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Worried about how quickly neuropathy progresses
Diabetes & Endocrine System | Last Active: Apr 1, 2023 | Replies (12)Comment receiving replies
I have been diagnosed with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. It started last year in May with numbness in parts of the soles of my feet. I ignored it for a while but in September I saw a doctor and was referred to a hospital. I saw a specialist in November and then did nerve conduction studies in January when I was confirmed with IPN.
For a long period at the start of last year I was eating a lot of sweet cakes and drinking a few glasses of wine every evening. It was speculated that the wine could have done it (but only if I am especially sensitive). I am not diabetic. Recently I am wondering if I am pre-diabetic.
My concern is that since the middle of February my neuropathy has worsened. My ankles are now a bit numb and stiff. And it has also reached my knees which now feel quite tight in the mornings. Walking feels like wading through 3ft of water. Foot pain comes and goes. Some nights are fine. Others are not.
My next appointment with a specialist is at the end of April.
Has anyone experienced such a rapid progression of symptoms similar to this ? If so, do you know the cause ?
Replies to "I have been diagnosed with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. It started last year in May with numbness..."
@domokane sorry to hear about your neuropathy issues. I'm always feel stiff when I first get out of bed, but that goes away fairly quickly. Various foot and legs pains when resting at night, some days, weeks and months are better than others. I also experience numbness and muscle fatigue/weakness from my HNPP. Sometimes I think everything is progressing too fast and get worried and then it subsides a little again after a few weeks or months. Your description of feeling like you are wading through 3 ft of water is very visual. I can't say I've felt that. I've always had a sweet tooth and sometimes felt numbness and tingling in my face after overdoing the sugar, but believed it may be hypoglycemia. I've had zero alcohol since I was pregnant 40 years ago, but I do remember that at 21 when I woke up with whole body numbness for the first time (not like novacaine, but the very very dulled sense of touch that has never stopped) it happened in college after drinking too much the night before so there could be alcohol connection. Coincidence? With HNPP the myelin sheath disappears in spots off the nerves leaving them very vulnerable to damage. I first had my hip go numb at 17 after overdoing a new exercise band. Repetitive motion can increase numbness for me. Stretching too far is bad for me too. Have you been doing anything very physical lately? The bottom of my feet are the worst for numbness. I've also had issues with various meds and supplements cause very strong pins and needles that can last up to 2 weeks after I take the meds. Are you taking anything new? I hope your specialist can provide some answers.
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Welcome @domokane, I'm glad to hear you are not ignoring the neuropathy symptoms. You will notice that we moved your post to an existing discussion on the same topic here:
--- Worried about how quickly neuropathy progresses: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/worried-2/.
If you click the link above, it will take you to the beginning of the discussion where you can read what others have shared helps them. I haven't experienced the rapid progression but there are others with similar experiences. My best suggestion or advice is to learn as much as you can about your condition and what treatments are available and to ask questions at your upcoming appointment with a specialist. I've always been labeled pre-diabetic and have often wondered how much of a part it played in my neuropathy. I posted my story in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/.
Is your upcoming appointment with a neurologist?