[breezeonby]

10 days ago I had surgery on my left wrist/hand for carpal tunnel release. I had an EMG/CNS which led to the diagnosis of carpal tunnel. For the last three nights, I have been waking up in the middle of the night with numbness in my hand and pain that travels up my arm. I was told by the doctor who conducted the EMG that I probably had neuropathy in my hand as well as carpal tunnel syndrome. I have neuropathy in my feet and take a low dose of gabapentin. The gabapentin helps some, but I still have numbness and pain. I experience most of my symptoms at night. I am very frustrated with the hand problem. What is the best type of doctor to treat neuropathy? My primary care physician is an internal medicine doctor. He has been practicing since 1998. I do not feel he has the knowledge to treat neuropathy. My foot doctor is treating the neuropathy in my feet. From what I have read, neuropathy is usually the result of high blood sugars for long periods of time. I have had diabetes for 10 years. I treated my diabetes for 6 years and then went through a period of about two years without any treatment and no testing. I am now treating my diabetes again and have good blood sugar control. Is neuropathy permanent? Does anyone know anything about neuropathy and treatment options? I also take pain medication for arthritis and I take a dose at bedtime but it only lasts for 4-6 hours. I am up several times during the night because of the numbness and pain. I keep a sleep diary for my chronic insomnia at the request of my sleep specialist. All of my health problems are wearing me out. I just turned 50 and feel that I am too young for all my health problems.

 

[Shanny]

(((Becky)))) I heartily agree - you're TOO YOUNG for all this! I wish we lived closer - we could be spending our insomniac hours over some hot herb tea or the like. I was just looking in here before I powered down the computer . . . looks like you're offline by now. Rats.

Well I hope you're sleeping a little while I'm typing. I finally began sleeping better when I got bed wedges & taught myself to sleep more or less on my back like I do in the recliner chair. I thought all I was doing was trying to keep my CPAP mask in place, but it turned out I could sleep better & wake up without aches & pains. I was floored. For years I'd slept many hours a night in the recliner, but the bed wedges got me back in the bed & sleeping better.

 

[breezeonby]

(((Becky)))) I heartily agree - you're TOO YOUNG for all this! I wish we lived closer - we could be spending our insomniac hours over some hot herb tea or the like. I was just looking in here before I powered down the computer . . . looks like you're offline by now. Rats.

Well I hope you're sleeping a little while I'm typing. I finally began sleeping better when I got bed wedges & taught myself to sleep more or less on my back like I do in the recliner chair. I thought all I was doing was trying to keep my CPAP mask in place, but it turned out I could sleep better & wake up without aches & pains. I was floored. For years I'd slept many hours a night in the recliner, but the bed wedges got me back in the bed & sleeping better.

I need to sleep on my back, but my GERD is bad. I take 3 different medications for it but it still bothers me at night. I never thought about bed wedges. I will have to look into them. I had a sleep study done last September to see if I had apnea and I don't have it. I can't imagine wearing that CPAP mask every night. But if you need one then I guess you have to get used to it. I have had chronic insomnia since last June. I used to sleep like a rock at night and even took naps. I have tried several sleep medications and herbal supplements and nothing helps. I have changed pillows, sheets, blankets, the type of pajamas I wear, adjusting the room temperature, adding a humidifier and even had blinds installed in my bedroom and changing all these things did not help my sleeping problem. I don't drink coffee and my soda is caffeine free, I eat very little chocolate so caffeine is not the problem either. I am going to work on the neuropathy problem, it does wake me up and then it takes forever to fall back asleep.

 

[Shanny]

The only thing that tipped me to trying bed wedges was I finally realized I COULD sleep on my back if I was reclined in a chair! When I tried to replicate that position in bed using bed wedges, it worked! As I said - I was floored! (the bed wedges help my reflux too, btw.)

 

[Zeb]

Becky: I have been reading you story. All I can say is "wow!". I'm glad to hear you are getting things under control. Also, I can't help you with any information with regard to neuropathy, but would be very interested in learning any information you may get. I like to find out as much as I can so I can take steps to avoid any problems, if possible.

Shanny: What can I say? "peas in a pod?" lol I, too, have sleep apnea. I have had it for about 15 years and I STILL hate wearing that "blankity blank" mask. But I'll confess this, I wouldn't try to go to sleeep without it! I have tried that in the past and it just doesn't work out well. By the way, have you seen that advertisment for "no mask"? I've been considering it.

 

[Shanny]

I do struggle with the mask sometimes, but you're so right, Zeb, I never try to sleep without it. I hadn't heard about the no-mask thing, but I just googled it, and that's quite a contraption! It would take some getting used to for me because I've never used the nasal pillows, but wouldn't it be nice to get rid of the headgear!

 

[breezeonby]

Neuropathy

Becky: I have been reading you story. All I can say is "wow!". I'm glad to hear you are getting things under control. Also, I can't help you with any information with regard to neuropathy, but would be very interested in learning any information you may get. I like to find out as much as I can so I can take steps to avoid any problems, if possible.

Shanny: What can I say? "peas in a pod?" lol I, too, have sleep apnea. I have had it for about 15 years and I STILL hate wearing that "blankity blank" mask. But I'll confess this, I wouldn't try to go to sleeep without it! I have tried that in the past and it just doesn't work out well. By the way, have you seen that advertisment for "no mask"? I've been considering it.

Zeb: I found out yesterday that the neuropathy is permanent nerve damage and it is not reversible. The numbness will never go away. There is treatment for the shooting pains, it will take sometime to find out what will work best. My foot doctor told me that he can do a biopsy of the nerves in my feet and around the knee area and there is surgery that can be done as a last resort. If the Gabapentin doesn't work after increasing the dose, he said that we can try Lyrica. Lyrica is much more expensive than Gabapentin. Oh, the best thing I can do is to keep my bs under control, that is the only thing that one can do for neuropathy.

 

[Shanny]

Here's a little more research on the subject from bloodsugar101:

Research Connecting Organ Damage with Blood Sugar Level

 

[sixsierra]

My Two Cents

Zeb: I found out yesterday that the neuropathy is permanent nerve damage and it is not reversible. The numbness will never go away. There is treatment for the shooting pains, it will take sometime to find out what will work best. My foot doctor told me that he can do a biopsy of the nerves in my feet and around the knee area and there is surgery that can be done as a last resort. If the Gabapentin doesn't work after increasing the dose, he said that we can try Lyrica. Lyrica is much more expensive than Gabapentin. Oh, the best thing I can do is to keep my bs under control, that is the only thing that one can do for neuropathy.

As I mentioned to you in another one of your posts I take Lyrica. In fact I take the maxium dosage of 300mg per day. 150mg in AM and 150mg before going to bed. I have neuropathy in all limbs and Lyrica really works for me. Oh sure I may experience a slight tingle from time to time but for the most part it is quite controlled. It does not awaken me during the night. Yes unfortunately there is nothing that can be done for it and sure wish there were!!!

 

[sixsierra]

No-Mask

I do struggle with the mask sometimes, but you're so right, Zeb, I never try to sleep without it. I hadn't heard about the no-mask thing, but I just googled it, and that's quite a contraption! It would take some getting used to for me because I've never used the nasal pillows, but wouldn't it be nice to get rid of the headgear!

My wife recently was changed from the cpap mask to the no-mask thing and she loves it. I have to say I am a bit jealous and wish I didn't have to use that blankety blank blank mask myself but I doubt my insurance is going to fork over the money just to let me have a little extra comfort.

 

[Shanny]

I may have a conversation with my provider about this "no-mask", since I'm going to need a new machine before too much longer anyhow. Mine rolled over 14,000 hours this week! Maybe they'll have more to offer now than when I got it in 2005!

 

[pdesbarres]

I have been diagnosed with diabetes for 17 years and have been on insulin for 12. About 10 years ago I suddenly started having a lot of pain in my hands and feet, and was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. For about a year I could barely walk without a cane. I went to a neurologist who did a nerve conduction test and something that tested the impact on leg muscles (a lot of needles).

The neurologist prescribed Gabapentin, and I took about 16 pills throughout the day. It apparently is intended as an anti-seizure Med, but has a side effect of helping with nerve pain. After a couple of months the constant pain had subsided. However, there are flare-ups.

I had a follow-up nerve and muscle test last year, and as expected as a progressive disease, it has spread up my legs, and the flare ups are closer together. My leg muscles are also severely deteriorated without nerve stimulation. However, the pills keep the pain down.

I have the worst and most common pain at night. The doctor prescribed Amitriptyline to only be taken at night. It sure takes the pain away and knocks me out for a long night's sleep. However, through to the afternoon of the next day, my whole body feels numb and tingly, and my mind is even a bit numb (more than usual ). I try to only take it when the pain is really bad.

Apparently, nothing can keep neuropathy from progressing, but the pain can be managed.

By the way, I just turned 40 years old.

Paul

 

[Shanny]

Welcome aboard, Paul. Amitriptyline/elavil is a good sleep aid, that's for sure . . . how big a dose are you taking?

 

[Strawberry]

I have neuropathy in my feet, legs and hands. I've also had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. I found this link on another diabetes board and since it is not selling anything, I hope it is ok to post it here. The information presented on this link is quite interesting. I've been taking these supplements for about six months now. It obviously doesn't cure the pain, but in my case it did make it a little more tolerable. If "mods" feel it isn't appropriate - then I apologize ahead of time. DPN Cocktail

 

[pdesbarres]

Hi Shabby. I take 25 mg.

 

[Shanny]

Hi Shabby. I take 25 mg.

That's a nice moderate dosage - I'm glad it works so well for you!

Strawberry? That's an excellent article on DPN, and we surely have no objections to a little input from DD now & then . . . several of the rest of us visit over there too. Thanks!

 

[righteousdude2]

Neuropathy is Not a Respector of ANY Body Part

I feel your pain, breezeonby. . . It's in my feet, ankles, and now it's moving to the hands, and, like you, I am controlling my sugars pretty well. My last A1C was 6.5.

I get so frustrated at times. It seems that exercise, diet, taking my medicine, and positive thoughts are not enough. I have discovered that diabetes is not only a chronic disease; it is a creeping disease. Like a vine of ivy, it just continues to creep into just about every part of the human body, and there seems little we can do to stop it!

At times I feel like giving up. I work out four to five days a week. And a work out is no less than an hour of weights, stretching, isometrics, recumbent bike, and a brisk walks. I also include balancing exercises, because the neuropathy in the feet has severely compromised my ability to balance myself.

It seems like I've been fighting diabetes and neuropathy longer than 16 years (diagnosed in 1995), and each day, seems to take a larger bite out of my sanity and physical wellbeing!

While I'm talking about biting, let me also add that diabetes has taken a major chunk of my teeth. I now wear both upper and lower partials.

If that's not bad enough, the most recent diagnosis is that neuropathy is starting to affect my digestive system.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: I'd hate to think what my health would look like if I wasn't doing all the things I've been told I need to do? :loco:

Thanks God for this, and other fine Forums for us to write about our fears, concerns, frustrations, worries, problems, questions, and just "vent".

Hang in there. You'll soon be 60 . . .

Shalom,

Pastor Paul

 

[skyangl55]

neuropathy knows no age

10 days ago I had surgery on my left wrist/hand for carpal tunnel release. I had an EMG/CNS which led to the diagnosis of carpal tunnel. For the last three nights, I have been waking up in the middle of the night with numbness in my hand and pain that travels up my arm. I was told by the doctor who conducted the EMG that I probably had neuropathy in my hand as well as carpal tunnel syndrome. I have neuropathy in my feet and take a low dose of gabapentin. The gabapentin helps some, but I still have numbness and pain. I experience most of my symptoms at night. I am very frustrated with the hand problem. What is the best type of doctor to treat neuropathy? My primary care physician is an internal medicine doctor. He has been practicing since 1998. I do not feel he has the knowledge to treat neuropathy. My foot doctor is treating the neuropathy in my feet. From what I have read, neuropathy is usually the result of high blood sugars for long periods of time. I have had diabetes for 10 years. I treated my diabetes for 6 years and then went through a period of about two years without any treatment and no testing. I am now treating my diabetes again and have good blood sugar control. Is neuropathy permanent? Does anyone know anything about neuropathy and treatment options? I also take pain medication for arthritis and I take a dose at bedtime but it only lasts for 4-6 hours. I am up several times during the night because of the numbness and pain. I keep a sleep diary for my chronic insomnia at the request of my sleep specialist. All of my health problems are wearing me out. I just turned 50 and feel that I am too young for all my health problems.

I have has neuropathy from day 1 of being diagnosed and my sugars were so low and well within the AIC range that they took me off injections almost 3 yrs ago.15 yrs ago I was 42 and suffering with mind bending pain even then.Cheer up old girl lol maybe they'll find a cure in our lifetime

 

[marshagolightly]

I too have dealt with the mind bending pain of neuropathy. I asked for a referral to a pain specialist. She was a godsend to me. Physical therapy along with a drug protocol of 300mg of Neurontin 3x per day and Tramadol 50mg 3x per day helped me immensely. Those things along with my endo and I getting my BS down and getting it controlled. I am now off the Tramadol for 3 months. Weaning off the Neurontin now. I still do my physical therapy exercises daily even though that was officially over months ago. I hope you find what works. Oh by the way Tramadol did not give me the yucks like the narcotics my PCP had me taking. Tramadol is narcotic like, but is not an official narcotic.

 

[skyangl55]

I too have dealt with the mind bending pain of neuropathy. I asked for a referral to a pain specialist. She was a godsend to me. Physical therapy along with a drug protocol of 300mg of Neurontin 3x per day and Tramadol 50mg 3x per day helped me immensely. Those things along with my endo and I getting my BS down and getting it controlled. I am now off the Tramadol for 3 months. Weaning off the Neurontin now. I still do my physical therapy exercises daily even though that was officially over months ago. I hope you find what works. Oh by the way Tramadol did not give me the yucks like the narcotics my PCP had me taking. Tramadol is narcotic like, but is not an official narcotic.

My pain management dr had me trying all different meds like neurontin,lyrica which made my hands and feet swell up like water balloons,I currently take 80 mg oxycontin every 8 hrs and 15 mg oxycodone for break through but as much meds as I take theres always that knife piercing pain from my feet up to the top of my shins and along with those i take 1 mg of xanax when needed and use zostrix which really doesn't help much but at this point I'm willing to try anything so any suggestions you haver would be deeply appreciated at this point.GOD BLESS YOU HAVE A GOOD NITE