1st time post, long time lurker

[brewbob]

I have been lurking in the backround but have never posted untill now.
I was diagnosed with type 2 back in November 2007 when my BG came back 223 during a routine bloodwork testing. I do not know how long it has been creeping up due to no other obvious symptoms. A1c at that time came back @ 11, which shocked me, I was over weight and not eating right but have no family history or anything, and no symtoms.

During the last 4 or 5 months I have been developing what I believe is nuropathy in my feet. (I thought that this takes years to develop in type 2 cases.)
Well Anyway, I lost 60lbs and changed the way I eat and exercise, got that A1c down to 5.8 taken last week.

The nuropathy is getting worse, I take no diabetes drugs and only Tramadol seems to help the pain somewhat. We have tried all of the usual suspects, Lyrica, neurontin, Cymbalta, even Elevil,an old tricyclic. nothing seems to help.

Any suggestions on releaving this excruciating pain would be appreciated.

[notme]

Hi Bob and welcome to Diabetes Forums.

First, I would like to congratulate you on your weight loss and getting your A1c down. Neuropathy can take time to repair, but it can get better. I have neuropathy in my arms and hands which is also more unusual than in the feet. I have been taking neurontin for many years for the discomfort. Keep your A1c down and keep the weight off. Your feet will get better over time. It took time for the nerve damage to happen and nerves can repair slowly.

Glad you finally decided to stop lurking and just join in! Welcome

[princesslinda]

Hi Bob, welcome. Sounds like you've made a lot of positive changes in your lifestyle since diagnosis...good for you!

Sorry to hear about your feet problems. Hopefully these will resolve as you continue to keep your blood sugars in good control.

[Puppypants]

Bob, i too suffer from neuropathy, and tried all the conventional medicines. My doctor started me on a somewhat controversial treatment of a low dose of methadone each night before I go to bed. The neuropathy is so improved I am able to wlak on our treadmill again, and enjoy shopping and hiking again! I only take 2.5 mg a day, but what a difference it has made.

[Kim_in_TN]

Welcome to the forum! Congratulations on a remarkable weight loss and improved A1c!!! I have only experienced a slight bit of neuropathy thus far so I can only empathsize! I do hope you can find something to help with the pain!

[Evermont]

Welcome Bob.

I keep running into the notion that neuropathy sometimes/often makes itself apparent after better control is achieved. The damage was done before good control, but the effect shows up after control has started.

I can't back this up really (yet), it's just that anecdotal evidence is mounting for me. If true, this could mean that this problem is not necessarily evidence that your diabetes is progressing, it could just be another indicator that your efforts to control it are working.

I've heard others here recommend ALA (link (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha-linolenic_acid)) for speeding repair of nerve tissue. I'm uncertain if it really helps for that, but I'm convinced that it's really good for you generally so you should make certain you're getting enough and if it helps your feet too then that's an added bonus.

[brewbob]

Thanks everyone for the information, hopefully with time an me staying on my program things will get better. i will have to ask the doc about the methadone. I have heard of it helping others,
thanks again
Bob

[kgm0612]

HI Bob & Welcome.

Congratulations on the improvement of your A1c and for the weight you have lost this far. Keep up the hard work!

Karen

[xMenace]

Welcome Bob.

I have no advice at all. That's one area I know nothing about.

I keep running into the notion that neuropathy sometimes/often makes itself apparent after better control is achieved. The damage was done before good control, but the effect shows up after control has started.

I can't back this up really (yet), it's just that anecdotal evidence is mounting for me. If true, this could mean that this problem is not necessarily evidence that your diabetes is progressing, it could just be another indicator that your efforts to control it are working.


There is an anecdotal mountain of evidence when you add all of us eye bleeders and those heart failures that cancelled the good control study recently.