Disabling Itching from PDN?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2001
Disabling Itching from PDN?
7
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 2:13pm

HI Mary Frances and everyone,

I have been diagnosed with a "mild" case of Peripheral Diabetic Neuropathy It began in February with a tingling sensation. That seems to have diminished, to be replaced by intense disabling itching. I do not know if the itching is caused by the neuropathy. Can anyone help me by sharing their knowledge and/or experience? Of course I will see my primary care physician soon, bumping up my July 19 appointment. I have some temporary relief by soaking in a warm tub with a prepared oatmeal solution usually used for poison ivy, sumac or eczema. I have no rash. I suppose it could be one or more of my medications, too, but none of them are new to my regimen. It's a mystery that I must solve.

Best wishes,

Paul

Edited 6/5/2007 2:17 pm ET by castaway




Edited 6/5/2007 3:44 pm ET by castaway

Castaway


A Friend in Recovery


Paul

Avatar for cl_coldfingers
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 2:36pm
Hi Paul I have no experience or real knowledge on this one but could you take Benadryl?

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 06-05-2007 - 11:46pm

Paul,


Itching is the lowest form of pain and yes, it is probably caused by your neuropathy. I am glad that soaking helps but please be careful. You can burn yourself with out realizing it and I don't want that to happen to

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2001
Wed, 06-06-2007 - 12:54pm

HI Mary Frances,

Thank you very much, Mary Frances. I'm careful not to soak in really hot water, just warm. I let the water cool down a bit after preparing the colloidal oatmeal formula. I was able to get an appointment on Friday with my PCP. Dr.s appointments seem to be a major part of my life of late. Thanks again for your words so kind. I did read. I think at e-zine that fully 20% of diabetic folks maintaining excellent control of their blood glucose get some degree of PDN. All that I know is with God's help I'm doing the best I can.

Best wishes,

Paul

Castaway


A Friend in Recovery


Paul

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 06-06-2007 - 6:42pm

Hey Paul,


My brain froze last night. Lidocaine is an anesthestic and not an analgesic. :-( Both start with an "a" !


I am hoping for relief when you see your doctor. Did you decided to try the Lyrcia or not?


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2001
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 11:43am

HI Mary Frances,

I haven't decided on taking the Lyrica yet. I am already on one seizure med (keppra) and a med for hypertension and heart rhythm, though at my age (older than most dirt) there may be issues that would say no. I'll have to talk to my PCP tomorrow and he will probably want an opinion from my neurologist (and maybe the US congress, too) just kidding. These guys sometimes play patient ping-pong but I guess it's in my best interest. Our litigious society has made the medical caregivers very careful. If not Lyrica I hope there is some oral medication for the itching. I think I can avoid atrophy and further complications by mantaining good control. Oh, by the way angel begins with "A", also. Take care.

Best wishes,

Paul




Edited 6/7/2007 5:04 pm ET by castaway

Castaway


A Friend in Recovery


Paul

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 06-07-2007 - 10:45pm

Paul,


You always make me smile! Good luck with the doctor. I look forward to hearing what he suggests.


Have a good weekend,


iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2001
Fri, 06-08-2007 - 3:16pm

HI MaryFrances,

I want to thank you very much for the "heads up" about Lyrica. My PCP wrote a prescription for me this morning and endorsed it as an effective treatment for PDN. He said the major side effect may be some tiredness, but I understand that is true of many drugs. Sometimes that goes away in time. My cardiologist whom I saw an hour later agrees with Lyrica use. He said it could cause some fluid retention but that wouldn't mean heart failure and if it otherwise works not to worry about. I am most fortunate to have such a great medical team and, you know what----I consider you, Mary-Francis a valuable member of that team. God bless you.

Best wishes

Paul




Edited 6/10/2007 11:16 am ET by castaway

Castaway


A Friend in Recovery


Paul