Nerve Damage - Page 2

cooljudy · #16 (**permalink**) 01-16-2004, 12:36 AM

I am recently (5 months) diagnosed Type II and have started reading about neuropathy. About a week ago I started with numbness on the tip of my middle finger on my right hand. I also have occassional numbness and tingling on other fingers and sharp pain at night that runs across the palm of my hand. I have had previous night numbness in my arms (pre-diabetes) and sleep with wrist braces to avoid fist-making while sleeping. My doctor tested for carpel tunnel last summer and I don't appear to have that (at least back then).

Can finger tip numbness be attributed to blood monitoring pokes? Can a nerve be pricked? I am using the Ultra OneStep monitor and change needles every time (although I just read the thread about multiple uses of lancets...)

Is this something I should report to my doctor as an early symptom of something?

Jon · #17 (**permalink**) 01-16-2004, 01:06 AM

You should have a chiropractor do an x-ray of your neck. Mine told me that numbness in the hands is often a result of a mis-aligned neck.

Littlebit63_99 · #18 (**permalink**) 01-16-2004, 01:47 AM

I agree with Jon, you should seek other reasons for numbness in fingers........diabetic neuropothy tends to set in after years of having the disease or at least many many months of not being controlled.

Good luck,
Liz

Linda57 · #19 (**permalink**) 01-16-2004, 01:50 AM

I have not been diagnosed long, as some of you know, but I believe I was a mess because of it.

I have also been diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and I have also started Menopause, all of which I hope to get help with in the future.

I have appointments made for most of my ailments, so I have to wait for official diagnoses.

I am very worried hower, about strange feelings in my feet, and feeling constantly cold, which seems to stem from my feet.

Mt appointment with the Podiatrist is later this month, so I guess I will have to be patient a little while longer. (I am also learning that the care I get with Diabetes 'all takes time') and for a very impatient person, it is a very hard thing to contend with.

Love Linda

Littlebit63_99 · #20 (**permalink**) 01-16-2004, 01:57 AM

Linda,

Massage your feet, daily.

Liz

lgvincent · #21 (**permalink**) 01-21-2004, 07:45 PM

I've noticed major numbness in my right hand within the last two weeks, running from the pinky all the way to the elbow. The pinky is completely numb as is the tip of the ring finger. I also have very little strength in the hand. I'm having great difficulty eating, brushing my teeth, unlocking doors, and other things with my right hand. I've begun feeling numbness in the left pinky and ring finger today. Wonder what's going on?

Linda57 · #22 (**permalink**) 01-22-2004, 04:21 AM

Thanks for the advice Liz, I will do that.

BTW I have been bought vouchers for a beauty salon for Christmas, I would really love a Pedicure, is it ok to do this? or should only someone who is qualified treat my feet?

Love, (really wanting my feet tickled) Linda

mg_2204 · #23 (**permalink**) 01-22-2004, 09:33 AM

... Linda, before booking something at the beauty salon, ask if they are qualified to care for diabetics. If in doubt, well why not use your vouchers for an Indian head massage? It is just fabulous... soooooooo relaxing... And as for your feet well... seek someone qualified.

Marie

notme · #24 (**permalink**) 01-22-2004, 11:13 AM

Linda, I think a lot of it depends on whether or not you have any nerve damage to your feet. I get pedicures all the time during the summer. I also have all the feeling in my toes. I do tell the pedicurist (Is that a good word?) that I have diabetes and to "please be careful" with my toes. I have never had a problem.

Get a red polish and a cute flower with a lovely diamond in the center! You will look terrific!!!!

Nancy:p

Linda57 · #25 (**permalink**) 01-22-2004, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the help with the pedicure advice. I am new to this and dont quite understand the feet thing. Is the problem that she might cut me while doing my nails?

BTW they do a head massage as well, I am torn as to which to have.

Love Linda

notme · #26 (**permalink**) 01-22-2004, 02:31 PM

Yes Linda. Many people with nerve damage will not feel a cut or some other injury to their feet. Also circulation may not be as good as someone without diabetes. If you have no problems with your feet, a pedicure should not be a problem. I find that the spa treatment to my legs and feet are helpful. I tend to like to pamper my feet. If you have some circulation problems or have had foot ulcers, you might want to ask your doctor first. I find the extra care to my feet very helpful. Make sure that whoever is doing your pedicure knows to take extra precaution when trimming away caluses or your nails.

The head massage thing sounded good to me too!!!

Nancy

HeatherP · #27 (**permalink**) 01-22-2004, 03:56 PM

Linda, just a couple of suggestions on the pedicure: make sure they sterilize ALL their implements between EVERY client, and make sure you tell the pedicurist that you are diabetic. Make sure you tell them if the water is too hot, scrubbing too hard, etc, they're your feet and a pedicure is supposed to be a relaxing experience. One more thing, if you're really happy afterward, make sure you give them a good tip - they'll remember you and take good care of you the next time you come in.

Hope you enjoy it!
HeatherP

Linda57 · #28 (**permalink**) 01-22-2004, 04:08 PM

Thank you for all your replies,
I havent seen the Podiatrist yet, but the nurse and the GP couldnt find a pulse in one foot and only faint in the other.

I have no numbness, but I have pain (may be nerve-related, feels like electric shock when I walk sometimes).

These things I have to raise with him/her.

One good idea I think is to wait till I have seen him/her before keeping my appointment with the blissful experience at the salon.

(BTW the whole treatment takes a whole hour - I am so excited)!!

Love Linda

mary54 · #29 (**permalink**) 01-25-2004, 08:41 PM

Littlebit
i HAVE NERVE DAMAGE IN MY HANDS, FEET AND LEGS. I know the clinical name but I can't spell it,
I also have nerve damage in one eye but they haven't had to do laser surgery yet. I've been a diabetic 19 years, had two heart attacks and am in a wheelchair all this and I am only 54.
I take 1800mg of Neurontin a day for my hands and feet. It helps, if I miss a day by night my hands and feet feel like they have 10,000 ants on them.

I hope they can find something to help you for your stomach. I have chronic pancretitus(misspelled, probably) my pancreas doesn't work thats why I am a diabetic and when I have an attack the pain and nausea is so bad that I really can understand what you are going through.

Mary

Littlebit63_99 · #30 (**permalink**) 01-27-2004, 07:34 AM

Mary,

I haven't been on the forum for a few days of pure self pity.
Thank you for the attitude adjustment!!

I am SOOOOOO sorry that you have all the problems that you have!! Somehow, throwing up a few times a week doesn't seem as bad as it did before I read your post.

The Neurontin that I take completely takes care of the (periferial neuropothy) that I have and I only take 800mg a day. But, if I miss any doses, then the pain is there. Like someone said in the posts about "feet" it's like an electrical shock.

Mary, thank you for responding!! Again, I am so sorry for you, and wish you the best, some comfort, and love.

Liz