Type 1 Nerve Pain, feet issues at 19?

Alexandra100 said:

You should absolutely read Dr Bernstein's account of how he was able to reverse many long established complications which were due to his T1 diabetes. You can read his account here:
http://www.diabetes-book.com/bernstein-life-with-diabetes/
but IMO you would do well to buy his book "Diabetes Solution". It is absolutely classic and very practical. In particular he is an acknowledged expert on the management of insulin. When you see his photo or watch one of his many free videos, you may think, "This is an old man and I am a young one", but don't let that put you off. Dr Bernstein was diagnosed at 11 with T1, and for years was told to eat a diet that was the opposite of what was needed. He was the first lay person to use a bg monitor and he discovered low carb for himself (and us!) By the time he had got his diet sorted out he had developed terrible complications including kidney damage, and yet he has been able to reverse most of the damage and has survived to the age of 83 in fine fettle, as you can see in his videos, or you can hear him every month answering questions sent in by listeners.

In his book he explains in detail about complications of high bg and what you may expect to happen when you lower it.

Try not to feel bad about going off the rails healthwise during adolescence. Having a restrictive chronic health problem from childhood usually provokes this totally natural response. I wasn't a diabetic teenager, but if I had been less rebellious, had heeded good advice and behaved more sensibly in the past (and not just in adolescence but later on too!) I would certainly nowadays have better teeth, a straighter back, nicer skin, more money etc etc. That's just life!

Good luck!

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Alexandra100 said:

Have you come across this: https://brightspotsandlandmines.org ? By another young man this time.

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Alexandra100 said:

I can really sympathise with your pain, as in the past I used to go mountaineering in winter and sometimes my hands would go numb with cold. When they were thawed back to life, the pain was atrocious. We used to call it the "hot aches" and when it struck I remember doubling over and hardly knowing where to put myself.

Personally, I don't know of anything other than the normal painkillers, sorry! But it might help a bit to remind yourself that these pains are signs of healing and that this is a stage you have to go through on the way back to normal life and health. Numbness is not painful, but it is a symptom of dying nerves. Unfortunately, the process of nerves coming back to life is known to hurt. But it won't hurt forever. I notice you say the pains come back every so often. That sounds as if there are already times without pain?

I haven't experienced diabetic nerve pain, but I'm guessing that getting the circulation going as much as possible by exercise and massage might help the recovery process?

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Alexandra100 said:

I am absolutely no expert, but I have read around a lot - on this Forum and in the writings of Jenny Ruhl and Dr Bernstein, two highly reputable and respected writers on this subject who are also themselves long term diabetics. I am absolutely convinced that as long as you can keep on making the huge effort to keep your bg low and stable, it is not at all too late, you are going to be fine. One day you will say to yourself, "Oh, I haven't had those pains for over a month now!" and that nasty episode in your life will be behind you.

Yes, your chronic fatigue must make everything harder. IMO it is very important to hold onto your optimism and belief in your capacity to manage diabetes and have a better future. Worry and pessimism makes everything worse and undermines our energy.

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