Icandothis2013

Not asking for medical advice - just your experience please !


Hi, I am sorry to keep posting on this but it is really bugging me and I won't be able to see a doctor until Tuesday ( because if weekend/public holidays etc) . What started as a tingling in one foot has now become EXCRUCIATING pain in both feet ...it is getting much worse . I find it odd as I cut down and then stopped drinking completely for five months and then only really picked up intermittently in the last few weeks ( and then totally stopped 8 days ago) Why would it appear now instead of at the time when I was drinking most ? . The doctor says that as the nerves degenerate slowly the can be a lag between stopping/reducing drinking and its appearance . Have any of you had this ? Ie it gets WORSE not better when you stop drinking ...does it eventually resolve ? . I am sorry to repost on this subject but I am desperate and in great pain .
Thanks Sx

Aellyce

Hi, sorry to hear you are suffering. Have you had a thorough blood test recently? I have no experience with neuropathy per se, but at one point I thought I had it. Had symptoms similar to what you describe in my feet, started with tingling sensations, then pain, and eventually numbness in some areas that persisted for a couple weeks. Turned out that in my case, it was most likely caused by overdosing on nutritional supplements, one that has high doses of B vitamins in particular. I was taking it religiously as a heavy drinker, thinking it might prevent the vitamin B deficiencies often caused by excessive drinking. I stopped and all the symptoms in my feet resolved within a few days.

Nutritional deficiencies can also cause similar nerve symptoms, why I am suggesting to investigate that as well in addition to neuropathy.

I hope you find something that helps!

HeartsAfire

Is there an ER or emergency clinic you can visit? You've used the words "excruciating pain", "getting worse", "great pain" & "desperate." Maybe getting somewhere before Tuesday would be a good call.

Taking5

Have you been to see a Dr. yet? How do you even know this is alcoholic neuropathy?

ScottFromWI

Excruciating unexplained pain in any part of your body would warrant a trip to the ER if you feel it's that bad.

Icandothis2013

Thank you Scott. Yes I went to the ER .. They too are convinced it is peripheral neuropathy induced by alcohol. I am just so thrown by the fact it can apparently hit you AFTER you stop drinking . Have you heard of this happening ?

jezza

Lots of weird stuff happens after stopping drinking & can go on for months!! The body needs time to recover especially after years of constant poisoning. You're doing the right thing by getting checked out.. Just make sure you're getting plenty of fluids & eating healthy... Exercise will also aid in your recovery.. Wishing you well.

Icandothis2013

Thank you Jezza. Sound advice. They gave me Gabapentin ( Neurontin) Had anyone had experience of that ??

SolitaryThinker

I take 3 doses of gabapentin a day, for anxiety/bi polarish circumstances. It seems to help but leaves a funny taste in my mouth.

KDBnSLC

I have something called Plantar Faciitis. I have similar symptoms, but not excruciating. Maybe a stop at the ER would be good.

ESD907

ER's are there to tape you up, or admit you, not to diagnose any problems. They will simply say see your doctor, or refer you to a specialists unless something is bleeding, broken, heart problems, or outward signs of something very wrong internally. NOW, let me ask you is it pain in the foot bones? IT can be simple inflammation, which is very painful, and varies greatly upon diet and like someone else said under or over consumption of certain minerals and vitamins. Glad you have that appt set up for tuesday. IF you feel very strongly about it, get back to the ER, and explain whatever is occuring.... swollen? thumping? tell them everything, say whereever it hurts on body, does it radiate? etc. does it hurt more to walk? does it help to elevate, is it better with soft shoes (like crocs)? write down every detail.

PurpleKnight

Best getting checked out!! Just to be safe!!

SolitaryThinker

Yea, all my problems started to subside once I gave in and let the medical field take over

SolitaryThinker

Nice icon purple, cool spot

Keeping it in the day

I am following your posts because I have exactly the same problem
I have been given codeine and naproxen. Do you get the pain on the top of you feet and also in the sides? A burning sensation or sharp stabbing pain like a muscle cramping up? I have had an xray of my feet which was normal. I want to get an mri scan but I think the only true way to diagnose this properly would be to see a neurologist for nerve conduction tests and possible muscle biopsy. I am back at work in a job I love and came close to losing. Still drinking many units on days off though. I hope you get this sorted and a big well done for your sobriety. I know it might not be much comfort but it could have been so much worse. Your liver is ok and it sounds like your body is starting to heal itself.
I am starting to believe that our bodies are an amazing piece of kit and a temple within. Take care, Jude

Icandothis2013

Hi Jude, I get pain/tingling/numbness in my toes and occasional shooting pains up my feet into ankles. Recently, my pinky on my left hand seems to have gone numb too. This all happened AFTER I stopped drinking which is why I find it so mysterious/scary ! Xx

Keeping it in the day

My pinky also has altered sensation. I was told by a GP very experienced in alcoholism that it is a common side effect of drinking. My finger is a lot worse after I have put pressure on my elbow, ie when sitting in front of my laptop. I am 50 years of age and I know that carpal tunnel syndrome is very common in nurses with the nerve radiating from the wrist getting disturbed signals which makes the fingers tingle. That aside, I am sure the drinking hasn't helped. As I and other people have suggested, go back to the doctor at the earliest opportunity and don't be fobbed off because your symptoms need investigating. There may be much that can be done to stop them getting any worse and now that you no longer have the alcohol on board I think you should insist on getting good treatment because you have taken the right steps and shown that you are prepared to be responsible for your own health. Jude�� PS Are you in the UK by any chance? I am (West Sussex) You mentioned a public holiday in one of your posts which I am guessing is the August bank holiday tomorrow.

Icandothis2013

Have sent you a PM Keeping it in the Day !

DefconOne

I'm in the same boat. Tingling in the feet, dull sensation. Swelling. I take meds for that. Shooting pain in the toes but not constant; it can be excruciating enough to want to bite down hard. Its worse at night. I try to wear comfortable shoes with good support or none at all while at rest. I have some very good days and some very bad days. I went to a doc and they gave me a nerve damage test and it was negative. Doc said it 'might' get better, and then again 'might' stay the same. I been sober 6 months, drank all my life, got the condition after I almost died from heart congestion. It sucks but I'm doing all I can and hoping it will get better. Good luck. I feel your pain.

Sasha4

In the UK, most hospitals have chronic pain clinics that expertly deal with neuropathic pain as well as other pains.

There are a lot of drinkers/ex drinkers seen in these clinics as drinking to relieve pain and self medicate is very common.

These specialists have much deeper understandings of pain and the best drugs and possible combinations for relief.

They also use non drug therapies and offer treatment like cupping, medical acupuncture and medical hypnosis.

I would ask your GP for a referral to your nearest pain clinic as soon as possible.
They will also be able to tell you why the pain is so persistent after you have stopped drinking.

I wish you the best