PCOS-MEDICATION Messages for January, 2002: Diabetic Neurophathy (was: I am really scared..)

Diabetic Neurophathy (was: I am really scared..)

From: Renee (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 16 Jan 2002 22:21:17 -0800

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This isn't exactly correct.

Neuropathy is damage to the nerves. It is usually caused by a decrease in blood flow (arterial=from the heart to the limbs, venous=out of the limbs to the heart). The change in osmotic value from the difference in concentration of the blood due to high blood sugars can also contribute. It is very common in diabetics.

The pain is usually described as "stabbing," or "electrical/electric shocks." It is a "nerve pain." Elavil and Neurontin are two meds that are often used for this pain.

You can have neuropathy without arterial insufficiency, and vice versa. The turning purple is likely due to the vascular (circulation) compromise. Sometimes, the problem is that the small blood vessels are occluded. Other times, it is the large vessels. The large vessel problems may sometimes be addressed through surgery. Not much can be done for small vessel disease.

Both these problems result in a higher risk of foot problems. Anyone with diabetes, or arterial insufficiency, should see a podiatrist every 2 months, as cutting your own toenails can be harmful. A little nick,which would heal in anyone else, could cause a non-healing wound in someone with diabetes. Neuropathy results in the lack of noticing a problem. Someone could step on a nail, and not know about it. There could be an infection from a small cut, but they can't feel the pain from it. With arterial compromise, a problem will have difficulty healing. Blood is necessary to carry medicines, healthy blood cells, nutrients, proteins, antibodies, etc. to the site. If there is not enough blood flow, a problem will not heal well.

I see this every day. It can be bad, but with appropriate self-care and management, the risk of problems is decreased. 50-80% of diabetic amputations are preventable.

Renee

Panacea wrote: >
> At Mon, 14 Jan 2002, Barbra wrote:
> >
> >As for your mom...what is the diabetic neuropathy?what are the pains
> >like?
>
> I don't really know, she never really explained them in detail.
> Neuropathy is a constriction of the veins/blood flow, so her legs aren't
> getting all the blood they should. Her feet have turned purple for
> years, now her legs are doing it. I suppose it's like the sharp pains
> you get when something falls asleep, sorta.
>
> --
> Panacea

-- Renee Cordrey, MSPT, MPH, CWS

---

Don't follow in the footsteps of the masters. Seek what they sought. --Zen saying

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