New and fearful
 

Hi all.

I've recently been told by a neurologist that I have PN. It all started only 3 weeks ago when I started having strange feelings in my right foot. Now, 3 weeks later, both feet feel like they are burning, and I'm not looking forward to going to bed tonight as I know I'll wake up in pain.

I've had an EMG and a bunch of bloodwork done already, still waiting on the official results of the EMG, but all the bloodwork came back normal, so they've ruled out many things, like diabetes, B12 deficiency, Thyroid, Lymes, etc.

I'm wondering if anybody else out there has had a sudden onset of this for no apparent reason? Is it normal for it to happen so fast? It's scary to think where I'll be in another 3 weeks....

I've spent a fair amount of time reading through some of this forum today and found some very interesting information on supplements and such that can help. It's all so overwhelming right now. Where to start? Magnesium?
I've found sites selling things like NeuropathyRx, but how do you know if its just a gimmic?

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

If you are just starting, and have burning, I'd start with Biofreeze gel. This really works and is topical, and non invasive.

I'd get the numbers for your B12, since "normal" doesn't mean much today, with the antiquated lab ranges out there.

I'd also get tested for Vit D status, and that too, your doctor should give you your numbers--- you would like to see 50-80ng/ml as normal.

Fast onset? Maybe some mechanical thing going on with your feet? This could be arthritis, or gout, or changes in your arch, or tendon issues at the ankle, etc.

I had fairly normal blood work for thyroid all the while my feet and carpal tunnel were the worst! It was only thru a radioactive uptake test, that the gland was visualized as abnormal (several years later).

PN is sneaky and does not present clearly most of the time.

Yes, starting some magnesium cannot hurt. If you don't eat foods that contain it daily, you will be below RDA for it. Here is my magnesium thread:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1138.html

Avoid MSG in foods. Avoid excess salt, eat healthy, and consider gluten as a trigger.

Think about what you are doing lately.... what drugs are you taking, or were taking, for example. Are you exercising too much? Not at all? Are your chairs you sit in proper for you, are your shoes poor? Sometimes the trigger is there in your lifestyle.

It is certainly possible
 

--for neuropathy to start acutely--mine certainly did.

Beside mechanical problems, an acute onset implies toxic exposure and/or possibly an autoimmune mechanism.

See:

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/time/...htm#neuropathy

Hi welcome though sorry for what you are facing. Mine started pretty quick too. I will say looking back I had odd issues for someone my age a few years earlier. Can you think of anything that you may have dismissed but may have a connection? Have you had health problems or injured? Mr D asked a lot of good questions too. I hope you get some answers and relief

Thanks for the responses. A very stressful time. Great to find this forum to help search for answers.

My B12 is 350 with a standard range listed as 239 - 931 pg/ml.
I did not get tested for Vit D. I can mention this. Does a Vit D deficiency cause some of this as well?

The only drug I'd started taking a couple of weeks before this started was Claritin. I normally only take it occasionaly, but this year I had started taking it on a daily basis. I have looked up the possible side effects, but didn't see anything.

I've had quite a bit "less" excercise lately. Especially since this all started.

Again, thanks for the responses.

350 is borderline low. Anything below 400 should be either further evaluated with an MMA test, or you can start methylcobalamin (methylB12) orally) now yourself.

Low D is being found in about 1/2 the US population, and is linked to many medical problems. Many people on these boards have tested low or very low:

Please read this thread and watch both videos:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread92116.html

There is preliminary evidence of low Vit D and diabetic neuropathy as well.

I would stop the Claritin for two reasons. 1) it is really a very poor antihistamine, and 2) it can affect the liver (which it did to me). Better would be Zyrtec, and if that makes you tired, break them in half, like I do. They work just as well at 1/2 or 5mg, which most people and doctors don't know.

Allergies also respond to antioxidants, like grapeseed extract, which will also help the PN. 300mg a day minimum. Some people can reduce or stop antihistamines when using this natural antioxidant.

You mentioned to look for "triggers" that could have kicked this off. Has anyone ever heard of high stress/anxiety being a trigger?

I've been trying to think of what has been different for me leading up to this, and one big thing is I went through a period of very high stress/anxiety for a couple of months before this started.

Of course, this certainly hasn't done anything to decrease that anxiety. :(

High stress increases inflammatory cytokines, and also increases oxidative stress. Quenching free radicals therefore may help.

Or you may have been on the road to this, and the stress just pushed you faster to your unfortunate destination.

High stress also increases pain.

High stress also affects the immune system.
http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/beaton.html

I have found that high stress (or any form of stress)
can affect my PN symptoms.
I try to lead as stress-free a life as possible.
Things that used to bother me, I now let roll off my back.
I have had to become unconcerned with anything but the most important in my life.
I am not apathetic by any means, but ball games, any sports for that matter, and other things of that nature - now....I do not let rule my day.
Minor familial conflicts are not exacerbated. I refuse to argue about things and just concede, or stay silent, where I used to argue.
It really isn't that important, anyway.
Stress is a definite trigger.

I agree. High stress is bad on the body. My feet flamed up that recent week I had to face reality for my old old cat and companion. Taking her to the vet for the tumor growing on her face, and finding out her kidneys were failing...my feet flamed up for a week! I had been having really good nights before that.
I thought the vet would suggest euthanasia that week, but he said no, she still looks good and is enjoying her old age still.
So I did ramp down, stress wise. And this is only a PET stress.
Big HUMAN stresses would be more significant.

Mike, Welcome, I'm new too but only to this website, I've had PN for 11 years and mine had a fast onset also like yours. Sorry you have to be here...

It started in my left foot arch and then my right foot, was burning and tingling and it took a few years before I knew what caused this, we think it's from a sugar problem that isn't bad enough to show up on most diabetes tests. It's called impaired glucose tolerance and I finally had a test read that showed it.

My B12 was in the 300s so I have been taking 1000mg of methylcobalamine lozenges and now it's in the 800s. I take Prilosec and have taken other antiacids for my hietal hernia, which can cause low absorption of B12, I think.

I have been able to control my sugar levels with my diet, exercise, and medication. Also, Mike, I was able to work to retirement, I won't say there was no pain but meds help me with that and retirement has helped too! I want to encourage you that there can be life after you figure out your cause and work on it and medications and supplements (I take those too) with your Dr. and friends and family!

Dany,

Thanks so much for that. I find it very interesting, as about a year ago, i had a fasting glucose test come in at 109. I've had it checked a couple of times since, and it was about 97.

Based on your recommendations, and mrsD, I think its time I start trying some methylcobalamine, magnesium, and get real serious about changing my diet. I know I need more excersize as well. It certainly is hard to get motivated to excersize when your feet hurt!

My neurologist has started me on Neurontin as well. Just started the first dose yesterday. I'll see how that goes.

Correction. My fasting glucose was 116.

That fasting level is going up. That means that you should be reducing or eliminating sugars, and simple carbs, and doing more protein and good fats in your diet.

The Zone diet is one good metabolic diet for insulin resistance.

Trust the folks here, please!
 

They've been a heroic help to me and You can learn soo much from them! I know I have!
My neuropathy[ies] came on fast in 6 weeks I went from tingly toes to the hospital! Then downhill until I got properly tested and diagnosed.
As for exercise, per se? Don't worry, just do your durndest to KEEP moving!!!!
Your instincts will tell you to 'keep still' and it will go away. But you have to MOVE to keep your muscles working! In addition to working the muscles? It helps your vascular system clear out the bad fluids in your system and keep things functioning better even tho your sensory nerves aren't telling your brain to do the 'vascular thing'. With diabetes of any sort? This is very important!
Take your time and please read the 'sticky's'. They are chock full of 'keepers' of good info.
Keep faith that you can help yourself, and that it mite not be soo hard to do so! :hug::hug:'s! - j

Hi Mike!
Welcome!:)
I am sorry you have cause to be here; yet, all of us have such a great resource within this group! So... a great place to be if needing some advice on these matters! :)
Sometimes, it can be frightening to read on any health boards. Although many stories have similarities, there are also often many differences. Some histories are more complex. It is better to read up and to know how best to intervene than to look the other way! You will do much better for having looked into things! :D
Oh..on stress... many medical conditions show up after a period of more intense stress. :wink:
My very best to you and to yours!
~DejaVu