Diabetic Neuropathy question?

I was diagnosed 1 year ago with type 2 diabetes. The way I found out was I went to the dr. because of tingling and pain in my feet. I am on metformin and neurontin. I have an apt. with an endocrinoligist mid March but am very concrened with my foot. Mainly my right one. It hurts all the time with stinging sensations, numbness, tenderness and extreme sensetivity to the touch. I am so afraid of losing my foot and was wondering if there is anyone that knows of anything to do for the pain or has had any experiences like this with their feet. Does massage help with the circulation? I will of course talk to my dr. about it but would sure like some help in the meantime. Does walking help with the pain? I know it is good for the circulation. Is neuropathy considered a disability? Thanks so much for your input.

My husband suffers fron Neuropathy of the feet for many years. He is also on Neurontin. It helps some, but does not completely take all the pain away. Over the years the Neurontin has become less helpful with his pain.

Here are some ideas you might want to discuss with your doctor:

1. Keeping you blood sugar under control: It has been shown that high blood glucose, or ups and down numbers can actually make Neuropathy worse.

2. Exercise - exercise increases circulation. It will also help with your pain.

3. Have you tryed a product that you can get over the counter at Wal - Mart or any drugstore called Capzasin? You can get it in a liquid applicator or cream. My husband has tryed the liquid. He says it helps.

4.Alpha Lipoic Acic 200mg 2x daily, also Fish Oil 1000, 2x daily. My husband's endocrinoligist recommended he take these for his pain. He said it would help clear out the small blood vessels in his feet.

5.Here are two prescription drugs that is recommended for Neuropathy. My husband has not taken either so I can't say if they work or not. You might suggest these to your doctor and get his opinon.

1. Lyrica - This is their statement on how it works: Lyrica is design specifically to treat 2 of the most commom types of nerve pain. Lyrica works within the body to calm the damaged nerves that cause pain. It can reduce the stabbing, burning, and shooting symptoms.

2. Cymbalta 60 - 120 mg: This drug also helps control neuropathy pain. It is also helps with depression that sometimes goes along with diabetes and pain.

You asked if massage helps with circulation. I think it helps for a short time. I take lotion and rub my husband's feet. I start about middle of his foot and push upwards. I try to push the blood up into his toes. This seems to give him some relief for awhile.

If you haven't already, you might want to ask your doctor about diabetic shoes. My husband has these. They seem to comfort his feet. They are made epecially for diabetics and are made of breathable leather with rounded toes.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Are you asking if Neuropathy is a disability in the eyes of the government? As in qualifying for disability?

I have supplied you with the link to a site that has good information and links regarding diabetes and ways to deal with it.

Best wishes,
Michael

wife had bad circ. in right leg, {diabetic} conv. her to get mass. therapy, w/couple months skin like silk. neropathy is considered disability only when you no longer can stand to do your work, had friend same prob. she rec. got disability, after long fight w/med. no walking don't help w/pain.

There are types of shoes you can get to help with this pain.
Check out Croc. com . They have the best feeling diabetic shoes on the market . I love them . Good luck with the Drs.

Neuropathy is a way of life when you are a diabetic. The pain and tingling will never go away. Oh they can give you pills for it, (lyrica) but they have so many side effects. My feet bother me mostly at night. The burning and tingling keep me awake. So I started putting on a pair of socks, getting an icepack, put a light towel over it, and rest my feet on it for about half an hour before I go to bed. It really helps me a lot. You should be walking any how, it helps control your sugar and is good for circulation. I don't think it's considered a disability.