alcoholic neuropathy
 

hello to all that may read this. i was told i have alcoholic neuropathy. iam only 30 years old. my symtoms are, walking on lumps, which makes it diffcult and uncomfortable for me to walk, stand,shower, anything that involves using my feet is uncomfortable. the doctor says i consumed so much alcohol and the lack of b-12 caused me to have alcoholic neuropathy. i'am married but seperated. i have two boys, they are 9 and 3. its sometimes diffcult for me take care of them, but by the grace of GOD, i have been making it. the doctor said for me to take b-12 vitamins. they help a little. my feet aren't as cold as they were. but i have to were certain types of shoes. i can't where heels, they have to be flat wide shoes. i sometimes get depressed because i'am so young and my children depend on me. if there is anyone out there that has what i have or have any type of neuropthy, plwase share some info with me, or perhaps your story. i feel so alone in this battle. i'am also new to this site.

Hello mizz mg
 

I'm sorry you are having such struggles, but you are reaching out for help - - this is GOOD !
You will be AMAZED as you begin digging around here!
You've come upon a 'Goldmine' of knowledge and caring people here!

If you look at the top of this page, you'll see a special section of posts called 'stickies'.......there is one especially on B12 information..... I'd encourage you to just start reading there and soon you'll be getting replies from very caring and well-informed people ...... I'm glad you found us !

You'll soon see that you are certainly NOT alone in this 'battle'!

:hug:
Rae

Welcome
 

Hi mizz mg: I am so sorry to hear that you are dealing with neuropathy at such a young age. You will be so glad you found this forum. I found it not long ago myself, and am very glad I did. The people are truly caring and supportive, and I have learned a great deal. So will you.

Are you receiving anything to help with the pain? Did your doctor also check for B6 deficiency? It is rare, but can also contribute to neuropathy. I found out last year that I have a B6 deficiency. Mine is most likely caused by malabsorption from IBS, but I remember reading that it can also be caused by alcohol. I'm taking 200 mg daily and feeling a lot better.

And, more recently a Vitamin D deficiency was found. mrsD has a great post about Vitamin D deficiency, which is more common than you would think, and can also contribute to neuropathy. Here is the link to mrsD's thread:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread115722.html

Again, welcome. You've come to the right place.

also to be considered is thiamine....which is what is usually supplemented in alcholics....it is one of the B vits....and the "newer" version, fat soluble, seems to have a better effect...benfotiamine....doubt you will find it at your local store, you will need to find it on line....and the better you can make your diet, the better.

Yes, pabb is correct. B12 is not the only thing you need.

I hope you are using methyl form and not cyano for the B12.

Typically in an alcoholic, there are other things low as well.
The usual treatment involves the whole Bcomplex, and high dose thiamine. Another nutrient lost with heavy alcohol use is magnesium.

I would make sure you are taking a B-50mg complex, 300mg of thiamine in divided doses or the newer benfotiamine, and a quality magnesium supplement:
Do not choose magnesium oxide, which is not absorbed.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1138.html
People who consume high amounts of alcohol and/or caffeine during the day lose magnesium thru the urine.

If you were an alcoholic and not eating properly, you may be low in nutrients, like protein, and essential fatty acids. So those have to be provided for your nervous system and bones.

alcoholic neuropathy
 

thanks to all who have responded, iam taking b-12, however i may not be taking enough doseage. but i'm on two kinds of b-12. i do have some questions, i'm a smoker, does smoking make neuropathy worst? is neuropathy permant? i don't have health insurance and when i tried to get it, i got turned down due to the neuropathy. so i've had to pay out of pocket to see a doctor. can someone give me some tips or advice?

Yes! Smoking does make neuropathy worse, in fact smoking is one of the causes of neuropathy.

Have a look at this article, and check out the ones on the right as well. I'm sure you'll find some good info there. http://www.smallfiberneuropathy.net/...er-neuropathy/

mrs D, i'am in fact using b12 as cyano. so i should stop using that form and use the methyl?

SAVE all your diagnostic paperwork! I'm not keeping up with the political hullabaloo much, but the healthcare issue is (surprisingly) moving right along.....and even though you are currently being denied as a 'pre-existing condition', if you apply ASAP with your state healthcare aide, there's a chance your denials might get reconsideration.

Here's a recent thread on the healthcare bill being passed

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread117301.html

Not sure how it works in other states, but in my area, by applying for Medicaid, they are notoriously SLOW with the paperwork, but I've seen many cases where, once approved, Medicaid will backdate your coverage for up to a year and re-consider claims for reimbursement.

Not to get your hopes up, but if there's a slight chance, I'd go for it. Don't put it off!

i never heard of smoking causing pn before.