Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Thank you @sunnyflower! I agree, everyone has a different health status depending on their likes and dislikes in food. A well balanced meal is important from the beginning. I had always been interested in health and nutrition as a teenager so I did my research early and have not developed any health issues as a result. At least I am not aware of any. For the best absorption of nutrients knowing the right combination of food gets complex. Since I decided to get my protein through plants based sources I wanted to make sure I got enough.

Wow! 😳 200 lbs weight loss, congratulations! That is quite an accomplishment. Calcium is also found in vegetables besides dairy. Drinking coffee will hinder the calcium absorption. I dislike drinking milk, always have, but found other ways for calcium absorption. I have been a pescatarian most of my life. Some years I did not consume any fish. Some years I had goat’s milk instead of cow’s milk. I was always conscious of my health.

I found many folks to get osteoporosis in later life. Kyphosis got bad for some. Not much can be done for fractures of the pelvis or ribs. Have to be left to heal on their own. I am sure you are aware of that. Did you get those while you were heavier? If not, you saved yourself from getting more fractures by losing the weight. Good job! That is one positive aspect.

You have to look at the overall calories of your diet to make sure you get enough. Fatty foods contain calories that is why I keep my fat content low. Getting enough fat in our diet should not be a problem. If you are worried about protein Greek yogurt packs more. Be careful of the brand of yogurt you eat because of the sucralose. I don’t eat any artificial sweetners. So many of our foods contain sucralose. Look at the ingredients listed on the package. It is added to foods you least suspect. If you want a higher carb count why not eat brown rice, pasta, or pizza? You will also get the calcium and fat with the cheese in pizza. Eggs are another great food. They pack in a lot of nutrition. Check out the cage-free eggs. Yes, health status is so individualized. Hope you find what works best for you and hope you feel stronger for a better recovery. Do you still have the heartburn sensation? You may want to look at your ALA supplement. Wish you the best in finding answers. Toni

@sunnyflower
I heard you mention this before Sunny. 200 lbs. is just a crazy amount of weight to lose. That is on the scale of The Biggest Loser (ever see that show?). I was overweight as a little kid and lived with the stigma of being called fatso during grade school and junior high. When I hit 14 years old I grew 8 inches in less than a year and after that I was never as fat in proportion to my height ever again. But that aversion to being fat never left me, believe me! I have tried to maintain a healthy lifestyle most of my life.

If you do not mind me asking, I am curious what your weight was after you lost the 200 lbs.? You must have felt better with the weight gone, but sad you did not know the impact on your bone density and osteoporosis. It is so unfortunate that your latest scan shows your bone density has worsened. I am very sorry for you about this. Best, Hank

Hello, thank you for accepting me into the group. I have been looking for a chronic pain group for a while now. I had a brain stem stroke that has left me with weakness and severe by lateral neuropathy, I am looking for coping mechanisms and treatments and look forward to reading about peoples ways to get by with similar issues.

Hi I am Joyce. I suffer from a neurological itch that effects my entire back and eyebrows. Wakes me up and keeps me awake. Scratching sometimes helps for a short period. Losing confidence that I will find help. Thanks for being there

Hi @steve123, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. There are a couple of other discussions that you might find helpful.

- Member Neuropathy Journey Stories: What's Yours?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/member-neuoropathy-journey-stories-whats-yours/
- Alternatives for pain management: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/alternatives-for-pain-management/

@artscaping @avmcbellar @jesfactsmon and other members may also have some suggestions for you.

Have you found any coping mechanisms or treatments that help some?

Hi @irajoyce, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I always have an itch that effects my back but I'm not sure mine is neurological. I think @artscaping may have some thoughts for you as she has posted about neurological itching. There is also a discussion that Chris started that you may be interested in viewing here:

- What do you do for Neuropathy itch?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-do-you-do-for-neuropathy-itch/

I'm sure it must be awful if it wakes you up and keeps you awake. Have you discussed the itch with a doctor or skin specialist?

Hi Joyce, I also had the problem, but know permanently gone. Read through my past posts and you will find the details. Good luck, and never give up!

Hi @steve123 I would also like to welcome you to the Mayo Clinic group chat. Here you will find answers or recommendations through the experiences of other members. I am sorry to hear of your bilateral neuropathy. I had a brain aneurysm (AVM) in my cerebellum. I had several surgical repairs but the last one left me with neuropathy unilaterally from head to toe. I have been learning what works for me by trial and error. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. I do not take any medications for my condition. Best wishes. Toni

How do you not take any medications? I'm not saying mine help but it definitely makes me feel better (or sleep).

Good evening "@irajoyce". Welcome to Connect. You mention something I have never encountered: eyebrows that itch. You state that you are losing confidence that you will be able to find help. Would you be able to tell me what you have tried? The neurological itch falls into the same category as neuropathy itself which has no cure. Most folks find that hard to accept. How could there not be a magic pill, a new machine, a better exercise that would end your search for tolerance and freedom from pain. There just isn't a cure right now.

The Itch, as I call it can has brought me to my knees......crying in agony. I have been to a dermatologist and she has been able to try a few things that help a little with the irritation of itching or the intolerable pain that can accompany it.

Will you take a few moments to send me a little more about your itch suffering and your attempts to ameliorate it? Do you stick to a regimen? I can then review what else might be worth looking at and introduce you to some other folks who are coping as well as they can.

May you be safe and protected.
Chris