[vet]

Hey guys,



I've had this burning/pain/prickly/sensitive pain on my skin for the past 6 weeks and it's been horrible. The pain is like 6 out of 10 which manageable except for the fact that it is constant, all day, all nite..i can't sleep thru the nite at all. The pain is in my boobs, pelvic area, inner thighs, and starting to move down my leg now. There is no visible signs at all and the pain is even on both sides. I also have a mild cough and abdominal pain.

i've been researching and ruled out some stuff such as shingles, fibro, etc, etc...

Does anybody have these symptoms?? anyone been diagnosed with Neuropathy?? I'm going to the Neurolgist next week....help? please?

[Dis-N-Dat]

I posted a similair question a couple of weeks ago. Here's what I found:

1. Itching: People with pancreatic cancer sometimes report itching all over. Blockage of the bile ducts is often responsible.
2. Pancreatic cancer - Diabetes Daily Wiki

Not to scare you but definately discuss it with your MD, (my apt is next week)

[sharpwaa]

Originally Posted by vet

Hey guys,



I've had this burning/pain/prickly/sensitive pain on my skin for the past 6 weeks and it's been horrible. The pain is like 6 out of 10 which manageable except for the fact that it is constant, all day, all nite..i can't sleep thru the nite at all. The pain is in my boobs, pelvic area, inner thighs, and starting to move down my leg now. There is no visible signs at all and the pain is even on both sides. I also have a mild cough and abdominal pain.

i've been researching and ruled out some stuff such as shingles, fibro, etc, etc...

Does anybody have these symptoms?? anyone been diagnosed with Neuropathy?? I'm going to the Neurolgist next week....help? please?

Hello, Ive suffered the same symptoms for the last 3-4 years. For me it's irreversable nerve damage due to blood glucose levels and something I just have to live with. I'm prescribed Amitryptaline for this, but at least 2 days out of 7 the pain factor is 8-9 out of 10. The only solution then is to move as little as possible and suppliment with paracetomol. I have discovered over the years that taking zero caffeine and any other stimulants, alcohol etc. makes it more bearable but it's always there. It's hard to do when it's bad, but it's always better after a lot of activity/exercise. I find rubbing Oil of Evening Primrose on the affected areas before bed does in fact help me. Wearing loose light clothing that doesn't chaff your skin and in winter wear pantyhose under trousers to prevent them rubbing on your skin. Hope this is helpful and god bless you.

[Mich]

What you describe is one of the symptoms of neuropathy. It is reversable. Keep your blood sugar under control, get a little exercise each day, and you may want to try Dr Bernstein's suggestion of a 300 mg time-release ALA tablet once or twice per day. For temporary relief, they make a capsaicin cream. It may be Rx, I'm not sure.

I have had it now and then. The above steps help and it is gone. It comes back when I skip the ALA for a day or two. I always smile when I see the "bees on the feet" or "tacks on the toes" ads. They come pretty close to what neuropathy sometimes feels like. I think they should add the "inner calves on fire" ad.

Do a little resarch on Alph Lipoic Acid yourself. In Germany, they actually cure neuropathy with it.

Mich

[NewdestinyX]

From what I've read on the topic -- and it's one of the scariest for Type 2's.. Your symptoms sound like the 'pain' of neuropathy but they're located in the 'wrong places'. Most diabetic complicated neuropathy is in the feet first and then hands.. Not the middle of the body like you describe. I would be very surprised if it's neuropathy but please report back what the doc says. If it's 'new' then it could be the 'curable' kind called 'acute neuropathy' -- and it goes away after blood sugar is under control. See it as a sign to get it under control. And insulin would be the fastest way but has a couple complications in keeping you from getting lows in your BG. But that's easier to protect against than the permanent damage called 'chronic neuropathy'. That can only be 'symptom controlled'.

If you're already on Metformin for Type 2 it's known to deplete the body of Vitamin B12 which can have 'neuropathy like' symptoms too. Tingling/burning and pain in hands and feet - circulation problems in general. A B12 shot will take care of that and rule that out as a possibility if it doesn't take away the pain -- but it won't hurt you either. In fact you'll feel a LOT better for at least a month just to have some more B12 in your system. They call B12 shots the 'feel good' shots. More energy.. staying power thru the day, etc.

Hoping for the best... for you. Report back, please.

[NewdestinyX]

Originally Posted by Mich

What you describe is one of the symptoms of neuropathy. It is reversable. Keep your blood sugar under control, get a little exercise each day, and you may want to try Dr Bernstein's suggestion of a 300 mg time-release ALA tablet once or twice per day. For temporary relief, they make a capsaicin cream. It may be Rx, I'm not sure.

I have had it now and then. The above steps help and it is gone. It comes back when I skip the ALA for a day or two. I always smile when I see the "bees on the feet" or "tacks on the toes" ads. They come pretty close to what neuropathy sometimes feels like. I think they should add the "inner calves on fire" ad.

Do a little resarch on Alph Lipoic Acid yourself. In Germany, they actually cure neuropathy with it.

Mich

"Chronic Neuropathy" is incurable in any country. It's permanent nerve damage. It can be 'symptom' controlled to varying degrees but not cured.

Well the nerves do grow back at 0.1 millimeter a year - but that's usually not gonna make enough difference for a sufferer of Chronic Neur...

[Dis-N-Dat]

Thought I'd follow-up my other post on this. My PCP tested for pancreatic cancer and I'm clear (thank God). The only thing she and the specialists can offer me is symtom control with Neurontin in higher doses. It's NOT working. MCS suggested Lyrica but it's contraindicated with one of the meds I'm on.

No improvement, the symptoms are still present and scale at 8 out of 10 now. Sleep is down to 30 minutes at a time. I'm exhausted, cranky and miserable. Arrrrggghhhh!

My numbers are in the 80s for the most part and aerage 95. I'm exercising daily. It doesn't seem that there's any relief in site, so I'm just hanging on, trying to make it through each day. I'm grateful to have these forums for a distraction.

We need a Neuropathy sub foum!

[NewdestinyX]

Originally Posted by Dis-N-Dat

Thought I'd follow-up my other post on this. My PCP tested for pancreatic cancer and I'm clear (thank God). The only thing she and the specialists can offer me is symtom control with Neurontin in higher doses. It's NOT working. MCS suggested Lyrica but it's contraindicated with one of the meds I'm on.

No improvement, the symptoms are still present and scale at 8 out of 10 now. Sleep is down to 30 minutes at a time. I'm exhausted, cranky and miserable. Arrrrggghhhh!

My numbers are in the 80s for the most part and aerage 95. I'm exercising daily. It doesn't seem that there's any relief in site, so I'm just hanging on, trying to make it through each day. I'm grateful to have these forums for a distraction.

We need a Neuropathy sub foum!

Wow.. I"m blown away.. I don't understand. Can you describe your exact symptoms? It just doesn't sound like anything I've read about neuropathy.. Not in the 'center' of the body. Have you checked for Vitamin D deficiency (creates RICKETS and terrible painful thing like you describe) or Vitamin B12 deficiency that cuts off circulation which can cause a lot of pain too? I'm SO sorry you're in this.. I can't imagine what it would be like daily.. and NIGHTLY..

[sharpwaa]

Hello, as I previously mentioned I've had chronic neuropathy for several years now and the only night time relief I get is through being prescribed amitriptyline, paracetomol and rubbing the affected areas with oil of evening primrose.

Affected areas - Most Painful

Belly/Abdomen
Buttocks
Groin area
Inner and outer thighs
Calves
Feet
Forearms + hands

Affected Areas - Numb due to Neuropathy

Fingers
Elbows & upper arms
Hips
Both legs below the knees.
Feet (broke a toe in three places last year and never felt a thing)

It may seem strange that an area which is numb to all sensation, heat, cold, touch etc. is also one of the most painful. These are effects of the microvascular and nerve damage caused by the coating of excess sugar in the blood. This damage is irreversable. As I type this I am undergoing anti-biotic and anti-microbial treatment for a badly infected and ulcerated foot. Due to the neuropathy damage, it is very difficult to get a high enough concentration of anti-biotics to the affected area as the normal pathways are damaged or blocked. And BOY!! Do I feel lousy!!!!

Hey ho.........got to get back to re-decorating the kitchen, daughters 18th tomorrow. Yes I do think a neuropathy chat area would be useful.......take care now

D xx

[MCS]

I see that you have looked into this, My wifes doc switched her from Celexa and neurontin to Cymbalta and the Lyrica. Both worked in conjunction for her pain and SSRI.

Originally Posted by Dis-N-Dat

Thought I'd follow-up my other post on this. My PCP tested for pancreatic cancer and I'm clear (thank God). The only thing she and the specialists can offer me is symtom control with Neurontin in higher doses. It's NOT working. MCS suggested Lyrica but it's contraindicated with one of the meds I'm on.

No improvement, the symptoms are still present and scale at 8 out of 10 now. Sleep is down to 30 minutes at a time. I'm exhausted, cranky and miserable. Arrrrggghhhh!

My numbers are in the 80s for the most part and aerage 95. I'm exercising daily. It doesn't seem that there's any relief in site, so I'm just hanging on, trying to make it through each day. I'm grateful to have these forums for a distraction.

We need a Neuropathy sub foum!

[NewdestinyX]

Originally Posted by sharpwaa

Hello, as I previously mentioned I've had chronic neuropathy for several years now and the only night time relief I get is through being prescribed amitriptyline, paracetomol and rubbing the affected areas with oil of evening primrose.

Affected areas - Most Painful

Belly/Abdomen
Buttocks
Groin area
Inner and outer thighs
Calves
Feet
Forearms + hands

Affected Areas - Numb due to Neuropathy

Fingers
Elbows & upper arms
Hips
Both legs below the knees.
Feet (broke a toe in three places last year and never felt a thing)

It may seem strange that an area which is numb to all sensation, heat, cold, touch etc. is also one of the most painful. These are effects of the microvascular and nerve damage caused by the coating of excess sugar in the blood. This damage is irreversable. As I type this I am undergoing anti-biotic and anti-microbial treatment for a badly infected and ulcerated foot. Due to the neuropathy damage, it is very difficult to get a high enough concentration of anti-biotics to the affected area as the normal pathways are damaged or blocked. And BOY!! Do I feel lousy!!!!

I am SO sorry to hear of your cross to bear, Sharpwaa. It 'scares me to death'. Would you be willing to share with us how long you went undiagnosed - if you know? Or have you been treating your T2 for years? Your 'age bracket' if you're willing. Tell us a little more of the story about how you ended up here... Some of us feel a slight tingling in hands and feet and no real pain.. And we're recently diagnosed and in my case probably went undiagnosed for about 18 months to 2 years.. About a year ago I noticed a slight 'dead spot' in my right big toe that felt numb deep in.. Though it was my badly fungussed toe nails digging in.. Still don't know if that's part of it or if it's mild neuropathy starting.. The left toe has a similar but fainter sensation.. When I'm sitting for a long time the numbness in the toes and fingers is a little more noticeable and it's worse at night.. and pretty unnoticeable during day with shoes on and walking around - not noticeable at all when exercising. So I'm very mild but don't want it to progress.. Additionally my numbers are still 'high-ish' after 2 months on meds.. Still between 125-165. Since I started meds the tingling and warmness up into my calves has gone away.. So i hope that's a good sign that if I get this under control I'm just currently dealing with the 'acute neuropathy' which isn't permanent.

[NewdestinyX]

Originally Posted by sharpwaa

Hey ho.........got to get back to re-decorating the kitchen, daughters 18th tomorrow. Yes I do think a neuropathy chat area would be useful.......take care now

D xx

Sharp -- also just noticed your sig that you've been DX'ed since 2001 and yet your most recent A1c is over '10' -- doesn't that mean that your pancreas isn't really working much anymore and maybe insulin would be a better way to manage it? Just still learning... You gotta get that number down as we all do..

Just wondering..

[sharpwaa]

Hello Grant,

Up to 4 years before my diagnosis in 2001 I had already been to the doctor with diabetes symptoms which were treated individually, such as unexplainable recurring thrush infections, thirst and frequent pee-ing, lethargy and tiredness. So I suppose I was symptomatic from about 1997 at age 34, which was a year after I left the Royal Air Force where I got annual aircrew medicals and this would have been picked up sooner. Bearing in mind my mother all her sisters and her parents were diabetic, the family history alone would have pointed in this direction. My first A1c was 23.5 and within a year on 2 x 500mg Metformin daily I got it down to 7.4. Over the last 4-5 years it's gradually climbed back up again peaking at 18.4 last November. My metformin dose was doubled and Gliclazide introduced to stimulate my pancreas prior to eating. It's come back down again to a more satisfactory 10 - ish. I won't be happy til I'm back down to below 7, but as you say, I'll probably be on insulin to acheive this. I simply don't know when they'll decide to do this. God Bless.

David

[NewdestinyX]

Originally Posted by sharpwaa

Hello Grant,

Up to 4 years before my diagnosis in 2001 I had already been to the doctor with diabetes symptoms which were treated individually, such as unexplainable recurring thrush infections, thirst and frequent pee-ing, lethargy and tiredness. So I suppose I was symptomatic from about 1997 at age 34, which was a year after I left the Royal Air Force where I got annual aircrew medicals and this would have been picked up sooner. Bearing in mind my mother all her sisters and her parents were diabetic, the family history alone would have pointed in this direction. My first A1c was 23.5 and within a year on 2 x 500mg Metformin daily I got it down to 7.4. Over the last 4-5 years it's gradually climbed back up again peaking at 18.4 last November. My metformin dose was doubled and Gliclazide introduced to stimulate my pancreas prior to eating. It's come back down again to a more satisfactory 10 - ish. I won't be happy til I'm back down to below 7, but as you say, I'll probably be on insulin to acheive this. I simply don't know when they'll decide to do this. God Bless.

David

Of course most of us aren't medical professionals here.. but we know enough to agree that 10-ish is far from normal. From 23.5 yes.. But a sustained 10 for years and years can cause serious issues like you've described. My heart goes out to you. What a vicious disease. Using Glipizide to pound an already tired pancreas I'm told isn't the best approach. At this point your eyes are at risk and you want to avoid any amputation problems. Ask your doctor but it seems like insulin would be a great way to get that A1c closer to normal. Just to be on the record -- 7 - is still high. Most docs want it in the 5's.. and my doc says if he can get it in the mid to hi 4's he'd be happiest and virtually no chance of further organ/tissue damage.

Thanks for sharing your story. There are MANY herbal remedies and great drugs out there that can help your quality of life with regard to the neuropathy from what I've read and heard here, David. I'm praying you find the right combo for you. But tell your doc you want the 'no more damage to my nerves' course of action from him/her. Agreed? I'm pretty sure (s)he'll say insulin.

Best of luck!

[Dis-N-Dat]

Originally Posted by NewdestinyX

Wow.. I"m blown away.. I don't understand. Can you describe your exact symptoms? It just doesn't sound like anything I've read about neuropathy.. Not in the 'center' of the body. Have you checked for Vitamin D deficiency (creates RICKETS and terrible painful thing like you describe) or Vitamin B12 deficiency that cuts off circulation which can cause a lot of pain too? I'm SO sorry you're in this.. I can't imagine what it would be like daily.. and NIGHTLY..

Very sharp stabbing pains, arms and legs. The docs don't want to take me off Neurontin (docs agree it's Neuropathy) or Celexa (hey who wouldn't be a bit depressed). I went to see a Dermatologist today and he hadn't anything to add to what I'm already doing.