Increasingly Difficult to Accept Peripheral Neuropathy
I am finding it increasingly difficult to accept peripheral neuropathy it's all very well people coming up with suggestions but carrying them out is quite another. I am no longer who I was and think I am boring and miserable because I am now. Pain takes over and I have become fearful nervous prone to panic attacks which are awful because I start to shake with worrying about the future. I have other worries anyway but if this damned PN would go away it would help.
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SteveSH - got a quick question, in your case, how was it determined that the statins caused your PN?
Thanks, I had a similar experience when I put it on myself. Hurt like hell. But I am wondering if the treatment works for pain relief after the initial treatment burns the nerve ends and when the pain subsides. I'll take some initial pain for extended relief. So far, I don't buy the sales pitch.
Misery does like company. I think that was said a million years ago, but it still holds true. I don't like complaining about something that has NEVER happened to anyone else, ever? ...kinda sounds like it's made up? Anyway, I wish we had more research on PN and some more pain solutions. I can get crabby over the weather, let alone this misery!!! Good for you for saying you have the intestinal fortitude to go through an experience with hope for the future. I have hope for you, and I think you will find your way! Good attitude is important. We have this site that REALLY helps us all!!
I think I started taking statins when I was 35 (now I am 65). I have Arial Fib and high cholesterol. So I was put on statins to protect the arteries at the heart. When I started statins they were becoming popular.
Because I have AF, every year I would go for a check up to the cardiologist (blood work, stress test, ABI, EKG, CIMT, etc.) He would review my cholesterol and ask me what I was taking and how many mg. Each time the cardiologist would say you doing fine reducing your cholesterol continue what you are doing. Then in 2006, I started to feel numbness in my feet. I went a neurologist and he could not find the issue. I went to a second neurologist and he determined I had small fiber neuropathy. He said there was nothing that could be done. (My first mistake.) I read about it and then just accepted my condition (My second mistake.) The PN was progressing slowly through the years. During Covid 19 it was progressing more and now was taking over the entire foot and right hand finger tips. I was concerned and went to see a neurologist in August 2022 (almost 20 years later). I told him my story. I looked at him and said "Did the statins cause this?" He said, "Yes, it is the silent progressing nobody talks about." I do not have diabetes and I do not have pain. I just have total numbness in my toes, foot, 6 inches above the ankle, and in the right hand finger tips. I was on simvastin 20 mg for the last 10 years (My third mistake). The neurologist told me in 2007 research indicated that simvastin was the least effective statin and caused PN. I can't stop the progression he said but it will take many years before it takes over the hands. Of all the PN (if you have to get it) mine is the one that is painless. (I feels like I am carrying concrete blocks and I can't feel anything in my feet- driving a car is a challenge.) If I had been proactive I would have questioned the amount of MG I was taking and the brand during the years as medical science knew more about statins. In my case, over the years nothing showed up in the test. I looked good on paper. Recently, I found when taking statins you should be adding CO Q 10. (My Fourth Mistake.)
I hope that helps. It was a journey that could have been avoided. The bottom line is statins cause neuropathy some brands less. Start slow.
I just posted on this site. I am 57 and live in SD. I tried everything, check out my post about stem cell treatment.
This place might be able to help. They start by flushing out the toxins in your body
www bioadvancedmc com
Stem cell treatment is not a option for me at this time.
Es verdad que hay que mirar y descubrir nuevos intereses, sin nostalgia por los que perdimos ( algo poco fácil ) .Pero Fisbo nos habla de algo distinto: el dolor.Quienes tenemos la suerte de sufrir una neuropatía sin dolores,tal vez no lo comprendamos.Los comentarios de quienes lo sufren,hablan de dolores muy intensos.Y todos van en busca de mitigar ese padecimiento que creo que es casi permanente.Deseo que en este y todos los casos encuentren eso tan buscado o por lo menos un comienzo de alivio.No perder la esperanza de encontrar esa luz que buscamos.
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I also had a very bad experience. Kohnmacc
SteveSH - thanks for the reply and when I started to read your comment, I thought I was reading my own comment! We do have similar circumstances, I've been on Lipitor for about 24 - 26 years and my slight numbness started in 2008 or so. I have moderate to severe numbness, motor deficiency and drop foot with no pain, all bi-lateral. Balance not good. All of this became evident since 2016. Makes me wonder how many of us with PN are now or were on statins and given a diagnosis of idiopathic. A head scratcher for sure!
Well said.