Hello, I’ve been a fairly heavy drinker for 10 years or so (I’m 35 now) with 4 years pretty well off due to having children. Recently it’s been between 60-80 units a week sometimes less. For four months every morning I’ve awoke with numb third and forth fingers in both hands, sometimes waking me in the night. I’ve cut down to 20 units per week in the last 3 weeks and am now taking Vit d tablets and multivitamins. (As my blood tests were or normal bar very low Vit d levels) I have no symptoms in the day time. Does this sound like Alcoholic neuropathy?

Yep.

If you really can just stop, then give it a try for 30 days, and that will tell you whether or not it's alcohol related or not.

Thanks for stopping in!

Muso, one consequence of my alcohol abuse was moderate PN, also in my hands.

I stopped drinking some years ago and my PN is now quite mild though I do have a bit of essential tremor in my hands.

I hope that this will encourage you.

Thanks Icehouse! I stopped for a week and saw no improvements. Is this long enough to tell do you think?
Thanks

Probably not. But, PN is a cRaZy thing to deal with and we are ALL different in the way it affects us.

If it were me, I would quit all alcohol until all the symptoms are gone (or at least almost gone) and then debate whether a drink a day is worth it.

If you think your symptoms may even be related to drinking then stop -- for good. I drank heavily last summer (2 liters a week of vodka for 6 weeks) and the week following my last binge I starting getting burning in my feet.

Even AFTER that, it still took 4 more months of drinking 1 liter a month BEFORE i stopped altogether. Quitting drinking for an alcoholic is DIFFICULT -- especially when the bloodwork is good (mine is just fine).

If I didn't get the burning in my feet, I'd still be drinking, and would probably drink myself to liver/kidney damage -- or worse. I SUPPOSE -- all things considered -- as miffed as i am at myself for doing this to myself -- neuropathy (mine is mild and not yet formally diagnosed, but not ruled out either) beats the alternative. I know at least 2 people between 35-40 (I'm 41) who went to rehab for 30 days, left, started drinking again, and one passed from alcohol poisoning (used to drink a liter of scotch in a sitting) and was hospitalized at least twice.

In other words, people like us shouldn't be drinking AT ALL. Easier said than done.

I hope you situation gives you the strength to stop drinking, period.

Moreover, I hope you (and all of us) find relief from your symptoms.

Best wishes.

Hey Atticus - goven yojr symptoms were mild, did they go away after you quit for awhile?