Undiagnosed - am i worrying over nothing?

[rpdr]

Hi all,

I'm new here I am writing in because I had had tingling/muscle twitching sensations in my feet on and off for about a year. I first noticed it after a weekend where I drank a bit too much. I am not an alcoholic but for the past couple of years I have drunk more than beforehand. These tingling sensations usually go away after a couple of days, but alcohol seems to be the trigger for it - if i have a drink, I will notice the tingling/twitching within half an hour usually. It isnt super painful, nor is it numb, but it is disconcerting and sometimes bothersome. My feet have had a few muscle issues for a few years from tendonitis that doesn't seem to clear up ( a separate issue - but i do wonder if, when my blood alcohol goes up, my muscles get irritated or something?). I asked a rheumatologist if he thought it could be PN and he said no, did a quick test with a needle and said it wasn't neuropathy. I was concerned that it might be, and im going to see my GP next week to get a second opinion. Up until last year, i never drank loads, but recently started to drink more casually. I am a bit concerned that I have managed to give myself alcoholic neuropathy, but it seems you need to be drinking a really high amount for quite a long time. I am 24, and given that I've not drank masses for years, I would feel quite unlucky! Can anyone give any opinions/advice? Thanks!

[RoadRunner44]

Although I am experiencing neuropathy in my hands and feet I can't offer any advice because I'm hoping to have some investigations soon. As I have kidney disease and am prediabetic I believe my symptoms are linked to this.

If you do see your doctor soon I'd be interested to hear what he/she says.

You are young, if your neuropathy is caused by alcohol you are in a position to do something about it. We only have one life so keep as healthy as you can. Best wishes, chrys

[sunyday-anyday]

Your honesty is to be admire, for not hiding the doubts you have about drinking. The main thing is alcohol afects directly our central nervous system ( which includes the brain comand, the spinal cord with all its complex nerve ramifications in all our organs, limbs: hands and legs, the entire functions and coordination of our muscles) Your heart has muscles, pumping hard to distribute oxigenated blood from lungs to your body ( hands and feet). Problem is complex... The alcohol contribute to a disruptive reaction into your nervous system, and a bunch of red lights are sent to you as warning your body suffers and is not happy. Keeping the bottle close by will become the only thing you are worth for, locked in a bottle, Sober up, and go ON keeping a healthy lifestyle

[Micapathy]

Hi there .

First of all : There is no such thing as " a quick test with a needle and said it wasn't neuropathy " . Shocked.

These tests take time and expertise. With all the respect a reumatologist is no neurologist.

You need to get a full ERG test and added to it an ultrasound.

One of the reasons people get PN is alcohol!. And what is a massive amount of alcohol for person A might be normal for person B.

Besides that make sure they check : Vitamine B & D, check for diabetes etc.

And add to that that PN is a slowly worsening disease. So a test from a year ago tells you nothing about the current situation.

Good you stopped drinking , that's a great achievement.

Take care

[P_neuropathy]

Please stop drinking, even if you dont consider yourself an alcoholic, if you are unable to stop due to this horrible illness you are starting to have,then you are might have an issue with alcohol. I wish I was you and could stop my illness from getting worse. Also alcohol consumption will prevent doctors from looking for second or potentially primary cause. Good luck to you. I am an Alcoholic so you can always shoot me a note if you need help living without alcohol.

[Unhappydog1]

Yes. Listen to your mom. STOP drinking.