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.

Welcome JTT123.

Hi OP: I just posted to another member the other day there are no savings graces in imbibing alcohol. If one would STOP forever that would be the answer. AA rooms are full of stories. Find friends who abstain, best advice from me.

Not to be smart, but I think you have your answer. If this is the 'start' then what does the 'end' look like? Please don't be like me...stop now (it's only alcohol, you don't need it) and live your life to the fullest!

I wish I never would of started drinking....but I have 11 years sober (today) and I can tell you from experience that there is no need to drink....it's just a peer-pressure thing.

Great great on you and I feel a huge sadness for those who never stopped and never experienced living a quality clear thinking life. My dad and a couple dear close people in my life were some.

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

Thank you so much for your response (and all of them). Yeah, it is weird, I know the toes are usually first, and progressively get worse as it moves to the feet, calves, etc, that's what is confusing. My calves are probably the worst part for me. My feet are generally fine, maybe a tingle here and there. Which is what made the neuro I saw last time think it was something else. And it all kind of hit at once, which also is weird. Not much I can do now but stop the alcohol, eat healthy, and maybe take some Vitamin B.

Crazy though, I made an appt with a neuro, and they couldn't take me until Oct 27th!

Thanks for the website on sleeping. Very helpful.

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.

I posted here ages ago about a friend of ours who was shuffling his feet. I suspected neuropathy. He had been heavily drinking for decades. Recent years was very bad. People here did not suggest neuropathy, but I felt that was likely the cause. He passed away. Alcoholism is a terrible disease. I'm not sure if folks can "cut back." Best guess is that is a rare exception. The great majority of folks probably need to completely stop. Awareness of how it affects one's health and overall life is crucial. And I mean "negatively" affects. And often an important wake up call. Blessings.

I am sorry about your friend.

I used to drink a lot but do not regret my healthy choice which I do not regret.

Best wishes.