Does anyone else have foot pain after eating, especially sweets? Even though the Univ of WA diabetic clinic has told me that my test results show that my pn isn't from my diabetes; which I have, but it's totally under control at all times, no one has been able to give me any answers regarding my severe pain.
I take 10 300mg generic neurontin daily just to dampen the foot and ankle pain that I've had for 8 years. I was a fairly heavy drinker up till then but stopped drinking 8 years ago. One would think my feet would have stopped hurting by now if it was from the alcohol. I see the U of WA neurology department 4/23 and I'm hoping for an answer to this problem. Any input would be much appreciated.

What a perfect screen name .. on Easter even!

Glad to see you here at the PN forum! This is a pretty lively bunch (little slow over this weekend) and you'll get a ton of great info, support, ideas, suggestions to run by your Dr....

Without even using much fancy medical wording, I can say that YES!
(In my case anyway....) Carbs, sweets..... = Pain Flare !
When I realized this and started seriously delving into the the supplement program (see in "stickies" posts at top of page).....and making a few changes in my eating habits......the pain DID become easier to control. It isn't anything that you will notice overnite, it's a slow process, but many MANY will vouche that PN nerve regeneration CAN and DOES happen.....

And that is a GOOD question you bring up Re: alcohol intake of years back....if it can or will contribute to what you describe. I'm anxious to see what feedback you get on that!

Glad you're here, stick around and many will be along shortly!

Caring Always,
Rae

Yes sugar, and high fats, may impact foot pain.

Sugar has two ways of doing this IMO. One is stimulating insulin release which causes the excess sugar to be stored.This results in a crash of the blood sugar quickly which starves the nerves in the periphery. The other effect is to feed any Candida that may be in the bowel. This yeast lives off sugar and releases toxic by products into the body...aldehydes, which then cause nerve symptoms.

There is also a metabolic cycle in the liver, involving fructose, (1/2 of sucrose is fructose) This video explains how fructose is now being considered a "toxin" to our bodies. This is a medical lecture from San Francisco, and very revealing. It is very long, but very interesting. The liver metabolism of fructose is about in the middle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM

Secondly, high fat intake (like from a large serving of ice cream) or sour cream, mayo, etc, can make the blood more viscous. It has been medically reported that after a high fat meal, the blood becomes very thick, and this can cause heart attacks or strokes. Moderate fat intake does not do this.
The heavy fat intake meal, therefore, will make it harder for the blood to get thru the tiny blood vessels in the hands and feet, and make fluid back up, and affect the nerves that way. If a person has any globulin disorder, it will make that thicker blood much worse.

People can be intolerant of gluten, soy, casein (dairy), and this may release immune antibodies which attack the nerves.

So yes, food intake, type and quantity may impact PN significantly.

Yes that is my major problem also. I'm still figuring this whole thing out so I understand what foods are causing severe reactions. I will admit...I have a gluten problem & am also allergic to beef, pork & more recently, lamb. I can tolerate veal once a week. My sister-in-law sent some deer steaks to us, they live in western Nebraska on a big farm & also hunt for their food, those steaks came from a deer that was grass fed & did not make me sick at all.

My gluten problem is way out of hand & I feel like I'm poisening myself because my neuropathy is just progressively getting worse quite quickly. I'm obese & my eating problems are from a lifetime of being overweight. I feel thats why I'm not getting this gluten thing under control. I spend a lot of time in bed. My pain level is 10 everyday. I also find my body does not do well with carbs also. I can eat chicken, salads, veggies or turkey & I'm fine, but trying to stick to that has been rough.

I realize now I have to get it all under control cause I'm headed for serious health issues that have already started. I have my PN for ...lets see this coming august I'll have had this crap for 9 yrs.. Started with small flairups from what I ate. Two yrs. ago I had a flairup that started & never went away. Now it stays with me daily but the pain is getting much more intense.

as far as 'getting a grip' and not knowing where to begin.....was to get a structured diet plant.......because like you, i simply like carbs. And there are just so many carbs in every aspect of my environment....

I noticed my biggest turning point, as far as being able to control the pain....was after i began taking the supplements that target nerve regeneration at the same time i tried a very structured diet plan that centered on the glycemic index.... such as 'Nutri-System' (I'm not an sales advocate of that, just using it as an example). Yes, it's very expensive, but I bought a one-month supply and did exactly as recommended and it was proof positive to me that eating the controlled carb intake worked wonders. I used that 'one month' trial as my baseline of 'self control' and from then on made simple dietary changes, took the supplements, and did exercise that I could tolerate (in my case swimming in the therapy pool at the local health spa). Any type of 'weight-bearing' exercise aggrivated my leg pain...so the therapy pool worked wonders....

It sounds to me as though you see that you MUST make changes.....it's not too late! Make this your 'New Day'......and don't get caught in that trap of feeling like you are 'too far gone' with your weight issue! Don't allow yourself to feel too self-conscious to be seen at the health center! This is your LIFE and you want to SAVE yourself from future major health issues!
The honesty that comes out in your post proves that your life IS worth saving. Become pro-active and make a plan and stick with it!
Keep a journal of your progress......don't get on a weight scale every day.... (that's like the 'watched pot never boils' type of thing )
Maybe once a week, but STAY focused......you CAN do this!

Prayerfully,
Rae

Thank You so much Rae for the kind words!

In the middle of March my ex-hubby got a YMCA membership & we got me a 2 week trial membership just to see if I could get out of my bed & house, get down there & get in the pool. Well I did it & just before Easter I bought my membership for the year. Doc has me off all the pain meds we tried & I am just on a little Neurotin. I came down from 5800 mil. of Neurotin a day to 1200. Man I lost my memory.

Anyways the pool worked wonders for me right away. Honestly after being in bed most of the last 2 yrs. I was shocked how good it made my legs & body feel. It did not directly help my PN but it took away all that crap that goes on from your ankle to your knee, nightly aches, charlie horses, that crawly stuff, etc.. It gave me energy I actually went home & got some HOUSEWORK done>>>>a miracle!

Me in a bathing suit! MMMMM definatly worth taking a look but I'm ok with that. I'm there to heal myself with the pool & circuit training to regain my lost strenght, & free weight work. I was very easy on the circuit those 2 weeks, just trying to get my body moving. I walk 30 min. in the pool & swim in the deep end for about 15 min.. So we start tommorrow, Me, Ex, & new hubby. All of us are going on a diet, for me that means gluten free. I'm sick of being like this & its getting worse. SO I told neurologist. Gimmie a few months to change everything & lets see what I can do before he tries to stick that pain pump under my skin>>>YUCKIE!!!

I see you are already on the same 'cyberwave' I'm on! ok that made no sense......but whaddawe expect at this hour of the morning! lol

The pool thing! Absolutely! And glad to know you aren't 'self conscious about it! My best friend won't go with me because she's afraid of 'who' might 'see' her! Arrg! People do NOT go there to see what other people look like in swim suits!.............and even if they did, i bet i'd get first prize in my one piece arobic something-or-other left over from the 80's!
It's a wonder they even let me thru the check in gate! ha! do you think I CARE!?
You go girl! Your post is very inspiring!!

Exercise was a swear word to meI absolutely hated it. Of course with neuropathy, exercise can be very painful. I also have CFS, so that can make exercise difficult too. BUT, I do it now, everyday for nearly a year, sometimes 2 times a day and it's working for me. I have set my mind to understand this is forever, not just a few years, "DEB, YOU MUST EXERCISE EVERY DAY".....I would love a pool to work out in. My landlord has one, and if I asked I know he would let me use it, but it's not heated, and 3 minutes and I am turning blue, I just can't take the cold.

Like I always tell anyone with a gluten problem, get your B12 levels and your Vit D levels checked. If those are low, you are just beating yourself up.

Muffy, I left you a private message. I am not sure how to help you, Our Cross To Bear. Have you tried gluten free? Many with neuropathy do much better without gluten, even more so without grains.