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Originally Posted by JTT123
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.
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I never once had an emg/ncv come back positive. Last fall a skin punch biopsy came back positive for small fiber neuropathy. I haven’t had the length progression. I first noticed issues in my knees. And forearms. My feet and hands are rarely painful and also don’t have much in the way of numbness/tingling. My biggest issue is muscle pain, often very generalized.
I haven’t drank for over a year and had been doing really well overall. I had covid about six weeks ago, and I think that may have intensified a current flare up. I know my neurologist’s office mentioned that can happen.
My neurologist also said I didn’t “drink enough” for the typical cases, but I also have taken an antibiotic, levaquin, that can cause nerve damage, so I think those have worked in concert to get me where I am.
I do recommend not drinking as others have mentioned. Anyway, those are some thoughts/observations I can give based on what I have dealt with the last 18 months, or so.