Neuropathy, acupuncture, duloxetine

[paul1873]

Hello! This is a bit of a brain dump, so I’ll try and be brief. I’ve been Type 1 for 40 years and well controlled for the last 20. Over the last few years I’ve increasingly been suffering from neuropathy. My symptom is a burning feeling on the soles of my feet when walking. It’s like walking on hot sand or glass and increasingly doing my head in. What I’ve found is that the pain is strongly correlated with the temperature. On hot days it is terrible and when cooler not too noticeable. With the summer fast approaching, much like last year, I’m scrabbling around to find something that will help.

I’ve been prescribed duloxetine but not started taking it yet after Googling. I’m not keen on taking antidepressants, or something that is mood-enhancing. Can anyone share their experience of taking this? Has it worked? Am I needlessly worrying about trying this?

I’m wondering if anyone has tried acupuncture. I’ve never thought about going down the whole non-scientific road but feel it could be worth a go. I’m a keen (but failing) golfer and the pain is unbearable some days.

Sadly, I’m also partial to trigger finger, another ongoing personal joy of mine that might benefit from this direction.

I’d also appreciate if anyone has any advice on where to find an acupuncture practitioner. FWIW I’m in Crystal Palace area, SE London.

Thanks
Paul

 

[FreidaMercury]

Hi Paul,

I’m T2 but have been experiencing neuropathy symptoms in my right foot. A bit different to yours but my foot and especially my big toe get very cold and can take ages to get warm. It also gets quite achey when I have walked for some time.

I also have depression and have been on anti depressants for many years. Last year after a deterioration in my mental health, I switched my meds and started duloxetine on request after reading about the benefits to neuropathy.

Since then, my foot symptoms have not gone but I have noticed a marked improvement in them, and also in my feet in general which perhaps I was not totally aware of in the first place.

I know people are reluctant to take anti depressants, especially if they are not depressed, but it may be worth a try if your symptoms are really bothering you. You can always stop them if they don’t help?

I’ve had acupuncture in the past for joint issues and found it really beneficial but not had any experience of it for neuropathy or my feet but I am a firm believer in alternative treatments having always had good experiences from whatever I have tried.

Good luck and I hope you get some improvement (and it also helps the golf!)

 

[Lakeslover]

Hi,

I have mild neuropathy and definitely notice it is worse when I’m hot, particularly in bed at night. I can’t comment on possible treatments as I haven’t tried any yet.

But I just wanted to let you know it’s fine to ask on the forum for opinions on whether acupuncture may help you with your pain.

But members are not allowed to recommend individual clinicians. If you are looking to find a registered practitioner these look like good places to start

• British Acupuncture Council (BAcC): The UK’s leading professional body for traditional acupuncturists. Use their site to find members who are trained, insured, and regulated.
• British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS): Represents regulated healthcare professionals (e.g., doctors, physiotherapists) practicing Western acupuncture.

 

[paul1873]

Since then, my foot symptoms have not gone but I have noticed a marked improvement in them, and also in my feet in general which perhaps I was not totally aware of in the first place.

Thanks Freida. I think I’ll just give duloxetine a go and see how I get on. It looks like I’ve been prescribed a low “starter” dose and as you say I can always stop them. Who knows maybe I’ll be less stressed out too!

 

[paul1873]

But members are not allowed to recommend individual clinicians. If you are looking to find a registered practitioner these look like good places to start...

Thanks for your suggestion and guidance note. Using the the BAcC site I found a fair few that are local to me.

For now, I have just noted them and parked the acupuncture road. Obviously there is a cost and time consideration which makes me think I should at least try the prescription first. Looking at other posts here the general opinions look favourable for this drug.