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