So, about 4 years ago I started occasionally waking up in the middle of the night with a searing pain on my feet. I swear it felt as if someone mistakenly thought my foot was a hunk of pine and decided to test out their wood burning kit on it! OUCH!
I went to the doctor and he said, "Oh you have diabetic neuropathy." So I say, "Ok, what do we do for that?" "Um, pretty much nothing" HUH?
My doctor told me that basically, 60% of diabetics have this and well, sorry dude it comes with the territory. No help, no medicine, no surgery. nada. except of course the burning.
As if Diabeties wasn't enough. I mean, I know I did not order the package deal so WTF? (can you tell I am a bit touchy on this subject?)
After a few deep breaths and counting to 10 a few hundred times, I realized that this was just another one of the complications that I face having the Bete.
Years later it continues to get worse so about 6 months ago my last doctor, who I no longer see, gave me some medicine to take for the neuropathy that he said would help. Now, I don't drive a forklift at work but honestly, I am scared to work a spoon while on this crap! It made me feel a little like Jabba the Hut (all squishy and blobbish) and I sounded a lot like that guy from Fat Albert (Haybee Buh-Baybee). It was awful and I refuse to turn myself into even more of a blubbering idiot so I guess I enjoy the pain :(
The newest problem is numbness. In between the small grenades going off under my feet now and then there is this wonderful tingling numbness that is going on all day and all night. I told my newest Dr. and he says, "I feel a pulse so you are fine."
So, the day I don't feel a pulse is when I lose all my piggies? Is that how it works? Isn't there some treatment or some way to prevent it from getting any worse? I would love some feedback on this. I am concerned but no one really seems to think its a big deal.
Except the one that has Roast Beef, he is worried!
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3 comments:
Hey G-Money! (Sorry, I call everyone I know who's name starts with a G that...)
How's the exercise going?
Neuropathy is a common complication. I've been fortunate so far, and don't have much beyond the odd "tingle" now and again, but have many friends who struggle with it.
I think what it comes down to is the protective coating around the nerves in your feet that has been worn away over time with diabetes. It can be downright painful, and yet, there's not much one can do about it.
As time goes on, most people I know will lose the feeling in their feet or toes, and that is where the possibility of an injury that you don't feel can raise the chances of an infection. It's when the infection doesn't heal that they will start to talk amputation.
I do also believe that neuropathy can be reversed or slowed by excellent BG control (like everything, and that 'excellent control" they talk about is always easier said than done).
I wish I had some hints on how to make it more comfortable, but I don't. Just be real sure to take good care of your feet - checking them nightly for injuries or trouble spots, keeping them lotioned, etc.
Hang in there, honey! I'm glad that you're starting to stare this disease in the face. Keep doing what you're doing and I'll try harder to support you and our family.
I'm so proud of you and your courage inspires me. I'm taking note of all of these diabetic care suggestions ....... you know my memory is long.
I love you forever, I'll like you for always.......you know the rest.
Jazz
Scott, thanks for your words of encouragement. You are a cool guy and did I tell you my middle name is Scott? w00t!
Excersise has been okay, I have been battleing a cold and my family is still trying to beat it! YUCK!
I will keep an eye on my feet and start exercising more too. I would imaging that better circulation should help some too.
You can always call me G-Money even tho I don't have any! LOL
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