Peripheral Nueropathy

[plain_old_donut]

A question about PN:

My dr tested for blood sugar because of suspected PN, yet my glucose was only 117, just slightly elevated. Is PN in celiac paitents caused by something other than glucose? Is it a direct sympton of CD? If so, do the symptoms diminish with a gf diet?

I only have it in my toes, and some days it is quite painful, while on other days it is just uncomfortable. I have not tried keeping a food journal.

I will find out the results of my Celiac Panel next week, maybe I'll have some info by then.

Thanks for any input.

[aklap]

PN can be caused my many things. In 70+ % of the cases it's dx'ed as Idiopathic [no known cause]. Diabetes is a very common culprit. The high blood glucose damages the nerves.

CD can cause PN in 2 ways - 1) Malabsorption from damaged villi. You are not getting enough B12, B1, B6, Vit E. 2) Gluten itself can cause neurological problems without malabsorption issues.

Have you been to a neuro for a full work up? They can run some tests that can tell what type and the extent of the damage.

I would asked to get your B12 tested.

I was on Anti-Seizure meds for my PN pain [these drugs have a pain/nerve block effect too]. I was about ask for my meds to up'ed because it was so painful and I couldn't take it any more [I have a I pain tolerance level too]. At that time I started removing/reducing dairy as an experiment. I was able to remove the PN meds completely after reducing the dairy. Coincidence? I don't know. I had several neuro things going on before I went GF. I had numbness, burning, tingling, shooting pain in my toes. I had buzzing/vibrating sensation in my forearms. I had "bee stings" all over my body. After I went GF, the buzzing, the bee stings stopped. I still have all the PN sx's in my toes/feet, some in my legs, some in my hands. I don't have anywhere near the pain that I had at first.

You might check out The Gluten File's PN section.
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[nancw]

I agree with Al on all points, and I unfortunately have shared/still do share these symptoms with him.
Did you do a fasting (12 hr) glucose test? If so, your level is in the pre-diabetic range, and reason for some concern. My understanding is that PN does not present in diabetes until you have passed a certain point in the progression of the disease, and it's usually later than earlier. However, all the literature about diabetes awareness lists tingling (PN) as a symptom that one should follow up on w/ your doc.
I had the worst PN on my life last Saturday and I assume it was due to a large intake of soy the day before - I can think of no other explanation. It was gone the next day. I even went to see my PCP yesterday because it freaked me out, but it was a one-sided conversation about my food issues, and she did not think it was diabetes related nor did she suggest seeing a neuro. For me the PN seems to be directly related to a glutening or now, apparently, soy.
(edited to add - sometimes PN can also be related to hormonal changes and perimenopause).
Let us know how the panel turns out.
_________________
Nance

gluten, dairy, soy, rice, yeast and 99% grain-free