Neuropathy & GI Bloat/Discomfort

None for neurpothy Just becoming problematic. Curious Re relationship to gastro issues

I don't take any meds for the neuropathy but do take supplements. Here's the discussion on what I use - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/have-you-tried-the-new-protocol-525-product-for-neuropathy-relief/

Welcome @thomasgrunow, Did you mean you have neuropathy but you don't need pain medication and you are curious about the relationship between neuropathy and gastro issues?

Yes.

I've had neuropathy for 20+ years but only bothered getting diagnosed in 2016 because the numbness was progressing some and I was a little worried about it. The neurologist diagnosed me with idiopathic small fiber PN and then basically told me just to call if it becomes worse since they can't do much for the numbness. That's when I started searching for things that help and found Connect.

I have had some running issues with constipation but not sure it's related to my neuropathy. There are a couple of discussions that could be helpful if you think you might have autonomic neuropathy.

(2018) Autonomic Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/autonomic-neuroapthy/
(2021) Autonomic Neuropathy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/autonomic/

"Overview of autonomic neuropathy—damage to nerves that control your internal organs, including your heart, digestive system, bladder, eyes, and sex organs." — Autonomic Neuropathy | NIDDK: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/autonomic-neuropathy

I just commented in a discussion about peripheral neuropathy. Now I want to comment here about autonomic neuropathy. I’m 46 years diabetic and have a history of autonomic neuropathy (gastroparesis). It results in flare ups of nasty GI symptoms described by others here. In my quest to control diabetes I had a pancreas transplant. It did not cure my diabetes but did help make it manageable for the first time in my life. I consider it my own personal miracle. It did also help stabilize the gastroparesis. I attribute those improvements to God as I am a person of faith. Other helpful things included a good dietician that was also experienced in nutrition for diabetes and chronic kidney disease. All things considered, it continues to be an effort of trial and error to find what is useful and helpful.

How long did it take for you to experience an improvement? Did insurance cover any part of these supplements? Thank you.

@dbeshears1, I know you directed your question to others, but I hope it's okay that I chimed in? 🙂

I've consulted with quite a few GI docs (finding someone who knows more about neuropathy can take some time) and they told me that when it comes to foods, the only real way to tell if you're sensitive to something is to stop consuming it for 4-6 weeks, then restart it and compare symptoms. This way, you'll have a better idea of how your body responds. As you know, caffeine is a stimulant and definitely affects the GI tract. Whether that's good or bad, it's really how your body responds to it.

Thank you - And I appreciate your response! I'm still learning this site, and sometimes I see a post responding to somewhere else in a chain and I can't figure what it related to. I've seen some folks respond to a year old post. Of course, what I see on my phone is a it different from what I see on my laptop. I wasn't trying to exclude anyone vs not trying to junk up views for hose not interested. Your trial and error make sense. Like John, I see coffee as a desired stimulant. I've learned dairy isn't friendly. So what you're saying makes perfect sense, especially since each body is different

No, unfortunately insurance doesn't cover any over the counter vitamins and supplements as far as I know. I posted my neuropathy journey in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/. But to answer your question on how long it took to experience an improvement, I started taking the supplements in Sept 2016 when the numbness was in both feet and legs from the toes to just below the knees. In early Dec 2016 if felt like the numbness receeded some and it was then a little above the ankles. All of this is subjective on my part I've had no additional testing done to prove it's better one way or another. Fast forward to today and for the past six months or so I have more feeling on the bottom of my feet. I'm also doing a lot of other things trying to improve my overall health including being about 40+ pounds lighter than I was in 2016.

I've always been labeled pre-diabetic and have worried about diabetes. I've recently been focusing on learning more about Metabolic Syndrome and how it affects my overall health and it's relationship with diabetes and I ran across a connection with neuropathy which was interesting. That got me started on low carb healthy fat and intermittent fasting to help with the weight loss, improve my A1C and related labs. If you are interested here are a few links including one to a discussion on low carb healthy fat and intermittent fasting information.

The Metabolic Syndrome and Neuropathy: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities:
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3881591/

Metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for neurological disorders:
-- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21997383/

Low-carb healthy fat living. Intermittent fasting. What’s your why?
-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/low-carb-healthy-fat-living-intermittent-fasting-whats-your-why/