I agree! I have had mild neuropathy for several years, never caused me any problems but after recently tightening up control (over the last 3 months), have found that it's become a lot worse :-( It's not really painful just really uncomfortable; it's like constant partial numbness in my left foot (like I've sat on it funny for too long!), which is most noticable when I get up in the morning. It's just a really uncomfortable sensation and lasts all day. Am wondering if it could be anything to do with circulation as well but not sure. Really frustrating and disheartening so I really sympathise.This is the best and most hopeful reply I have read about neurothapy. Thank you!
My blood has just gone up to 12 and it's here with a vengeance. Time to take it seriously now. And your post gives me hope that it can calm down.
Yes its a fact !they do regrow and are painful as they do , i know have been through it!I have read somewhere (and I am very sorry that I cannot recall where!) that sometimes the nerves are more painful as they regrow. But I'm afraid I can't point you at a reference for that idea.
Lexie, I know absolutely nothing about this myself, but Dr Bernstein says that damaged nerves will regrow if blood sugars are kept to true normal levels. See his book, or his videos on YouTube as Dr Bernstein's University.@Brunneria how true is that? My doctor told me that I will never get the feeling back in my feet
It made me cry for about 2 weeks knowing that after everything I've done, the damage was irreversible
I just been through this and have done tons of research.
Neuropathy starts when your BS post prandial goes higher than 7.7.
My neuropathy was so bad that I could not wear shoes and I could not sleep. The dr's put me on Amytriptiline but then I could not wake up in the mornings. It left me too drowsy that I could not function 100%
I went back to the dr who sent me to a neurologist and podiatrist. They then prescribed Gabapentin. I went to collect the pills and when I got home, i started reading the leaflet. There was no way I would take take these pills. I googled them and read many reviews. I did not want to feel like my brain is numb, halucinate or appear slow.
I then was advised to read 'The antioxidant Miracle' by Lester Packer. I bought the kindle version and started reading. I read the book cover to cover in a single day and was so inspired by the stories and research that I was reading.
I went to Holland and Barret and bought Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, D and E. Tripple Omega and Co Enzyme Q10.
I started low carbing and keeping my bloods as low as possible. I did everything to avoid a post prandial spike. Within 1 week, my neuropathy pain was gone.
I now find that if I have a bout of high blood sugar, even if it goes up to 12 after a meal, the tingling and burning comes back. The other day I had a blood sugar or 26 and the pain returned even worse.
The ONLY way to treat neuropathy is to keep you BS under 7.7 and to take alpha lipoic and vitamin B12.
In Germany all diabetic patients with neuropathy are prescribed alpha lipoic and Vit B12.
I have also been reading stories about men in particular with neuropathy. Most of them have a degree of erectile dysfunction. Some of these men started taking viagra / cialis which improved the flow of blood into the microvascular veins which inturn also seemed to improve neuropathy.
Neuropathy is a serious condition and will only get worse if you just take stuff like gabapentin and do not deal with the cause. You really have to stay below 7.7 at all times.
Hope that helps.
and I firmly believe that most of this damage caused by diabetes can be reversed. The body produces new cells all the time so I have no doubt that damage can be reversed.
ive been typ 1 diabetic for nearly 20 years had loads of ups and downs i got neuropathy in my feet and legs tryed lots of pills but settled with combo of duloxetine pregabalin and morphine like most of you causes great pain cannot describe it for those who hav,nt had it my sugars have never been fully underconrol have tried for so many years,but as im going to be a grandad for the first time feel i should try again to control my sugars having tryed so my ways to control my neuropathy i think the best way is to control your blood sugars first of all change of life style is needed i think wishing the very best to those still suffering neuropathy
Well what a post nicely compiled and all worth it thank you Winnie53 :)Omnipod, thank you for these posts. They are both hopeful and inspiring. I'm going to save it (and some of the posts that followed), then print it so I can make copies as needed to share with diabetics who are suffering from neuropathy.
What you've shared is an incredible gift, worth reading again along with the other posts supporting your experience...
I looked up the book - (more on that in a minute) - that led to you taking Alpha Lipoic Acid, B12, C, D, E, Tripple Omega and CoQ10 AND to beginning the Low Carbohydrate, High Fat diet - (find ongoing support for this diet here... ( http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/low-carb-diet-forum.18/ ).
I find it amazing that you were in that much pain and yet your neuropathy remitted within 1 week. I also find it reassuring that you're able to stay in remission by keeping your blood glucose under 7.7 mmol/L (138.6 mg/dL) and by continuing to take only the Alpha Lipioic Acid and B12.
gemma6549, thank you for adding your experience. It serves as an important reminder that the body often needs time in addition to changing our diet and taking nutritional supplements: "When my neuropathy was bad I started taking Thiamine, this is a very high dose of Vitamin B12 and this really made a difference. Even though my bloods showed my B12 levels to be fine, it still made a significant difference to the pain. I maintained good control and the neuropathy resolved itself after 12 months. Sometimes the body just needs time to repair itself."
Brunneria, Clivethedrive, and LucySW, thanks also for your posts:
Bruneneria: "I have read somewhere (and I am very sorry that I cannot recall where!) that sometimes the nerves are more painful as they regrow. But I'm afraid I can't point you at a reference for that idea."
Clivethedrive: "Yes it's a fact! They do regrow and are painful as they do. I know, have been through it!"
LucySW: "I know absolutely nothing about this myself, but Dr Bernstein says that damaged nerves will regrow if blood sugars are kept to true normal levels. See his book, or his videos on YouTube as Dr Bernstein's University. This happened to him - most of his very severe damage repaired itself - and he says this is what happens with his patients. That's why he puts such effort into getting the BG down, and tailoring the lo-carb diet to fit. I don't think it's a promise, but it's bound to be worth a try."
In her next post, LucySW continues, "Here is the Bernstein book, which is very inexpensive on Kindle http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/031...s+solution&dpPl=1&dpID=51NMUWSvsEL&ref=plSrch And here's the Diabetes University playlist: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs_TA02I6IvV6-1s2pL4BPhvMo0Ck_lcY His program involves limiting carbs to 30 grams a day. It doesn't suit everyone, but it suits some very well. Worth a read? Reliable; not a quack."
When I was told my blood glucose levels were out of control in February of this year, his was first book I read. It dramatically changed the course of my life. Here's Dr. Bernstein's story... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_K._Bernstein
I was diagnosed with my first chronic health condition in 1990, my second in 1999, my third in 2004, all three inherited...lucky me, and I'm now battling my first complication, heart disease. What I've learned:
Use of medication is helpful, but choose carefully. Understand that real change, and if we're fortunate, healing too is possible with diet and nutritional supplements, but again, choose carefully.
The book Omnipod referred to, The Antioxidant Miracle, was written by Leslie Packer, Ph.D. and a professional writer in 1999. Interestingly, it has only 39 reviews, http://www.amazon.com/Antioxidant-Miracle-Lipoic-Pycnogenol-Vitamins/dp/0471353116/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429549720&sr=8-1&keywords='The+antioxidant+Miracle' , which is not unusual for this type of book. Of these reviews, it had one 1 star, one 2 star, three 3 star, four 4 star, and thirty 5 star reviews. Here's the "most helpful critical review":
"Three Stars - The Anitoxidant Miracle, January 25, 2000: Everything concerning the mechanisms of the antioxidants that are shown in this book is just superb and correct, and also the principle explaining the team work of the antioxidants together. I don't agree at all with the author about the doses that he recommends in the book, because my experience as an orthomolecularist convinced me that higher doses of the antioxidants should be taken, especially in the cases of degenerative-oxidative-diseases (such as parkinson, altzheimer, huntington, multiple sclerosis, etc...). It is very much worth reading this book, and is very informative in the sense of molecular-chemistry, and the molecular way of the antioxidants, but again, the doses should be much higher."
After reading a few reviews, I decided to Google Dr. Packer. In 2012, he was the International Advisory Board and Keynote Speaker of the Society For Free Radical Reseach International Trevor Slater Award Lecture, 16th Biennial Meeting, Imperial College London, 6-9 September 2012, United Kingdom. Here's his bio... http://www.sfrrimeeting.org/bio-packer.html
I think this man is worth listening to. I'm going to read his book.
Link to this topic and posts: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/help-in-dealing-with-neuropathy.74653/page-2
Omnipod, thank you for these posts. They are both hopeful and inspiring. I'm going to save it (and some of the posts that followed), then print it so I can make copies as needed to share with diabetics who are suffering from neuropathy.
What you've shared is an incredible gift, worth reading again along with the other posts supporting your experience...
I looked up the book - (more on that in a minute) - that led to you taking Alpha Lipoic Acid, B12, C, D, E, Tripple Omega and CoQ10 AND to beginning the Low Carbohydrate, High Fat diet - (find ongoing support for this diet here... ( http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/category/low-carb-diet-forum.18/ ).
I find it amazing that you were in that much pain and yet your neuropathy remitted within 1 week. I also find it reassuring that you're able to stay in remission by keeping your blood glucose under 7.7 mmol/L (138.6 mg/dL) and by continuing to take only the Alpha Lipioic Acid and B12.
gemma6549, thank you for adding your experience. It serves as an important reminder that the body often needs time in addition to changing our diet and taking nutritional supplements: "When my neuropathy was bad I started taking Thiamine, this is a very high dose of Vitamin B12 and this really made a difference. Even though my bloods showed my B12 levels to be fine, it still made a significant difference to the pain. I maintained good control and the neuropathy resolved itself after 12 months. Sometimes the body just needs time to repair itself."
Brunneria, Clivethedrive, and LucySW, thanks also for your posts:
Bruneneria: "I have read somewhere (and I am very sorry that I cannot recall where!) that sometimes the nerves are more painful as they regrow. But I'm afraid I can't point you at a reference for that idea."
Clivethedrive: "Yes it's a fact! They do regrow and are painful as they do. I know, have been through it!"
LucySW: "I know absolutely nothing about this myself, but Dr Bernstein says that damaged nerves will regrow if blood sugars are kept to true normal levels. See his book, or his videos on YouTube as Dr Bernstein's University. This happened to him - most of his very severe damage repaired itself - and he says this is what happens with his patients. That's why he puts such effort into getting the BG down, and tailoring the lo-carb diet to fit. I don't think it's a promise, but it's bound to be worth a try."
In her next post, LucySW continues, "Here is the Bernstein book, which is very inexpensive on Kindle http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/031...s+solution&dpPl=1&dpID=51NMUWSvsEL&ref=plSrch And here's the Diabetes University playlist: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs_TA02I6IvV6-1s2pL4BPhvMo0Ck_lcY His program involves limiting carbs to 30 grams a day. It doesn't suit everyone, but it suits some very well. Worth a read? Reliable; not a quack."
When I was told my blood glucose levels were out of control in February of this year, his was first book I read. It dramatically changed the course of my life. Here's Dr. Bernstein's story... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_K._Bernstein
I was diagnosed with my first chronic health condition in 1990, my second in 1999, my third in 2004, all three inherited...lucky me, and I'm now battling my first complication, heart disease. What I've learned:
Use of medication is helpful, but choose carefully. Understand that real change, and if we're fortunate, healing too is possible with diet and nutritional supplements, but again, choose carefully.
The book Omnipod referred to, The Antioxidant Miracle, was written by Leslie Packer, Ph.D. and a professional writer in 1999. Interestingly, it has only 39 reviews, http://www.amazon.com/Antioxidant-Miracle-Lipoic-Pycnogenol-Vitamins/dp/0471353116/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429549720&sr=8-1&keywords='The+antioxidant+Miracle' , which is not unusual for this type of book. Of these reviews, it had one 1 star, one 2 star, three 3 star, four 4 star, and thirty 5 star reviews. Here's the "most helpful critical review":
"Three Stars - The Anitoxidant Miracle, January 25, 2000: Everything concerning the mechanisms of the antioxidants that are shown in this book is just superb and correct, and also the principle explaining the team work of the antioxidants together. I don't agree at all with the author about the doses that he recommends in the book, because my experience as an orthomolecularist convinced me that higher doses of the antioxidants should be taken, especially in the cases of degenerative-oxidative-diseases (such as parkinson, altzheimer, huntington, multiple sclerosis, etc...). It is very much worth reading this book, and is very informative in the sense of molecular-chemistry, and the molecular way of the antioxidants, but again, the doses should be much higher."
After reading a few reviews, I decided to Google Dr. Packer. In 2012, he was the International Advisory Board and Keynote Speaker of the Society For Free Radical Reseach International Trevor Slater Award Lecture, 16th Biennial Meeting, Imperial College London, 6-9 September 2012, United Kingdom. Here's his bio... http://www.sfrrimeeting.org/bio-packer.html
I think this man is worth listening to. I'm going to read his book.
Link to this topic and posts: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/help-in-dealing-with-neuropathy.74653/page-2
I was put onto gabapentin and took it. It did nothing for the pain in my feet. I feel like I am walking on hot coals. My toes get very painful suddenly. It's as though they were being crushed in a vice. I saw a Locum Dr at the surgery who diagnosed neuropathy and has referred me to the hospital. He also did vit D, B12 and thyroid blood test. I wait for the results. I don't expect to be seen soon at Dumfries hospital. The waiting time there is horrendous. In the mean time I try to pretend the pain isn't there and just get on with things.I just been through this and have done tons of research.
Neuropathy starts when your BS post prandial goes higher than 7.7.
My neuropathy was so bad that I could not wear shoes and I could not sleep. The dr's put me on Amytriptiline but then I could not wake up in the mornings. It left me too drowsy that I could not function 100%
I went back to the dr who sent me to a neurologist and podiatrist. They then prescribed Gabapentin. I went to collect the pills and when I got home, i started reading the leaflet. There was no way I would take take these pills. I googled them and read many reviews. I did not want to feel like my brain is numb, halucinate or appear slow.
I then was advised to read 'The antioxidant Miracle' by Lester Packer. I bought the kindle version and started reading. I read the book cover to cover in a single day and was so inspired by the stories and research that I was reading.
I went to Holland and Barret and bought Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, D and E. Tripple Omega and Co Enzyme Q10.
I started low carbing and keeping my bloods as low as possible. I did everything to avoid a post prandial spike. Within 1 week, my neuropathy pain was gone.
I now find that if I have a bout of high blood sugar, even if it goes up to 12 after a meal, the tingling and burning comes back. The other day I had a blood sugar or 26 and the pain returned even worse.
The ONLY way to treat neuropathy is to keep you BS under 7.7 and to take alpha lipoic and vitamin B12.
In Germany all diabetic patients with neuropathy are prescribed alpha lipoic and Vit B12.
I have also been reading stories about men in particular with neuropathy. Most of them have a degree of erectile dysfunction. Some of these men started taking viagra / cialis which improved the flow of blood into the microvascular veins which inturn also seemed to improve neuropathy.
Neuropathy is a serious condition and will only get worse if you just take stuff like gabapentin and do not deal with the cause. You really have to stay below 7.7 at all times.
Hope that helps.