Increased issues with peripheral neuropathy due to Covid?
 

Hi, I'm a new member trying to find out more about peripheral neuropathy. I've had brief stints in the past where pain was bad but the pain was never so severe that I was ever really too concerned. I believe my issue has stemmed from B12 deficiency but not %100 sure.

I just contracted Covid this last week and its the 6th day in. I had typical cold/flu symptoms initially (day 1-4) but yesterday I noticed really cold hands and feet and today the pain and tingling is in full force. I was wondering if anyone else is having increased issues with their peripheral neuropathy due to Covid?

Thank you
-Doons

Hi Doons

Welcome to the community.

I have been vaccinated twice against Covid and am now eligible for a booster vaccination. The first two vaccinations just led to my arm being a bit sore for a few days.

I have never noticed the cold/flu symptoms you have described nor do they appear to be common where I live (Australia).

Best wishes.

Hi Doons and welcome to NeuroTalk

I think perhaps kiwi33 misunderstood, thinking that you were referring to Covid vaccination, when in fact you said you had contracted Covid infection.
(Just an FYI that I know many people who have reported fluish symptoms for a day or two post vaccination and/or booster, and it is even listed on CDC)

Yes, most people who have Covid infection do experience symptoms of cold/flu.
Also, it does seem that people who have a pre-existing illness will often feel those symptoms ramp up during their Covid infection (as they often do with any additional illness). Covid does appear to impact a number of the body's systems in various degrees in different people, and so that may well be the reason for your PN ramping up.
As always, it may be a good idea to discuss this with your physician.
Hope you recover from Covid soon and completely

Welcome Doons. :Wave-Hello:

Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

I've noticed quite a few posts sprinkled here and there in the past couple of years from people who have had similar experiences regarding neuropathy during and after Covid.

edited to add: Because you're still in early days you might find it eases as the days go by. You're obviously having an inflammatory reaction and that's kicked up your neuropathy symptoms. I'm hoping that eases as your acute illness subsides and you're not left with any residual pain.

I hope you are feeling better fast. Keep up with your B12 and right now while you are ill I'd be taking extra Vitamin C and Zinc and if you know if your Vit D level is low or borderline, I'd add that every day with food.

I have a great magnesium spray that I spray on my feet and legs when I need it. It doesn't always help but it is particularly useful at night when I'm trying to sleep. Lots of tips in PN forum and sub-forum

The Search feature will bring up threads and posts from other people who have had a similar experience as you. https://www.neurotalk.org/search.php
Some of course would be in the PN forum
https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral-neuropathy/

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Regarding adverse events after vaccinations...

I haven't had Covid, but I certainly experienced exacerbation of my Peripheral Neuropathy after my 2 vaccinations.

I and many, many others have experienced symptoms other than a bit of a sore arm after vaccinaton. Many of us had our reactions reported. I was so ill that I had to visit the doctor and the hospital. Symptoms did include 'flu-like' symptoms. The fact that I had a rapidly spreading petechiae rash didn't help at all either. Side effects after vaccination are actually not uncommon across all the many different vaccines and across borders.]

some more info -
Coronavirus and the Nervous System | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

In this section "What are possible long term neurological complications of Covid-19" - "Nerve damage, including peripheral neuropathy", this NINDS article describes neuropathy symptoms post covid in some people "weeks and months" after their infection.