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Old 08-03-2022, 02:11 AM
Atticus Atticus is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: UK
Posts: 269
3 yr Member
Atticus Atticus is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: UK
Posts: 269
3 yr Member
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JTT123 View Post
I had posted here about 3 years ago after a fairly heavy alcohol filled vacation which resulted in me thinking I might have alcohol neuropothy.

I went to a neuro and underwent an EMG/NCS and all came back normal. The dr basically said that everything was normal, and that at 41 (at the time), thay I would have to drink A LOT for me to have the condition. In addition, since my feet/toes generally weren't bothering me, and this condition tends to be length dependent, it was unlikely (I asked him basically if my calves were being affected, does that mean my toes would essentially be numb/painful, and he concurred). I still took a few months off from drinking before I got back to it, but probably a bit more moderated, 2-4 times a week, 3-10 drinks depending on who I was with. And I was fine for 3 years. Even with my drinking picking up during COVID.

Unfortunately I just had the same thing happen, 4.5 day bender with some buddies at the beach and now have many of the same feelings, tingling in my calves, forearms, maybe the top of my foot/hand occasionally. Definitely more noticeable at night, don't really notice much during the day.

So a few questions for those that know and/or habe had it -

Is that basically accurate about length dependent? That your toes are basically the first to be affectes and then it moves in to the foot, calf, hands, etc.?

Issues with the autonomic system I assume are in the more severe cases of the condition, meaning your feet, hands, legs are likely in pain and/or experiencing weakness?

I have been having trouble sleeping, know that is a withdrawal symptom, but didn't think it was related to this. Could just be I am so anxious.

From most if what I have read, stopping drinking completely is the first step in halting any progression if in fact this is what it is (ie there is no ethanol in your system to hurt thr nerves)

Thanks in advance for any answers. I plan on seeing a neuro when I can, feel like it may be the same result as last time, but who knows. Definitely plan on taking some time off from drinking.
Hey JTT123

Alcohol is neurotoxic. Some are vulnerable and it sounds like your peripheral nervous system is vulnerable to alcohol. The first symptoms tend to be in the extremities. The toes are usually the first.

Some are more sensitive to alcohol than others. So heavy drinkers are the most likely to experience PN, but others get it with only a few drinks.

If you have alcohol induced PN then obviously ceasing drinking is the answer.
Eat well, take supplements, drink lots of water. Look after yourself. Be kind to yourself.


Check this out for sleep issues

Toolkit for Sleep - Huberman Lab

Best wishes,

Atty
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