Peripheral Neuropathy - Anyone else?

Posted by maallen1943 @maallen1943, Aug 1, 2011

I am 68, have type 2 diabetes, and have developed bad neuropthy in my hands an feet. Doctors give me no help.

Does anyone know anything about this probem?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

cailynzhang | @cailynzhang | Mar 17, 2023

Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes and can cause numbness, tingling, burning, and pain in the hands and feet. It is caused by damage to the nerves that control sensation and can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions like heart rate and digestion.

There are several things you can do to manage your neuropathy symptoms and slow its progression. Here are a few suggestions:

Control your blood sugar levels: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and worsen neuropathy symptoms. Work with your doctor to manage your blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication.

Practice good foot care: Check your feet daily for cuts, sores, or other signs of injury. Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and avoid walking barefoot.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can improve circulation and help manage blood sugar levels, which can improve neuropathy symptoms.

Try alternative treatments: Some people find relief from neuropathy symptoms through alternative treatments like acupuncture, massage, or supplements like alpha-lipoic acid.

Consider medication: There are several medications that can help manage neuropathy symptoms, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and pain medications.

It's important to work with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for your individual needs. Don't give up hope - there are many ways to manage neuropathy and improve your quality of life.

carol228 | @carol228 | Mar 17, 2023

In reply to @bettyg81pain "Which New Balance are they?" + (show)

The NB I have read about are the 990,2002, and the 1500 models. I hope you have good luck with them. I don’t personally wear tennis shoes. They seem to aggravate my neuropathy. I was told that SAS were good also, so I bought a pair of flats for summer, and am very happy with them, although I did have to ‘break’ them in because of my bunions.

cher27 | @cher27 | Mar 18, 2023

In reply to @carol228 "I have read, that NB is a good shoe for neuropathy. I have had pain and..." + (show)

I have the same issue with wearing shoes. It feels like I'm wearing shoes that are too tight when I'm BAREFOOT! Plus, they make my feet very hot. I have the energy to walk, but the price I pay in pain, takes away the desire. The last time I used my treadmill, I was up all night with pain & cramping. The only sneakers I can wear, somewhat comfortably, are Naturalizer "Morrisons". Otherwise, I wear Earth Origins Shantel Sandal, as I live in a very hot climate.

carol228 | @carol228 | Mar 18, 2023

Thanks for the tip. I live in a very warm climate too. I used to wear Keds all the time. I will check out the Morrisons. Sometimes you just need a good tennis shoe!

janicemjackson | @janicemjackson | Mar 18, 2023

In reply to @77goingon35 "I am taking lyrica and cymbalta for my neuropathy. My balance is bad and I am..." + (show)

I have been tethered to a walker for the past two years due to balance issues and falls. JJ

26sabrina | @26sabrina | Mar 18, 2023

In reply to @bettyg81pain "Which New Balance are they?" + (show)

Before you buy any NB be sure you try them on. It is also important to get a shoe with a roomy toe box. You don't want a shoe that is tight around your toes. I have been wearing NB for years. My ortho doc highly recommended them when I was a nurse. The best for someone who was on her feet for many hours. Now with the PN, I find these are still the best for my whole foot.

Guythomas | @gthalbrooks | Mar 18, 2023

In reply to @carol228 "I have read, that NB is a good shoe for neuropathy. I have had pain and..." + (show)

I have worn New Balance 860 for several years. They are cushioned and have a post in the heel to provide stability which I need for my PN. However, the new 860v13 adds more cushion which gives less stability. They don’t work for me. I’m still wearing v11 and v12. I hope they last until the NB 860v14 comes out and it recovers the stability of the v11 and v12 before they wear out. If it doesn’t, I don’t know what I’ll wear.

sheila69wg | @sheila69wg | Mar 18, 2023

In reply to @cailynzhang "Neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes and can cause numbness, tingling, burning, and pain in..." + (show)

At times I do have numbness in my legs muscles behind my legs. Blurred vision lost of appetite and weight. Extremely dry mouth always putting dry mouth candies. Nothing works. Running nose no reason at all. Dizziness hair and are dry and brittle. Very fatigued. I do suffer from depression and anxiety, fear.

poppy67 | @poppy67 | Mar 18, 2023

In reply to @michhino "I am 55. I can provide some insight about Peripheral Neuropathy with no harm to discourage..." + (show)

@michhino

I am 55. I can provide some insight about Peripheral Neuropathy with no harm to discourage you. But, I am a diabetic II since 2017 (after stroke) which was not known beforehand. My PN (feels as walking barefoot on broken glass) started approximately 2018 with my toes then affected my feet. They became tingling and numb but I just ignored it and thought it would just go away in time. I was deadly wrong!

My A1 has been between 9.8 and 11.0 for many years. And glucose levels mostly between 310 - 505 until I inject insulin.

Then, early 2019 is when PN start to escalate it moved upwards to calves and thighs then waist. Sadly, I became impotent and barely able to walk and painful nerve shocks started to occur within my entire legs. And I started to lose a lot of weight. I used to weigh 170 and weight shrunk drastically to 109 with severe PN and diabetes.

Initially, I visited emergency rooms, hospitals, clinics, neurologist, etc as PN became so unbearable and extremely painful ! ALL doctors and specialist only provided band-aids to help ease the discomfort such as gabapentin, juniva, insulin, deloxine, etc which was a waste of time and of course, lots of money. The ultimate cure was to amputate toes, feet, and/or legs. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT AN OPTION AS I COULD NOT LIVE WITH IT !!!

I wear special shoes with cushions to help walk as I still do not feel my feet (tingling and numb) and barely my legs plus unfortunately impotent until this day. Now, I am insulin dependent as I check my glucose 3 times a day. I have short and long lasting insulin injections to help drop my glocuso especially when I eat and as far as PN, I ignore the discomfort and pain. And take rubbing reliefs such as Vapor Rub and Icy Hot, etc. and heavily rely on sleeping pills in hope I do not overdose on them….

To say the least, I constantly worry that these medical conditions will eventually get the best of me but continue to pray that I will be ok.

I adopted a pretty German Shepherd which I walk and exercise almost everyday! I know for a fact it won't completely cure PN but somewhat believe its doing more good than before....

Please exercise and eat healthy!

My prayers are with you.

Jump to this post

I want you to know I am thinking of you and keeping you in prayers. You are obviously going through so much. Hang in there.

sheila69wg | @sheila69wg | Mar 18, 2023

The thing I like to say is I had lots of blood work and my PCP Dr found nothing about thyroid problems or diabetes cholesterol is a little high but nothing else that she is concerned. Sent me to Nero but I have to wait for ever for an appointment. What's the sweating all about? No fever. Different eyes drops for allergies seasonal ones. Feel so dirty even after a shower. Is this the aging process? Why does the skin itchy and rashes wakes me up all the time.