Question about Neuropathy and visiting a Neurologist - Newbie Here
 

So, I am 50, and been a heavy drinker for about 20 years. Generally I drank every night and over time my tolerance got higher and higher which means my consumption increased. It never affected my work or family life, and my blood work was always ok so I never was really concerned about my drinking. I was even able to lose 15 lbs in 2019 without cutting back a drop.

Anyway, about a month ago my feet start tingling and I figured I might be a diabetic and got a blood test. It came back negative. So I did research and I stumbled across Alcohol Neuropathy. Basically I had every symptom they listed, and they basically said over half of heavy drinkers develop this over 10 years.

Naturally, I stopped drinking which turned out to be quite easy after the first week, but the symptoms continue. The tingling stopped but my toes are generally numb. I can move them fine, and can walk fine, but this is annoying. It is especially annoying at night when I seem to notice it much more in bed. It just feels like my feet are asleep even though when I wake up at 3am to use the bathroom I can walk fine.

It sounds like this is a lifetime deal. Couple questions, do the symptoms reduce at all, AND do you ever get used to this?

Also, my wife insists I visit a Neurologist, which I scheduled for February. What do they test for? It sounds like there is really no test, it more is describing your symptoms and they issue a diagnosis. What is that appointment like?

Thanks for your help

Hi SalesGuy

Welcome to NeuroTalk :).

Peripheral neuropathy is quite common in people who drink alcohol to excess. It happened to me. I stopped drinking more than ten years ago and my peripheral neuropathy, which was confined to my hands, has been stable/slowly decreasing with time.

You might find it helpful to contribute to this thread https://www.neurotalk.org/alcoholism...ml#post1282932 .

It is a place where members can talk about their alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy and get support and encouragement from other members.

All the best.

OP: Glad you stopped the drinking. My dad drank all his life and passed at 95 and I'm not proud of that, but just saying it as a reference. He never complained of the neuropathy stuff that I know of. So perhaps many do not get it.

I ended up with neuropathy issues after a hip replacement mess and knee issues and advancing arthritis, but NEVER went to a neurologist as I learned SO MUCH at this forum. The docs will push pharma drugs and I don't want them, so why would I go to them, I wouldn't is the answer.

I use a lot of topicals and what really does help me at night especially is rubbing my feel with Topricin for pain, it's a homeopathic lotion and contains solutions that address nerve pain and other type pain. I wear socks to sleep and all day and keep my feet with Topricin and often Vicks Salve during the day....it all helps. Ultra Tiger Balm too. I love love love being my own doctor.

Grape Seed Extract that I've talked about a lot does help with the nerve pain issues. It's all posted here and there is a lot of good info to digest to work with. More than you'll ever hear from a doctor, believe me, this is truth.

Vitamin supplements can improve nerve health (folate, thiamine, niacin, and vitamins B6, B12, and E)
Ask for blood work.