Neuropathy/Paresthesia
 

I am new here to the forum. I was diagnosed with Type2 Diabetes about 16 years ago, Some tingling in the toes got me into the doctor. It looks like I might have had the condition for awhile but did not know it. The Neuropathy was very painful in my feet for about 2 years then subsided for about 10 years. Then about 8 months ago it got really severe, including zingers now in the face and head. I have tried most of the supplements available and doctors, Acupuncture, Anodyne, electro stimulation, etc... Neuropathy specialist in Virginia when first diagnosed and he prescribed Topamax, Benfotiamine and borage oil. He said he thought it with help reverse this condition. It didn't. Recently I saw a Neurologist that said the zingers in the face, head and chest was not Neuropathy but paresthesia. He offered no suggestions and referred me back to primary care. I am currently taking gabapentin 300mg 4X a day. Benfotiamine, and Diabetic drugs, including Metformin. I understand that Metformin and cause low B12, so I asked my doctor to test and it was on the low side of normal. I am now supplementing B12. My condition gets better (less pain) in some areas, then moves on to another. It is extremely difficult to handle since I don't know when or where the pain will pop up. I am trying to be positive, but very concerned. I look forward to the help I may be able to find here.

Sorry to hear of your worsening condition. Unfortunately, there's no magic bullet.

Have you adjusted your diet to avoid possible glucose spikes?

Hello,

My Ha1c is at 5.8. Latest B12 was at 680. And I have changed my diet drastically. I am using 1000mg of Metformin 2x daily. Also Trulicity once a week. I hope to reduce the meds I take. I will make the most out it and hope for advances in medicine. Thanks for your response.

JKPHOTO

For what it's worth: I had similar neuropathy/paresthesia out of the blue for several years. I finally related it to a certain Rx, and it eventually cleared up by 95%. However, for footwear advice, I personally can only find comfort with a brand of shoe that is zero drop , as in heel and front of sole is equal thickness. I'm not sure if it is frowned upon to mention certain "brands", so I won't. If you want the brand name, I can share it. Good luck, keep your head up!

Happy to hear you've adjusted your diet. I know so many diabetics and pre-diabetics who continue to eat whatever they want because they have medication. :(

Online "experts" are a dime a dozen, but this is one the seemingly most informed and best sourced pieces I've seen on glucose. When I first realized I had spiking problems despite an a1c and FBG in the normal range, I had to look long and hard to try to learn what that meant. I haven't looked in quite a while, but this article was written 3 years ago, and I'd not seen it.

When "Normal" Blood Sugar Isn't Normal (Part 2) | Kresser Institute

This passage below in particular is the big concern. Despite my perfectly normal a1c and FBG, I will spike ridiculously high (I've seen as high 288) when I eat high carbs and can stay at elevated levels for well over two hours before making its way back to normal.

"If post-meal blood sugars do rise above 140 mg/dL and stay there for a significant period of time, the consequences are severe. Prolonged exposure to blood sugars above 140 mg/dL causes irreversible beta cell loss (the beta cells produce insulin) and nerve damage."

I've used a meter to learn what I can and cannot "get away" with carb-wise.

by all means share what brand of shoes worked well for you. that is the purpose of boards like this to share experiences. also the name of the drug that caused you problems might be helpful to others who are experiencing the same thing.

Thanks for mentioning salt intake. I like to cook and I do use some salt. Pink Himalayan salt. But salt is salt. I also use liquid aminos. I think a reduction of salt intake is needed. The pains in the face have subsided a little. I am not sure why, but I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

It took me a ridiculous amount of time to realize that high salt intake has a dramatic impact on the severity of my symptoms.

Is there a specific area of your face that's affected? I get hit in the temple area especially.

The pains are in my checks, nose and head and ears. Occasionally I get them in my eyelids. Ouch. It is always worse afternoon and at night. Does anyone have an idea why it is worse later in the day? The nerve pain has subsided in my arms and fingers and legs. Feet mostly numb, but then painful at night.

If the administrators feel it's OK to name the drug that was causing your head paresthesia, I like to know what it is.

Thanks,

JK

Hi Y'all.

I just wanted to check in and how things are going. The last two weeks my feet have become much number, but a painful, gnawing numbness. I am using a cane now. I probably should have used it awhile ago, but I was in denial that I needed one. In addition to the Gabapentin, the doctor put my on 75mg of Lyrica. I find I am dropping things and figure it is the meds. But the balance issue could be causing it also. The doctor said my recent labs were all out of the Diabetic range. I probably could not do it without the meds, but that is my goal. My doctor told me the my body will adjust to the pain. I should ask him: Just when will that kick in? I have gone through a lot of supplements and specialists and I now I wonder if I should continue these since they don't seem to be having any positive effect. Music, comedy and my cat helps me cope.

This week I saw a neuroligist that specializes in neuropathy. He uses a device that he applies to your feet and hands that uses electrical current. He says upfront that it is not a cure and the nerves that are damaged are gone. He says it may result in more sensation, less pain and numbness and better balance. He says that he does not apply it to that face and that is where a lot of my pain is now. I have had similar treatment, although not the same, and I got no results. I am spiritually, mentally and physically exhausted from trying every treatment available with no results. This treatment is not covered by my insurance and the cost would be about $3000.00-$5000.00 dollars. It is twice a week for 3 months. Adding travel expenses, it could get very pricey. I don't think I can handle another let down. Since my condition is quite severe, I am wondering if it's worth trying, or I just, at this point to accept the fact that not much can be done and live with it and it just will get worse. I would like to hear your opinions on this.

Thank You.

JKPhoto - When you say "device" was it PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field), TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), laser or Hako-Med (horizontal therapy)?

Have you tried CBD oil for the pain?

There is currently a company called WinSanTor working on peripheral neuropathy topical medicine that re-purposed a drug called Pirenzepine. Since Pirenzepine is already FDA approved it should make it easier for this to be approved (fingers crossed)

Here is a link to the company:

Home - WinSanTor

Hope this helps

All it says it that it generates a sophisticated electronic signal with a wide frequency band to safely treat the pain, tingling, burning and numbness.
So I am not sure it is one of those devices that you mentioned.

I have tried CBD, but I am not sure if I am taking the right stuff. The one I have used is full spectrum hemp extract 325mg. 2 capsules a day. I did not see any results, but I have not been using it very long. There is a high-end cannabis dispensary in my area, they may have better CBD. The product I got was from a health food store. I will read up on the CBD posts on this site.

i would definitely find out what kind of a device it is and research it thoroughly before i would hand over that kind of money.

JKPHOTO,

Bioavailability is one of the key aspects of CBD oil.

Bioavailability is the percentage of CBD that is actual absorbed and introduced into the body. Edibles have the lowest bioavailability with ranges from 4% - 20%. Sublingual (under tongue for two minutes) is much higher bioavailability with ranges from 20% - 35%.

So 325 mg via capsules would only introduce between 14 - 65 mg of CBD into your system. If you used drops under the tongue for two minutes your bioavailability of 325 mg of CBD would be between 14 - 114 mg of CDB

Make sure the items you are purchasing have the amount of CBD per serving on label which is usually one dropper which equals 1 ml

In case you haven't read the CBD thread yet, I have the link below

https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral...europathy.html

Take care