own. A great resource for general info is John Bishop @johnbishop . You can post a message and include that member name (including the @ sign) and he likely will see it and reply. Best to you and good luck with your experience here on Mayo Connect. Hank

@testudo He'll probably prescribe Gabapentin which works for some for pain relief, but not for others. I found Gabapentin just made me sleepy.

Hello John @testudo, I would like to add my welcome along with @sunnyflower and other members. I've always carried that prediabetes label around myself although I'm not really sure it's a legitimate diagnosis. What I've done in the past 3 to 4 years to improve my numbers is focus on reducing sugar (it's a big culprit and no no for neuropathy) and eating healhier. Here's some information from a Mayo Clinic page that describes the problem much better than I can -- "Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can occur if you have diabetes. High blood sugar (glucose) can injure nerves throughout your body. Diabetic neuropathy most often damages nerves in your legs and feet.Mar 3, 2020" -- Diabetic neuropathy - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580

You may also be interested in the following discussions on Connect:
-- Burning Feet syndrome: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/burning-feet-syndrome/
-- Erythromelalgia: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/erythromelalgia/
-- Diabetic Neuropathy progressing?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diabetic-neuropathy-progressing/
-- Diabetes & Taking Care of Your Feet - It's Important!: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/diabetic-neuropathy-its-important-to-take-care-of-your-feet/

The fact that you found Mayo Clinic Connect means that you are trying to learn as much as you can and is a great start to becoming a strong advocate for your health. The best suggestion I have is to keep asking questions and learn as much as you can about your condition. The more you know, the better you can communicate with your doctor and health care team.

Do you ever have the burning during the daytime?

@johnbishop, Thanks for another great post with links I will check out. Cyber hugs to you and each of the great Connect mentors that do so much for us all! Stay safe and well!

Thank you for the kind words @fiesty76! Hoping we all stay safe and well.

@fiesty76 I like that call name. Fiesty is good. I am not feeling very fiesty. The pain throughout my body is taking a toll. My brain is fried with pain, especially in my toes , feet and legs. I can feel the progression My neurologist tells me it is the way it is and will not get better It is just managing the symptoms which includes the pain. This all came about as idiopathic because I don;t or didn't have diabetes..Now after almost 5 years of neuropathy my A!C is off. This makes the doctor think I am diabetic or pre diabetic. So did the neuropathy cause that. My quality of life has done a dramatic change.My feet and toes hurt so bad that even a percocet (which I am prescribed) doesn;t do much. I take Gabapentin 600 mg at night I don't see it is helping and then think maybe it would be worse if I didn't take it. Is this the way I have to live waiting to die. ? Sorry friends, I haven't been out of bed long and the pain is kicking my butt and I am feeling sorry for myself. I do normal things one day and suffer so much the next day. I read these posts everyday and I do get hope and encouragement. Need a little extra today. I do have an appointment with the podiatrist next week, for all that is worth. At least get my nails clipped just like an old horse. Sorry I am in a bummer. Love you all.. .

Peace be with you

@summertime4 Good morning my friend. No apologies needed. I had a friend tell me once...when we're in our own soup, we're in our own soup! Never had I heard this expression before. Maybe she made it up? Anyhow, it describes when we just are at wits end and cant see clearly.

I'm so glad you posted. That's what we're here for. Some days we need to be lifted up from the pain in our bodies and demise in our brains. You speak the truth and need to release it.

The frustration of not being normal or being unable to count on our bodies can be overwhelming. I can of course remind you, as I need reminding myself, that calmness, meditation, journaling, and breathing techniques may help. Some days these things help me and some days they fly right out the window!

Please be kind to yourself today. Know I am sending you love, comfort and many positive vibes for strength. You are not alone. 💞

Rachel

@summertime4, Sorry you are in a bummer. It's times when you are that you just have to take things slow and easy, one step, one day at a time.. Hope your day gets better and better.