Hey all I have posted some of this in a previous thread about my general health but this question is more direct.

I am a type 1 diabetic and have been for the last 18 years. I am 29 now. slightly overweight in the last few years (about a stone over ideal weight for about 3 or 4 years) my hba1c has always been between 7 and 7.5 over the last 10 years. While my blood control is not perfect I I would not describe it as terrible.

About 6 months ago I started to feel tingling in my hands and feet along with general numbness in my arms and legs when I lie or sit in my hands and feet. This all came along very suddenly in a few days.

Went to Diabetic doctor and they noticed my thyroid was swollen and all my glands were also up. They reckoned it was due to a virus that I had these symptoms come on so suddenly and said it should pass.

Sure enough 2 or 3 weeks later the neuropathy symptoms all stopped and I felt fine again. Thyroid stayed swollen DCT says I have a small multi-nodular goitre but it is common. Thyroid function was fine.

2 or 3 weeks ago I noticed my glands were again swollen (very large one under arm). The tingling came back although now it is in arms as well as hands (and still feet). I also have the numbness again in my arms or legs when I sit down. Along with this I now have pain in my joints particularly wrist and elbow.

This comes and goes at the moment on a day today basis... Yesterday it was very uncomfortable today it is barely noticeable.

I have spoken to the Doctors who still think it is probably a virus due to the speed everything has come about (symptoms possibly made worse by the fact I am a diabetic and therefore may have a small amount of neuropathology anyway) and the timing with the swollen glands.

I have been checked for lots of things and had lots of scans and blood tests so far all have come up normal.

Next thing the doctor wants to check me for is Lyme diesease.

anyone have any experience with Neuropathy and its advancement?

Do these symptoms sound typical of diabetic neuropathy or atypical

My diabetes control has actually been a lot tighter in the last month or so and hope to get my hba1c into the 6s next time I go to the Doctors.

Obviously I would rather it be a virus or illness that can be cured but if it is diabetes related I need to know.

many thanks

Welcome Y3Mbailey.

Someone will be along to help.

Hi Y3mbailey,



Pardon my guffaw, but I think we all have some experience with neuropathy or we wouldn't be here.

With over 100 known causes/types of PN (and no-one knows how many aren't known yet), combined with the diversity (everyone being different) of cases here, the symptoms you describe definitely fall within the scope of typical for many possible causes, including (and besides) diabetic neuropathy.

In fact, I think everything you've mentioned (virus, diabetes, thyroid, Lyme Disease) are possibilities, and some others may be suggested as well.

Everyone who comes here needs/wants to know their cause. Some are fortunate and know—or find out (not that it always makes a difference, but sometimes it does), but many experience the frustration (and possibly resignation) of never finding out. Somewhere around 40-50% (depending on the source) of PN cases are deemed "idiopathic"—i.e. of unknown cause.

Ultimately, only time will tell—with possible help from test results, some detective work, and trial & error.

However, there is much information, experience, and wisdom to be gleened from this site and its denizens. Particularly in the PN Tips, Resources, Supplements & Other Treatments Sub-Forum and in the archives.

B12 is important. Here's The Vitamin B12 Thread: Other supplements are discussed in the ~~SUPPLEMENTS~~~ for Peripheral Neuropathy: thread.

Because of the likelihood of your PN being diabetes-related, I would also start taking stabilized R-Lipoic Acid. There are several tons (threads) of information on this supplement available through the Archives/Search Facility.

Others here know more about thyroid, Lyme Disease, and virus-related PN. I'm sure some will chime in shortly.

Doc

Many thanks for your detailed reply I will check out the info regarding supplements.

Interesting you say thyroid. I have recently also been diagnosed with a multi nodular goitre although my thyroid tests all came back fine. I have not seen any info regarding PN caused by thyroid issues do you have any resources on this?

kind regards and many thanks

Matt

Hi Matt,

I only mentioned it because you did in your O.P. At least one source (below) lists it as one of the most common treatable causes.

There's quite a bit, so it might be easier for you to cross-search the archives. (Links to specific searches don't seem to work here).

I'd start by Search Titles Only for thread titles containing thyroid here in the Peripheral Neuropathy forum, and similarly, Search Titles Only for thread titles containing neuropathy in the Autoimmune Diseases forum (where thyroid issues are discussed).

You can also find info on the web:
Can hypothyroidism cause peripheral neuropathy and, if so, how is it treated?
Polyneuropathy in hypothyroidism: clinical, electrophysiological and morphological findings in four cases
Peripheral Neuropathy: Differential Diagnosis and Management

peripheral neuropathy thyroid (goggle)
and
peripheral neuropathy thyroid (goggle scholar)

As mentioned previously, there are many possible causes of PN. Another that shows up here fairly often is PN caused by certain medications.
~MEDICATIONS~~ That May Cause Peripheral Neuropathy

Doc

Thanks Dr Smith I intend to read these tomorrow in detail and discuss with my diabetic team on my next visit in 2 weeks time.

I thought I would mention the rest of my medical history (which pretty much all started about 6 months ago to see if there is anything else relevant I have missed.)

Ongoing issues/ possible symptoms
Recurring Sweat Rash during summer months (Usually treated with Canestan Hydrocortisone cream +anti-fungal)
**** abscess. Recurring for many years. Comes maybe a few times a year and then goes of its own accord. Never been big enough to lance.
Hair loss (although I suspect/worry this may be to do with ageing rather than a syptom)
Occasional heartburn symptoms

2012 – Lump found in my right chest area. Mammogram done found to be a fatty lump. Doctor predicted quite correctly I had been in a car accident a few month previous and this lump was likely caused by the seat belt.

November 2013 – had pain in left testicle, urinary tract and possibly kidneys.
urine test showed no signs of anything.
Full STD test was clear (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, hepatitis).
Testicles ultra-sounded and diagnosed as a spermal granuloma. This occasionally causes testicular pain every few months and is still occurring. Doctor said there was no real treatment that may not cause further issues and problems. any bladder/kidney pain during this time has never returned.
Kidney function normal

Also during these investigations I was told I might have the starting of a small hernia but at this point there was no need to do anything.

Ultrasound of abdomen done. Nothing abnormal. small cyst in spleen nothing of issue.

January 2014 – Sudden onset of feeling very unwell, full limbs tingling and limb numbness. Went to see diabetic doctor assuming it was diabetic related. She noticed thyroid was enlarged. Though general wellness may be due to a virus.

Thyroid function was normal

Vitamin D level was low started taking vitamin D, multivitamins and omega 3 capsule daily.

Multinodular goitre diagnosed ultrasound completed. Nothing noticeable small multinodular goitre cause unknown.

February 2014 - Neuropathy symptoms completely subside

March 2014 – Recurring nightly chest pain for several days went to A&E when it was particularly bad they performed an ECG and said everything was normal and it was most probably heartburn. Got month long medicine for this which has general cause heartburn to go away.
Now occurs very infrequently.

May 2014 – Ingrowing infected toenail. Received antibiotics from walk in centre and was seen by a podiatrist who removed and treated it. Lasted about 2 – 3 weeks.

July 2014 - glands swollen (very large one under arm) but swollen all over (including groin, armpits, neck. The tingling and pain came back (and still feet). I also have the numbness again in my arms or legs when I sit down.

Sore throats occurring at this time.

Along with this I now have pain in my joints particularly wrist and elbow and knuckles.

General feeling of unwell (as my wife says I look a bit pale).

I appreciate this reiterates something I have already said but as everyone has been so helpful I wanted to make sure there was nothing here that I have not mentioned that could be important.

Have you been tested for mono? Sore throat and swollen
glands are typical with it.

What antibiotics have you taken recently ? Fluoroquinolones like
Cipro and levaquin can cause PN.

I'd investigate olive leaf extract for your chronic virus issue.
It is very helpful for some . There is a good post currently on
MS forum with information and links .. I am on an iPhone and
cannot get that link for you now . Use our search function
To find it. OLE is very helpful for some chronic problems.

Check that your vitamin D is D3 and not D2. D2 is (IMO) virtually worthless.

d2 vs d3

Doc

I actually have been diagnosed with a multinodular goitre so the fact you mention thyroid issues is an interesting one?

All my thyroid functions were normal at my last test.

so appreciative of your help will look into supplements today

Dear Doc,

What an excellent response. I had wanted to comment but you not only covered it all, but did so in such a great manner. (as you always do)

Thanks