Alcohol Neuropathy???
Hello All, I just found this group and I am so thankful to have found this! I am so frustrated with our medical system here is Santa Rosa, Ca. It takes months to get an appointment with anyone.... Please read my story and any feedback or information would be so helpful. So I live in Wine Country, and last year beginning in Oct. 2017, I lost four family members, my baby brother, two sister-in-laws and my best friend just in July 019. I started to drink more and more wine everyday. Sometimes up to a bottle a night. On Jan. 2, 2020 I decided to stop, cold turkey. By the fourth day, I woke up at 3:00 am with stabbing, burning pain going up and down my legs and the bottom of my feet. My calf muscles were so sore as if I had run a marathon the day before. I went in (on a Saturday to a doctor, not my primary care physician), and explained my symptoms and that I had quit drinking just recently. She gave me a referral to have a nerve conduction test and physical therapy. I had blood work done and I don't have diabetes and my Vitamin B-12 level was VERY high, I think because I had taken vitamin B-12 supplements the day before the blood test, but all in all my blood test results were all good. I can't get an appointment for the nerve test until the end of March! In the meantime, I went to my chiropractor and explained everything to him, he said all that nerve pain was from going through alcohol withdrawal. He said I should have weened myself off instead of cold turkey. So, I went home and had a glass of wine and the next day I felt better. BUT, I am so nervous that I have damaged my nerves and I can't get help for another 6-8 weeks. Has anyone experienced this? Could this nerve pain be something else?
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Sometimes we go looking for the needle in the haystack. We read articles everywhere just for hope. I loved Debbie’s post which she is 100% correct. Yes, alcohol AND cigarettes affect every organ in the body including the brain. People who drink on a regular basis ( every day ) are usually Thiamine deficient which can definitely cause joint and muscle pain. Which then you’ll be giving yourself a B-12 shot monthly. ( ask me how I know ) My first year after being medically retired due to my unsuccessful C-5-C-7 fusion, I became very depressed and became a professional beer can collector. AKA as just another drunk feeling sorry for myself. My body was definitely talking to me that year! Since that year, I no longer drink or even want one. Yes, I’ll be still giving myself a B-12 shot monthly but I will say I feel better both physically and mentally! I thank my wife for putting up with me! When I look at what others here are dealing with, my problem is minimal. I am truly blessed even with the pain!…..David
I’ve been told by 2 neurosurgeons and my neurologist to NOT have a Spinal Cord stimulator.
Even though I’ve had a laminectomy and severe neuropathy…I hear more about spinal pain after spine surgery, than before
Why do you think, actually, 3 pain specialists have suggested that I should consider doing it?? How do you deal with severe neuropathy??
Hi @seanywonton, Yes I am starting to settled into this diagnosis. I have not had alcohol in 9 months and I am on prescribed Vitamins for nerve health such as folic acid and B vits. I also have a nutritionist I am working with. I am in PT 3x wk. to increase balance and strength etc. I have no desire to return to drinking. I am also researching how psychological trauma and stress - chronic, can have a major impact on the nervous system as well but I feel that the doctors, not being trained on this aspect don't pay much attention to it. But I am taking steps toward my emotional hygiene as well. Thank you for your insight.
@amandajro, my apologies. My reply was addressed to you Amanda. I love this group because I am learning so much. Thank you all!
Hello,
Has anyone experiencing alcohol neuropathy had IV infusions for a treatment and if so what kind. Also any input on other forms of therapy??