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Neuropathy
Several years ago I began to experience numb spots on my feet. They weren't "dead" spots....but numb - like certain areas of my feet had just fallen asleep. At times there would be pain involved, and at times the lack of feeling would cause me to fall. Neurologists ran tests ruling out Multiple Sclerosis on more than one occasion. But while they could tell me what it wasn't, no one seemed to be able to tell me what was actually wrong. When I was diagnosed with diabetes, it was then assumed that I was suffering from Diabetic Neuropathy. However, this condition is a complication of diabetes that usually doesn't appear until years after the diabetes has gone uncontrolled.
So...whether I suffer from Diabetic Neuropathy, or some other form of peripheral neuropathy, I cannot tell you. What I can tell you is that over the years it has progressed to the point that I am now in a wheelchair 95% of the time (if not more). The pain I experience with the nerve damage in my feet cannot be put into words. At times it is simply a very deep throbbing ache. At other times I experience sharp, shooting pains through my toes. There are times when I think that if I look down at my feet I will certainly see blood running between my toes, because that is the sensation I am experiencing. Quite often my feet feel icey cold when no other part of my body does. And when the neuropathy is at it's worst, I cannot bear to have anything touch my feet. Even laying in bed with the sheet over me is too terrible to contemplate because the skin is so extremely sensitive to touch.
While I have been assured that losing weight can only help the situation, no one is able to tell me whether I will ever be completely free of the wheelchair. While nerves will heal and regenerate themselves to a point, the probability is that the damage to the nerves in my feet has been too extensive over too long a period of time.
Membership services include: Explaining Neuropathy, Bulletin Board, News and Announcements, Support Groups and more.
Diabetes A-Z List of Topics and Titles. Offers information on treatments, complications, statistics, clinical trials, resources, and more.
This site gives an overview and offers information on risk factors and causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and finding a neurologist. The site also offers videos for viewing.
Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes. Learn about the symptoms, causes and different types of neuropathy, as well as treatment information. ...
Diabetic Neuropathy offers: Definition, Cause, Treatment and Prevention
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