Just wanted to give an update on my progress. I am sure that I will not be judged on this but unfortunately I have not managed to completely remove alcohol from my diet. However I have managed to cut down dramatically. I never exceed the recommended guidelines, well nowhere near. I am pleased to report that since my last post, a significant improvement has been made especially since we have had the warmer weather. I can walk alot further, I have been walking for over 30 minutes per day during my lunch breaks at work and I do not feel the condition is stopping me from going out and doing the things I want to do. Bare in mind that 5 months ago I could barely walk for 3 minutes but during this time I was still drinking quite heavily. Just hoping things do not revert back during the winter months again but if I can stay out of trouble and keep away from alcohol maybe the symptoms will be more manageable.

That all sounds like definite progress to me UKGuy35.

Taking advantage of the warmer weather to walk regularly is a good plan if only to improve your aerobic fitness.

Do you think that it would help if you worked out a plan for dealing with the colder winter weather?

Hi Kiwi,

I will definately be putting a plan together for dealing with the winter months as they are always alot more challenging than the spring, summer and autumn months. In addition to regular exercise during the summer months I think I still need to do a bit more work on my diet and reducing the alcohol further. Its not easy but I am trying to just eat the things I enjoy in moderation and taking a more gradual approach to cutting down on things like sugar. If I can get my weight down as much as possible that would be a plus. I have a few months to sort of more suitable clothing - the socks I have currently I guess just aren't suitable for the colder months and also heat warmers usually help a bit so will stock up on them. I need to make sure I do as much as possible to keep my feet warm in the challenging months. Definately taking advantage of this warmer weather I think exercise is essential for things to improve. We can only do our best hey.

Thanks, this is very helpful. I am just now experiencing some of the tingling, cool feeling in my calf area. Not 100% sure it is NP, but think so, have a nero appt on Sept 17th. Not my feet so much or my hands. Started noticing some soreness in my legs about 2 months ago, and did some research to find out about PN. So shut it down 2 weeks ago, not 1 drink until after the Dr appt.

My question, is if you have 2-3 beers every once in awhile, that shouldn't make the condition worse right? It is the excess alcohol that does the damage?

Hi JTP, cutting down my alcohol intake to just a few beers now and again and staying within the recommended guidelines has certainly helped stabalise my condition. But I believe it may differ from person to person. Some websites suggest that the only way to recover from this is to stop alcohol completely. I am not a doctor or anything but can only speak from my own experience and say I think it depends on the person. My advice would be to stay within the recommended guidelines (14 units per week / max 4 units per day) and if this doesnt help then try to cut out alcohol completely.

Just to update, two weeks ago I managed a 1.5 hour walk which was incredible considering I could barely walk earlier this year.

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.