Neuropathy & GI Bloat/Discomfort

For me besides my meds lots of exercise stretching vitamins plenty of fluids especially water and try to stick with a strict diet of veggies and fruits.

I don't have to take pain meds for my neuropathy but I really agree with @twobrooklyn about the exercise and drinking plenty of water. I have issues with bloating and some constipation and it seems to occur more frequently when I'm not getting enough water.

Is it possible that you also have autonomic neuropathy? I was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy and autonomic neuropathy. The autonomic neuropathy is the reason I also have IBS (along with a host of other things). Your autonomic nervous system is the part of your nervous system that controls involuntary actions, such as your digestive system.

@dbeshears1, like you I have GI issues, horrible ones in fact. And, they've progressed over the years. Like @boltz7555 mentioned, if you have autonomic neuropathy (I do), then the GI systems will be involved.

I have had to eliminate a lot of food categories, even beyond the FODMAP. Thanks to a great dietician that my GI doc referred me to, I'm on a soft/pureed diet now. It's limiting (and frustrating) at times, but at least I can eat some foods now. If you have a dietician you can work with, great. If not, maybe you can get a referral.

@twobrooklyn and @johnbishop Do you have opinions on whether coffee hurts? I don't drink alcohol but like my coffee

Since they don't know what my neuropathy is, I guess it's possible to be autonomic. Nobody's ever told me it was, though my diagnostics have been limited to bloodwork, nerve conduction studies, and a sural nerve biopsy. I'll google autonomic and ask my doctor about it next visit! Thanks!

I used to think coffee dehydrates you and you have to drink more water but I'm pretty sure that's not really true. I love my coffee too, although I have cut back a little but I'm thinking I might have to go back to my old Navy self when I really loved coffee. The good news is that coffee probably helps GI issues so my new plan is to up my 2 in the morning a little more ☕☕☕☕🍵

Coffee and gastrointestinal function: facts and fiction. A review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10499460/

Coffee is a diuretic!!

Yes, but..,
“ The bottom line

Coffee contains caffeine, a diuretic compound that can increase urination frequency.

That said, it takes drinking large amounts, such as 5 cups of brewed coffee or more at once, for it to have a significant dehydrating effect.

Instead, drinking a cup of coffee here or there is hydrating and can help you reach your daily fluid needs.”
— https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/does-coffee-dehydrate-you#bottom-line

Since you do not have to take pain meds what are the meds you take for your neuropathy? I would like to look into them. Thank you.