I have come to beleive that there are two factors that contribute to complications with peripheral neuropathy. The first is obviously that high blood sugars cause nerve damage. But the second is that high blood sugars impair circulation and poor circulation contributes to nerve problems and most importantly impairs the healing process. Dr. B believes that you can heal from peripheral neuropathy although it may take years. It may be that your healing is just slow. Perhaps you could work on improving the circulation in your feet. Perhaps something you could discuss with your podiatrist? Activities such as swimming may be really good as they are safe and effective. And never give up, have faith that you can get better.
I agree get an appointment with a foot doc who knows something about diabetic foot problems. I had neuropathy for awhile, but it never hangs on, what I found I had was gout in my feet, and the neuropathy wasn't helped by that. Took some meds and for two weeks (they actually helped the pain immediately) and haven't had any problems since. But let's face it GP's, Family docs, can't know it all, so check with the specialist.
When my Dr. put me on Lyrica, it did about what gabapentin did for me. But, let me tell you, I took Lyrica for about 3 months and in that 3 months I gained around 30lbs. It took me quite a while to get that weight off.
I took Lyrica as part of a neuropathy research study. My neuropathy was marginal at the time and I ended up in the treatment group. Of course, I wasn't supposed to know this but I started having side effects that were very difficult to chalk up to a placebo effect. I'll tell you, for future reference, my neuropathy will have to be pretty bad before I consider going on it as treatment.
I hear that. I could not wait for my Dr. to get me off of Lyrica. Im glad you are doing well. I am like you, it would have to be the last resort before I would ever get back on it.
Hello, Kristy :-)
Did th swelling appear slowly, over an extended period of time? Is it just your feet or does it start in your lower legs? Do you have any shortness of breath? Has your urinary output changed? Are you on any new meds? Is the swelling always present or only at certain times of the day?
It may be due neuropathy; could also be due to nerve problems in your lower spine, or fluid overload.
P.S. Be wary of doctors who are only too happy to shut us up by prescribing more meds or advising some OTC meds. She should be investigating and take your complaints seriously!
Hope you will keep us posted.
Adding grated parmesan cheese to your soup will make it much more flavorful; some garlic will also help and it's good for you.... plus, it'll keep vampires at bay, lol.
Is your doctor a endocrinologist that specialises in diabetes in not find one most anti inflamatories or NSAIDs can cause later kidney damage that doesnât show up till itâs too late to help itâŚit sounds like my neuropathy like someone is driving a nail into my toes
They are using a lot of antidepressants like lyrica(spelling)because it help the pain and you usually have high A1C also 7 or above
After I was diagnosed and got my sugar down, my legs began hurting so bad that the pain woke me up every morning around three o'clock. It was awful. And it was neuropathy. I went on urontin (sp), but when I read the side effects, I did not want to take it. After a lot of research, I read that exercise helped. It DID. After a lot of study about nutrition, complex carbohydrates, etc., I went off pills entirely--those for diabetes. I kept my blood sugars down by walking or riding a bicycle after every meal. Every meal. I had lower blood sugars then than I do now taking insulin. The pain went away. I did this for 8 years. I moved and could no longer ride my bike. Some years have passed, and I have a lot of trouble just walking around. I'm 78, have arthritis, a slipped vertebrae and the neuropathy has returned big time. My blood sugars are pretty good, but I still have a lot of pain. If you can, get a stationary bike or treadmill so you can exercise inside when the weather is fowl. You cannot skip. Good luck.
I started using Salt Sense when my husband had to go on a low sodium diet. I use nothing else.
I went to a foot doctor for pain, and he confirmed I have diabetic peripheral neuropathy. He recommended a Vitamin B supplement which is prescription only (Metanex). This seems to have really helped me (it takes a while to see a difference). Unfortunately, even though this is prescription, it is considered medical food, and most insurances won't cover it. But it's been worth it for me (order directly from the manufacturer; it was about 1/3 what my pharmacy would have charged.)
I also had custom orthotics made, and they also help my feet a lot.