update
 

Even though it is getting colder, I am still making great progress and abe to walk pretty much anywhere and any distance. Feels like a miracle to say this time last year I was hobbling everywhere. I have slashed my alcohol consumption right down.

Thanks UK, that is helpful and a good thought. Agree, seems to be a lot of differing opinions on the topic. Assume some of it has to be due to the fact that many are unable to stick to the guidelines once they start drinking again.

I have dramatically scaled back myself. My symptoms seem to be a bit better, but definitely good days and bad days. Had an EMG a couple of weeks ago, so awaiting those results, but the dr performing the test said all was normal. So guess I will see what is next.....

Just a quick update. Almost a year since my original post and I am very pleased to say there has been a massive improvement overall. The improvement has been gradual since I started taking amitriptyne and cut down on alcohol at the start of last year, it has has got better and better. I am also able to stand and walk barefoot even on harder surfaces with very minor discomfort! This is somewhat a miracle. In terms of alcohol intake I have kept within the recommended guidelines but still not managed to give up completely.

Hi UK Guy,

Probably 36 by now! I can do the Maths, see a fellow Brit, and reason we call it Maths is because we do it more than once!

I have a couple of questions for you..

1, What does Amitriptyline do for you? I am still awaiting diagnosis and all hospital appointments are on hold. What symptoms does it alleviate?

2. If you were diagnosed with early liver cirrhosis would you continue drinking, even in moderation? I say this because there is a clear widely understood causality between drinking alcohol and liver cirrhosis. The relationship between alcohol and Peripheral Neuropathy is on the other hand not clear and not widely known.

However Alcoholic Neuropathy exists and is a bedfellow of liver cirrhosis.

And can be just as bad.

You have a history of symptoms related to alcohol. You're on medication just to help you stand up. At 36.

So my second question is this, is alcohol really worth it?

Atty

Complete reversal of symptoms. No issues with walking or anything. Been walking for hours every day to exercise.

Atty in response to your questions.

Firsly. I must point out that in response to this:

'You have a history of symptoms related to alcohol.'

I have not strictly had a diagnosis from a medical professional, although it has appeared obvious to me that alcohol causes my symptoms to worsen. I just wanted to make that clear first of all. The doctor's struggled to come to any form of diagnosis, I was told it could be Mortons Neuroma, it could just be my nerves are over sensitive and thats just how they are etc.. But no doctor or medical professional has diagnosed me with PN as a result of alcohol.

In reponse to your questions:

1. Amitriptyline is used for nerve pain and various other chronic conditions such as arthritis. My understanding is it relaxes the muscles. It has also be used for the treatment of anxiety and depression. As I have been a rather anxious person for some time, my doctor believes it may have helped reduce some of the anxiety which in turn can also help the muscles relax.

2. No. Alcohol is not worth it, even in moderation. Since the lockdown and closure of all pubs and bars I have not consumed alcohol at all and surprise surprise my symptoms have completely gone. It seems obvious to me that alcohol was the cause or just didn't help my condition. But like I said, I never had a proper diagnosis and it is very hard to get one.

Oh, one other thing I forgot to mention. I have lost 20 pounds in weight since the start of lockdown. From 236 pounds down to just above 216 pounds. Possibly this helped too :)

Higher temperatures since the end of April / start of May could also have helped so I will continue to monitor the situation especially when we enter the winter months.

"Complete reversal of symptoms. No issues with walking or anything. Been walking for hours every day to exercise."

Hey UK Guy,

Great to hear that you've had such success. Congratulations and well done on avoiding alcohol. That gives me real hope and I dare say other readers too.
I believe exercise to be of great benefit in recovery. Are you able to offer any insights on what helped you?

Atty

Hi Attitcus,

The things that have helped most are exercise and weight loss. Also maintaining a healthy diet, especially cutting down on sugar. I would advise anyone suffering simular symptoms to be patient as recovery is slow. Nerves take a very long time to heal. Keep a diary/log of progress, the reason this is a good idea is that sometimes it will seem like you are not making progress but when you look at your progress as a whole over time you can see how things have improved. You will still have bad days but as time goes on you will have far less bad days and wont even be thinking about the problem anymore.

Hey UK Guy,

A symptoms diary, interesting. What helps me is not to dwell on my symptoms, to ignore them and just carry on ( could I be more English?). I was playing golf the other day and I noticed my hands were numb whilst putting. I am a notoriously bad putter, but I actually sunk a few (and I don't mean beers). Putts I wouldn't normally get, so I intend to sit on my hands before the next game!

Thanks for the reminder about patience. Lockdown has given me time to rest and recuperate and reflect. It has given me the time to research and adopt the ideal lifestyle to promote recovery. I agree about exercise and diet and I would add rest /sleep. It is also important to make a connection with family and friends. I feel closer to people than I have for years. Above all PN has given me a sense of purpose, almost a new lease of life. I am grateful for that.

I wish you well UK Guy

Atty