Hi, I've just been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy which is affecting both my feet. They feel numb underneath from the toes to the ball of the foot, which is a very uncomfortable sensation although not painful as such. It started about 10 weeks ago and has gradually got worse. I don't yet know what the cause is, but am currently undergoing tests for vitamin deficiencies and diabetes.

I had a test for diabetes less than a year ago which was normal, so surely I couldn't have developed the disease and sustained nerve damage in such a short time? At least, that's what I'm hoping. I'd be grateful for your comments and insights though.

If it's vitamin deficiencies then the next question is what's stopping me from absorbing them, because my diet is pretty good and always has been.

I'm also concerned about MS but my doctor hasn't mentioned that yet (Google can be a double-edged sword!). There's also a possibility (and I'm ashamed to admit this) that it's alcohol related, as I have been a pretty heavy drinker for a lot of my adult life and am now just turned 50. When I say heavy drinker, I mean half to three-quarters of a bottle of wine four or five nights a week, not hiding vodka bottles in the laundry. It's still too much though and I've decided to try and quit it altogether at least until my next blood tests in 6 weeks.

There is also a possibility that the neuropathy is just the result of some local joint damage from a recent trip to Berlin where I walked around in flat sandals for 3 days - in which case it will resolve in time - but that's the best case scenario and I strongly suspect not the one that's going to turn out to be the case.

What I really want to know is, am I stuck with this forever now or can the nerves repair themselves? I suppose it depends on the cause. The doctor said if it's alcohol related then it's probably permanent, which implies that otherwise it might be reversible.

I'd be really grateful for any advice or suggestions, as this is something completely new to me and I know nothing about it. I'm also pretty scared that this is the beginning of the end and it's all downhill from here.