What Is Going On With My Feet!

[Beth in NC]

My feet have been driving me nuts, mainly in the last couple weeks. I've been gluten-free...or trying...for three weeks. I have had several times when I feel like someone just shot a bolt of lightening out my big toe for example. Never had anything like that before. Also, at night it's almost like Restless Leg Syndrome, but it's my feet. I even tried to take some ibuprophen an hour before I went to bed but when I lay down, my feet start to hurt...like quick cramps in different spots. I can't hardly stand for them to touch each other either. It's not excruciating pain, but annoying pain that keeps me awake even after I've taken my regular medication for Restless Leg that has me snookered within an hour.

I'm also noticing brief shooting pains in my forearms and hands.

My diet right now only consists of chicken, rice, potatoes, grits, and grapes. Maybe I'm not getting what I need? I'm taking Cal/Mag supplements.

Any thoughts? I keep hearing about neuropathy, but this has all been happening SINCE diagnosis.

[ShayFL]

No that is NOT a balanced diet.

You need some VEGGIES....lots of green leafy kind. You are not getting hardly ANY iron or B12. And you are mostly eating carbs/sugars. Not good.

You need to add in some other meats, eggs, nuts plus VEGGIES. Eat the lower sugar fruits like blueberries.

Get on a good multiple because just taking a random few suppliments (i.e. Cal/Mag) can throw other nutrients out of balance. Nutrients taken in supplement form MUST be balanced. For instance for the Cal/Mag to work and not actually make matters worse, you also need Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Boron. You arent getting ANY of those in your restricted diet.

[Lisa]

Beth,

I have similar problems with my feet. When in bed at night, my feet hurt as if they were badly bruised and my calfs ache something terrible. I do get that shooting pain in my feet and up my legs every once in a while.

I am interested in the replies.

[Beth in NC]

No that is NOT a balanced diet.

You need some VEGGIES....lots of green leafy kind. You are not getting hardly ANY iron or B12. And you are mostly eating carbs/sugars. Not good.

You need to add in some other meats, eggs, nuts plus VEGGIES. Eat the lower sugar fruits like blueberries.

Get on a good multiple because just taking a random few suppliments (i.e. Cal/Mag) can throw other nutrients out of balance. Nutrients taken in supplement form MUST be balanced. For instance for the Cal/Mag to work and not actually make matters worse, you also need Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Boron. You arent getting ANY of those in your restricted diet.

I realize it isn't very balanced, but it's been all my gut could tolerate. I can try to add in something today, veggie wise, but it can't be high fiber or I think it will come back to bit me in the you know where! I can get my multi in...it's a good one. I've got some broccoli/cauli mix in the freezer. That steamed would probably be ok on my intestines. I made some last night, but didn't think and put cheese on it so I couldn't eat it then.

When you are basically doing an elimination diet, to find out what you react to, how often should you add something new in? Is every other day too often?

[lizard00]

So two things popped into my mind:

Plantar fasciatis- but that you really feel when you're walking. It hurts more in the morning when trying to get moving.

OR you may just need some potassium and magnesium. Both are essential to your muscular health. Bananas are great for potassium (and for stopping D), and magnesium can be found in trace amounts in a lot of fruits and veggies. Although, I take a supplement when I feel is necessary. Be careful with it though, too much can give you the trots! Start with a low dose and go from there. If you're not eating a whole lot of variety, and most things are running through you, you're losing a lot of vital vitamins and minerals.

Did you get the probiotics yet???? Those take a few days to kick in, but they work wonders!!!

[ShayFL]

You could try steaming the veggies and then whirling them in the blender to make a soup. Take digestive enzymes with your meals as well. And the probiotics can only help.

[Beth in NC]

You could try steaming the veggies and then whirling them in the blender to make a soup. Take digestive enzymes with your meals as well. And the probiotics can only help.

Probiotics - CHECK! They are helping...uh...firm things up it seems. Either that or I'm not getting any CC.

So what about adding new things in? How often?

[lizard00]

So what about adding new things in? How often?

Personally, I would do every other day. But that's my body. I react to things pretty quickly, so that would work for me. But, do keep a food journal because you can have delayed rxns and you need to be able to look back a day or so.

I'm sure others will have suggestions, but I think every 2-3 days is what I've seen from various sources. Did your doc put you on an elimination diet or did you do it yourself?

[Beth in NC]

Personally, I would do every other day. But that's my body. I react to things pretty quickly, so that would work for me. But, do keep a food journal because you can have delayed rxns and you need to be able to look back a day or so.

I'm sure others will have suggestions, but I think every 2-3 days is what I've seen from various sources. Did your doc put you on an elimination diet or did you do it yourself?

I did it myself because everything was going right through me. I also suspected CC somewhere. I'm thinking that I need to totally stay away from foods not prepared in dedicated facilities. But since dairy is out and then soy...I just don't know WHAT I can eat so I'm adding things in little by little.

[lizard00]

I did it myself because everything was going right through me. I also suspected CC somewhere. I'm thinking that I need to totally stay away from foods not prepared in dedicated facilities. But since dairy is out and then soy...I just don't know WHAT I can eat so I'm adding things in little by little.

I did my own elimination diet too. Just wondered if your doc had offered any suggestions...

I cut out all soy, dairy, most grains (specifically gluten containing grains), alcohol and sugar. Which leaves pretty much nothing processed. And honestly, less process is always better, but especially in the healing process. I stuck with whole foods. It was a bit of a pain, but I felt so much better in just one week. I was not anywhere back to normal, but I felt like a person again. You'd be surprised the concoctions you can come up with. And it's good anyway, you learn how to cook differently to keep from getting bored with the gluten-free diet. I eat better than most people I know.

And when I was REALLY sick, I ate bananas, chicken and rice. For like a week...

Yep, it's not balanced. But it's all I could handle. And if you can only handle certain things for now, get yourself better. If something bothers you, leave it alone for a little while. You can always try it again. The caution there is don't let yourself get down to two or three foods before you go to the doctor... you should be adding rather than taking away. You shouldn't be eating only a few foods for a long period of time. That becomes very unhealthy.

Make sure you are getting some vitamins and minerals in there. I took a sublingual B12 daily for probably 3 months. My doctor told me to stop because my levels were getting high, but I'm feeling a little drained these days so I'll probably go get another bottle. Did your doctor test you for any deficiencies at the time of your diagnosis?

[ShayFL]

You might try the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet) as well. Follow their guidelines:

Open Original Shared Link

It started as a diet that was easy to digest for autistic children. But it works VERY WELL for adults too with a sensitive digestive tract. I am on it and have felt improvements. I added back in some seeds tho and am doing fine.

[Beth in NC]

He did and the weird thing is that most were either normal or high. I know Vit K was high and either A or D was the other one. I haven't heard anything from him on that, just that they were high. I should probably call if for no other reason that to make sure I didn't get lost in the cracks of the system.

[lizard00]

He did and the weird thing is that most were either normal or high. I know Vit K was high and either A or D was the other one. I haven't heard anything from him on that, just that they were high. I should probably call if for no other reason that to make sure I didn't get lost in the cracks of the system.

That's probably not a bad idea. And try to get a copy of your results. That way you an see what specifically you were tested for and see the results for yourself.

[ravenwoodglass]

Probiotics - CHECK! They are helping...uh...firm things up it seems. Either that or I'm not getting any CC.

So what about adding new things in? How often?

If you are doing an elimination diet you need to wait a week before adding a new food. It can take 3 to 5 days for an intolerance reaction to occur. You also should add something 'orange' to your diet. Your best bets are going to be either sweet potatoes or carrots. With a doctor assisted elimination diet your starting diet would be quite colorful. That would ensure that the nutrients you need are there. Mine started with turkey, rice, sweet potatoes, peas, pineapple and cranberry juice. No spices, coffee, tea or beverages other than water and the juice. I was tested for true allergies and the doctor had me list all foods I ate. He then picked a starting point with foods I almost never consumed as they would be the ones I was least likely to react to. Others might have a different starting diet but it would be colorful as well.

You should really add a sublingual B12 to your diet. Nerve issues related to celiac and excaberated by the lack of B12 could be causeing the pain you describe.

[Beth in NC]

Last night was much better in terms of getting to sleep. I called my PCP and told him I wanted to switch my anxiety med back to what I was taking because some of this runs along side that switch as well and I wanted to cover all my bases. I didn't ask for it to be switched to begin with, but he thought Cymbalta would help with my "fibro" pain. My sleep issues have steadily gotten worse and I can't deal with that, so I'm going back to what worked for years.

This mornings my forearms and lower legs/feet are crampy (mostly the legs) and quite tingly, meaning that it feels as if a small electrical current is running through them. Not pins and needles, although I have felt that as well and it has nothing to do with me having my legs crossed or some other position that would impede circulation. I have to think this is nerve related.

I put broccoli and cauliflower back in yesterday. I did them together because that's the way it came in the bag, LOL! So far no reaction. I'm also making sure I get my multivitamin in as well as my probiotics.

Hopefully this will resolve soon. I haven't talked to my PCP about it because...well, he was not too helpful when he found out the GI had diagnosed me with Celiac. I'm not sure there's anything he can do any way, so...we'll see.

[ravenwoodglass]

I called my PCP and told him I wanted to switch my anxiety med back to what I was taking because some of this runs along side that switch as well and I wanted to cover all my bases.

Very wise move. What is the med he switched you to? Is it by any chance a generic? The binders can be risky so make sure you check for gluten in those with each refill. A name brand pill has to always use the same binder that they use when they patent the drug so those are often safer in the long run for us.

Hopefully the longer you are gluten-free the less your fibro and other issues will bother you. It does take time though. I hope you feel better soon.

[Beth in NC]

Very wise move. What is the med he switched you to? Is it by any chance a generic? The binders can be risky so make sure you check for gluten in those with each refill. A name brand pill has to always use the same binder that they use when they patent the drug so those are often safer in the long run for us.

Hopefully the longer you are gluten-free the less your fibro and other issues will bother you. It does take time though. I hope you feel better soon.

I was on Paxil and he switched me to Cymbalta. I checked and the Cymbalta was gluten-free. But I've had more trouble sleeping since on the Cymbalta...mainly getting to sleep because of the foot/leg thing. So I'll be on a half dose of Cymbalta for two weeks before I can go back to the Paxil.

I'm actually going nuts right now. My restless leg is in full force and I rarely have it except at night usually. And it's more like Restless Body Syndrome! I think it's nutritional, but my multi vitamin has large amounts in it, so I don't know. My gut feels fine today.

Makes it hard to tell if a new thing glutens you though. But all I added in yesterday was broccoli/cauli and it was steamed with nothing but salt and pepper, so it can't be that.

[ravenwoodglass]

I was on Paxil and he switched me to Cymbalta. I checked and the Cymbalta was gluten-free. But I've had more trouble sleeping since on the Cymbalta...mainly getting to sleep because of the foot/leg thing. So I'll be on a half dose of Cymbalta for two weeks before I can go back to the Paxil.

I'm actually going nuts right now. My restless leg is in full force and I rarely have it except at night usually. And it's more like Restless Body Syndrome! I think it's nutritional, but my multi vitamin has large amounts in it, so I don't know. My gut feels fine today.

Makes it hard to tell if a new thing glutens you though. But all I added in yesterday was broccoli/cauli and it was steamed with nothing but salt and pepper, so it can't be that.

Even though you are taking a good multi your body may not be able to use the B12 that is in it. You really need a sublingual B12 in addition to the multi. The same villi that are damaged by celiac are needed to make something called intrinsic factor which is what allows your body to absorb and actually use the B12. Until you heal you can not make that factor. That is why you need a sublingual B12. It is absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth, you put it under your tongue and let it dissolve. Do please go and get yourself some. You may find the 'restless legs' and the tingles are gone in a surprisingly short amount of time. You have nothing to lose and you can not take too much B12. It is a water soluable vitamin and any excess will be excreted.

[Beth in NC]

Even though you are taking a good multi your body may not be able to use the B12 that is in it. You really need a sublingual B12 in addition to the multi. The same villi that are damaged by celiac are needed to make something called intrinsic factor which is what allows your body to absorb and actually use the B12. Until you heal you can not make that factor. That is why you need a sublingual B12. It is absorbed through the mucous membranes in your mouth, you put it under your tongue and let it dissolve. Do please go and get yourself some. You may find the 'restless legs' and the tingles are gone in a surprisingly short amount of time. You have nothing to lose and you can not take too much B12. It is a water soluable vitamin and any excess will be excreted.

I will definitely do that today!

You guys are awesome!!!

[Steve63]

How long were you on paxil ? you may be having withdrawl symptoms. i was on paxil for13 yr's and cut back very slowly. there are alot of side effects when going off paxil. check with your doctor.

Steve

[Beth in NC]

How long were you on paxil ? you may be having withdrawl symptoms. i was on paxil for13 yr's and cut back very slowly. there are alot of side effects when going off paxil. check with your doctor.

Steve

I've HAD Paxil withdrawal symptoms before and it wasn't that. I have wondered about it being a side effect of the cymbalta though. Funny, cymbalta was listed on one site as a treatment for neuropathy.

[debmidge]

I've HAD Paxil withdrawal symptoms before and it wasn't that. I have wondered about it being a side effect of the cymbalta though. Funny, cymbalta was listed on one site as a treatment for neuropathy.

Beth

My husband has :

Depression

Restless Leg (Body) syndrome - he says the same thing - it's in his whole body

Bad reaction to all anti-depressants - increases his body and leg twitchings

He takes sublingual B12 and gets monthly B12 shots. Sublingual only once a week.

He still has neuopathy and body "restless leg syndrome"

[Lisa]

Last night was much better in terms of getting to sleep. I called my PCP and told him I wanted to switch my anxiety med back to what I was taking because some of this runs along side that switch as well and I wanted to cover all my bases.

This mornings my forearms and lower legs/feet are crampy (mostly the legs) and quite tingly, meaning that it feels as if a small electrical current is running through them. Not pins and needles, although I have felt that as well and it has nothing to do with me having my legs crossed or some other position that would impede circulation. I have to think this is nerve related.

Beth, make sure that you are not altering your anxiety meds too quickly. Often times the withdrawal effect can be very similar to what you are describing with the "small electrical currents".

The pins and needle effect can be caused by peripheral neuropathy, which can be associated with diabetes as well as autoimmune responses.

Hope you can find your answer. I'm still looking.