Diabetic Neuropathy

Anyone dealt with Neuropathy?  46 year old male, Type 1 since 1982 - just diagnosed w/neuropathy - not enjoying it - any suggestions?

[warrenr1]

Sorry about your diagnosis.  The first thing I would say to you is that you are extremely lucky that you have kept the big N away for so long.  I forget the exact statistics at the moment, however, its somthing like 85% of all Diabetics will develop some Neuropathy in the first 7 years of a Diabetes diagnosis. In fact, it is quite often, particularly in type 2 Diabetics, that Neuropathy is the first symptom of Diabetes.  Given that, it is still a serious complication and can reek havoc on ones nerves.  I have had Neuropathy for around 15-20 years now. I also have autnomic neuropathy, which is no picnic. Unfortunatley there is not a lot that can be done for Neuropathy. The first line medication is usually Neurontin (Gabapentin). There are a few others that have been approved for treatment and they include Lyrica and Cymbalta can be used as an off label treatment.  Sometimes a combination of 2 of them will be used.  Currently I am on Neurontin. It helps, however, Neuropathy can be very insidious and the medications are not a panacea. I have an extreme about of pain and I am on 900mgs.  Also, when I wake up in the morning I can barley feel my legs. I could stand in my shower and turn up the hand held shower to the highest level and I would not feel the heat at all on my left leg. It has got that bad.  Also, I have it in my arms and hands and another area that will remain non mentioned.  I don't want to be a total pessamist, however.  There are some things you can do.  The best thing you can do is try to stay in tight control with your Diabetes. The tighter the control, the less likely you will have rapid progression of the Neuropathy complication. Praying a lot is probaly not a bad idea as well.  Other than that, there is not a lot you can do. Any more questions, please feel free to contact me. Doesn't this disease suck?