Diabetic Neuropathy

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2001
Diabetic Neuropathy
2
Thu, 07-26-2007 - 7:37pm

HI Mary Frances and Folks,

Well, it's been about four months now since I was diagnosed with this bothersome complicarion from long term Type 2 diabetes. I've had diabetes since I was around 50, I'll be 75 in October. I've been jugglng my medication Lyrica which Mary Frances told me about. It is helping very much. I originally started on 75mg daily and it helped immediately. My legs feel much better. Arms are pretty good, too. But the itching transferred to my torso, chest and back. Not as intense but it is there. My Dr. doubled my dosage to 150 mg. but I retained fluid and ha some edema in my feet. Not much and my cardiologist said not to worry about it, that it didn't mean heart failure. But I decided I would try 3 25mg daily and one 50mg at bedtime. That seems pretty effective withno swelling. What scares me the most is the threat of muscle waisting. I don't want to become a cripple. Maybe if I keep my blood sugars under control and walk everyday I can avoid that. Anyone have any experience with this? I never knew but I have learned between 20% to 33% of Type 2 diabetics get this stuff.

Be safe,
Pray for peace,
Best wishes,

Paul

Castaway


A Friend in Recovery


Paul

Avatar for cl_maryfrances40
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 07-27-2007 - 12:28am

Hi Paul,


I am glad that you are back for a visit. I am also glad that you are doing better. Are you able to get any exercise? If you are I would worry about muscle wasting. Walking or swimming would be good for you.


I didn't realize that you had been diabetic for 25 years. You have done amazingly well and are to be congratulated for your success. The statistics that you site are unfortunately true. But I am sure that you have had so many years without problems because you have worked hard to manage your disease.


How has your daughter done? I hope she hasn't developed diabetes.


I hope all of us can emulate your success.






iVillage Member
Registered: 12-17-2001
Fri, 07-27-2007 - 9:11am

HI Mary Frances,

I must exercise more. Lauren, my daughter and an RN is doing very well, Thanks for asking, Mary Frances. She stays very fit and is a gorgeous blond. AT 44 she looks 10 years younger----and that's after four kids. I am very proud of them all including my son-in-law Rob who is Vice-President for Toll Bros. a major home builder. I don't seem to have any strength loss presently other than what is normal for an old geezer. I plan to keep on keeping on. Thanks again, for everything.

Be safe,
Pray for peace,
Best wishes,

Paul

Castaway


A Friend in Recovery


Paul