Connect
Non-diabetic neuropathy
Before I tell my story, let me state that I was a daily wine drinker for several years. My neuropathy started in my feet in 2017. It did not progress beyond my feet for several years. I stopped drinking in 2023, and at that point, my neuropathy was still confined to my feet. My doctor said that alcohol cessation should stop the progression of the neuropathy. I also started on a weight loss drug at that time. I weighed 157 lbs and I am 5’2”. The medicine was a success. I lost 54 lbs in five months, but also lost a large amount of muscle. I continued on the medication on the advice of my doctor. She said I would need to stay on the meds in order to maintain weight loss. Long story short, I was not hungry and from March, 2023 until February, 2024, I ate nothing but fruit, popcorn and salads. I ate very little protein during that year. Anyway, about six weeks after starting the medication, I noticed my knees felt weak. I spoke to my GP about it, and she said it was not associated with the medication. However, I became weaker and my neuropathy went into hyperdrive. I finally took myself off the medication in February, 2024, started eating a normal diet. I was able to see a neurologist at Vanderbilt and she said my neuropathy was probably caused by several factors, one being alcohol but also rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and possibly idiopathic. That was in October. She also said my neuropathy should slow or cease progression with the modifications I made. However, my neuropathy is getting worse. I now have numbness all the way up my thighs, and, in the last two months, numbness in my rear. I am also developing a twitch on the left side of my face. I feel so discouraged and alone. It feels good to have a group of people that understand.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.
Connect
I think you're right Ann I believe it was a scam. Unfortunately I was taken by several scams throughout my years of neuropathy. Again this is only me from A of supplements and spending thousands of dollars. The only cure which I am on that path is diet and exercise. In my case I have to keep busy I lost about 50 pounds. And justice cut out processed food and sugar as much as possible except for fruits a lot of blueberries avocados almonds. In my diet. And Daily. Salads every day chicken and vegetable or seafood at night. And stop my binging. Again the alcohol being cut out and all this taking place within a year. Reversed my neuropathy. But certainly not 100 percent. But I can wear sneakers and shoes again without being too uncomfortable. Good luck!
Paul
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsGood luck in your journey. I know it's not easy and I thought of giving up many times. But keep trucking through. I hope it doesn't get blocked out here but I started listening to Gary Brecka. And taking his advice as far as some natural things. Breathe, I do every morning I'm spiritual so I pray I think that's definitely helped me. I stretch every morning only takes me a couple minutes I think your legs are very important especially I'm 67 at my age.'cause people start falling and breaking things and it's important to get your legs under you and the rest will come. And the eating healthy. All good stuff
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI played in the NFL for 7-years, 6’5”-310#, developed non-diabetic neuropathy in my feet. Doc recommended losing weight to help relieve chronic pain. Went down to 225#, zero relief but I can’t ignore other health benefits of weight loss. I go to a pain clinic every month, medicine helps about 50%.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsCan you mention the name of the medication you were on? (I mean, I didn't completely read every word of the Legal Stuff so maybe that's not allowed?)
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks for the very good advice. I am five years ahead of you and like you, I believe prayer helps and I also do daily stretching. Legs and feet are certainly important and if they are strong, less chance of falling down.
Not sure you were asking me about the medication…I take Xtampza18mg ER 2x/day. It’s a man-made opioid medication but they have tweaked it to take away the high which is important to me. No euphoria and it’s not really habit forming. I’ve tried the gabopentin route, seen all the specialists.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHas anyone tried the Qutenza wrap for foot neuropathy? The active ingredient is capsaicin. I tried an off the shelf rub containing 0.1% capsaicin and it burned so bad, I almost went to the ER and spent 3-4 hours feet soaking in cold water. Qutenza has 8% capsaicin but pain doctor swears it won’t hurt. $1000 for one treatment. Not sure any insurances cover it. Doc says she has seen patients lose all neuropathy pain and lasts 3-4 months. I told her to have a tub of cold water ready in case I’m one of those 1 in 100 who have a reaction. I’ll let you know.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactionsfeel free to contact me. It helps to have someone who understands what's going on. I did not.
Except here(which everyone is amazing).
Paul
Hello Paul @pbrowni25, You will notice that we removed your email address to protect your privacy since Connect is a public forum and anyone with an Internet connect can view the posts. Members can share contact and other information using the private message function of Connect. The Help Center has the step by step instructions for sending a private message and using other Connect features here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/help-center/.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you sir...LOOKS LIKE TO MUCH WORK
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction