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Looking to connect with people who have non-diabetic neuropathy
Neuropathy | Last Active: Jul 14 1:33pm | Replies (960)Comment receiving replies
Can you have Neuropathy with out being Diabetic? I was told I cannot have neuropathy because I am NOT diabetic. The top of my left foot flares up and pain is so extreme I can't walk and the only thing to kill pain is Hydrocodone. (It is Not gout)
Replies to "Can you have Neuropathy with out being Diabetic? I was told I cannot have neuropathy because..."
@rdg063 I've very sorry to hear you've been misguided. Of course you may have neuropathy without being a diabetic. I'm living proof from B12 deficiency causing Small Fiber Peripheral Polyneuropathy. Please find a qualified neurologist to help you. Yes, a skin punch biopsy is a test to have along with a complete workup of blood, possible genetic testing, MRI's, EMG/Nerve Conduction Study. I wish you well.
Rachel
I agree -- you absolutely can have neuropathy without having diabetes -- there are over 100 different diagnoses from which you can have neuropathy-- from vitamin B12 deficiency, chemo, alcohol use, inherited, chemcial toxins, the list goes on and on -- many of us are idiopathic, which means the doctors don't know the cause -- when you call a neuropathy clinic, ask for a doctor who is most familiar with neuropathy -- the scheduler will say "they all do" --- not true! You really need to ask a lot of questions to find the right neurologist -- AND if you see a neurologist and he/she doesn't answer your questions, it is time to find another doctor --
Hello @rdg063, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @rwinney and other members. You will notice that we moved your post to this discussion - People with non diabetic neuropathy so that you could meet with other members discussing neuropathy not associated with diabetes. As a member with idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy I can assure you that whoever told you that you cannot have neuropathy because you are not a diabetic is wrong. Diabetic neuropathy is just another diagnosis that means the cause of the neuropathy is diabetes related.
Neuropathy Commons is a good source of information on neuropathy. Here's a list of some of the causes for neuropathy.
https://neuropathycommons.org/neuropathy/causes-neuropathy
You may also be interested in the following discussions:
Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group:
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-with-neuropathy-welcome-to-the-group/
Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?:
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/
Here is an article I think you may find helpful. Why does the top of my foot hurt?: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319737
@rdg063 have you thought about seeking a second opinion? I have no medical background or training but if you are just having the pain at the top of your left foot, it would seem to be more of a foot injury type of problem.
Connect
That's ridiculous and you should find another doctor. A large percentage of cases of neuropathy are idiopathic or the result of other health events. Mine is due to a malfunctioning autonomic nervous system. The right medication has completely taken it away but it took me 4 years to find a doctor (ended up at a cardiologist) who diagnosed me properly. You might want to get a skin punch test to confirm the neuropathy. Hope that helps!