Embarrassed to admit it.....

[jakatak]

Hello all....the trials and tribulations of my feet have been well documented. I have been on a cocktail of meds for quite some time. However, I am here to state that my feet have stabilized in the past couple weeks. The only numbness I have is from the surgery. No pain at all. The answer? Alcohol. My excessive drinking exacerbated my foot trouble. Remove the agitator and the pain is gone. Down this road before, but not with such determination this time.

[moose53]

((((((Jakatak)))))),

No pain, huh!!?? That is fan-tastic http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/moose53/MINIS/EXPRESSIVE/80.gif!!

This is a GREAT way to start a new year -- on a "new footing" (pun intended).

I hope your entire year goes this well, Jak.

Blessings and hugs.

Barb http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/moose53/MINIS/EXPRESSIVE/JC_goody.gif

[Silver Swan]

Hi Jak:

Sure hope you have found the answer to that foot pain. Have been checking for your posts but this is the first one I have seen for a long time.

Shirley H.

[nide44]

Hmmmmm........!!
This sounds very familiar.
I've been down this road, and do believe that I've mentioned it to you before.
If/when I take a drink, I expect a minor flare-up for the next few hours or the next day.
That's why I keep it to a minimum.
I learned about the relationship as soon as I was Dx'd-and went on the wagon
for 4 yrs before I tried to have that first drink again.
Remember, I've been dealing with this for almost 10 yrs now.
I've been around the block a few times.
If my experiences have been posted, and discounted... so be it.
But, I stick around...and try to help.

[jakatak]

Your statements were NOT discounted, but we all have to experience our own journey.
AFter my last post, I lost my way and didn't think it was the alcohol again!!!! But, after drinking and eating some sweets (not diabetic..but my glucose levels aren't that good) my feet went south again. I found that I had to double my Lyrica and immediately my feet felt better. I will try again.

[nide44]

Yes, ....... sugars !
Alcohol is converted to sugars. fairly quickly.
Sugar from candy or sweets is a more direct approach.
I am also a chocoholic and have to keep it down to a minimum, too.

[Pinsandneedles]

Some of you may remember my earlier posts when I was having trouble stopping the wine plus pills at night as I was getting such a good night's sleep from this crazy combination. It worked for a while but I was having to up the amount I was drinking to get the same results. Needless to say I paid for it in spades - not right away but after a month or so the neuropathy got soooo bad and spread like a weed to my thighs as well. You all encouraged me to stop and I did which was not easy and although the neuropathy is still there it isn't as bad not I'm not drinking. I still have trouble getting to sleep but then I guess most of us do. I think you are right about the sugar although I am not diabetic it still does aggrevate the nerves.

Pauline

[joy]

Hi Pauline. I am so glad to hear that your pn is not as bad as it was. It always makes me feel better to hear anyone say that as I surley don't want to hear anyone say it has gotten worse.

My pn may have started in my feet but it was so slow and not as apparent as the pain from trigeminal neuralgia in my face. That certainly got my attention. On holidays especially I would drink wine. After it became apparent that the wine was bringing on the pain, I have not had a glass of wine since. The pain lasted far longer than the pleasure of the wine did.
Insomnia makes everything worse and it is not an easy thing trying to balance pain, lack of sleep and all the things that take away from having good quality of life. It is awfully good to have people help point out things (for me anyway) that I might otherwise overlook as not being such a big deal. Unfortunately most things I have to learn for myself, the hard way. Not drinking that glass of wine was one of them for me.

[jakatak]

Certain alcohols have more negative impact on my feet. Without a doubt, champagne is an absolute killer for my feet. Course...drinking a whole bottle certainly doesn't help.

[Pattylyn]

That is very good news that your symptoms are at bay.

Could it be possible that the medications that you take to reduce your symptoms work efficiently when you are not drinking alcohol?

Or do you think that the alcohol itself actually causes your symptoms to get worse?

Patty

[nide44]

Both my doc & I are of the opinion that it is
the alcohol itself, regardless of any meds
or possible interactions.