Peripheral Neuropathy

[theoldboiler]

I am nearly 60 and have ALD with lots of lovely varying gastric/abdominal symptoms but currently have on and off, quite severe peripheral neuropathy symptoms in my feet. Is this common in ALD people? Thanks for any comments/help. Wendy

[Millie09]

Hi Wendy,.I am similar to you ,I am 58 , ALD diagnosed in 2008 , I too have peripheral neuropathy, started in my legs, then my feet and ankles.

I am taking pregabalin to help with this condition , I do have restless legs now and again but I have chronic pain in my lower back.

I do find the meds helps especially with neuropathy, only downside is the weight increase that is a side effect

Hope you are keeping well otherwise 🙂

[theoldboiler in reply to Millie09]

Thank you Millie, doing Ok but it would be lovely to have a day with no symptoms of anything!

[Millie09 in reply to theoldboiler]

I totally understand, have you spoken to your GP about it All , I was referred to pain management, that's where I was first given my prescription etc.. I feel for you and I wished I could suggest something otherwise 😔

[theoldboiler in reply to Millie09]

I talk to GP regularly and have a consultant gastroenterologist to see whenever I need to. There is no real treatment for peripheral neuropathy as far as I am aware and I am afraid pregabalin is not an option

[Millie09 in reply to theoldboiler]

That's good news you have regular contact etc .. Oh I see, I do find pregabalin helps me especially at night time

[JimmyJackson]

Hi I to suffer with Peripheral neuropathy interesting that it can be attributed to cirrhosis as previously been told it was due to an anaesthetic used in a bowel cancer op. I live with it as not that bad & no treatment available Hope you get some respite

[theoldboiler in reply to JimmyJackson]

Thank you Jimmy, there are loads of causes according to my reading, it may also have a hereditary element as my Dad has it. He was told his was because of taking statins! I live with mine too, uncomfortable and only occasionally very painful

[mumof3girls]

My hubby has Neuropathy too. He has had it for about 2 years, but he has got worse. He has only just been diagnosed with Cirrhosis. When hubby was diagnosed with Neuropathy he was told to reduce or stop drinking or the neuropathy would get worse. Hubby says it is like having bags of water tied to his feet. It makes him stumble. Hubby says his feet feel numb and he sometimes complains about pain too.

[theoldboiler in reply to mumof3girls]

Sounds like me- sensations are all over the place, sometimes numb, sometimes tingling, sometimes hot, sometimes cold, sometimes painful, sometimes very painful. GP has said there really isn't anything we can do but talking to her next week as it is getting worse quite rapidly

[mumof3girls in reply to theoldboiler]

My hubby is 59 in April. He was originally told that the neuropathy should improve once he stops drinking. However if he keeps drinking and then stops, he may not get a full recovery and may still be left with some numbness. The Hepatologist last week also said that the Neuropathy symptoms should improve if hubby gives up the booze.

[theoldboiler in reply to mumof3girls]

59 in May. I am sober now but am an alcoholic, mine is still worsening I am afraid. It won't kill me but it does mean that on a bad day it affects my life

[mumof3girls in reply to theoldboiler]

Oh no, well I dont think I will tell hubby that just yet. Are you aware that you might be entitled to a Blue Badge, dependingvon how much it affects your mobility?

[theoldboiler in reply to mumof3girls]

I don't go anywhere but not because of my feet!