Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Neuropathy In My Feet Scares Me!

Kimbalou

Recommended Posts

Kimbalou Enthusiast
Kimbalou
Posted

I noticed I had neuropathy in my feet before my Celiac diagnosis. Yesterday it was really bad. I had tingling and sharp shooting pains in my toes. I read online that anti-depressants can help with the pain. I had no idea. What do you do for neuropathy? I am going to see my dr. soon about this. I don't like how it feels...and it makes me feel OLD. I also have varicose veins...I've had some of them stripped many years ago. My circulation sucks. I wear support hose at work...fun times. ugh.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


cassP Contributor
cassP
Posted

I noticed I had neuropathy in my feet before my Celiac diagnosis. Yesterday it was really bad. I had tingling and sharp shooting pains in my toes. I read online that anti-depressants can help with the pain. I had no idea. What do you do for neuropathy? I am going to see my dr. soon about this. I don't like how it feels...and it makes me feel OLD. I also have varicose veins...I've had some of them stripped many years ago. My circulation sucks. I wear support hose at work...fun times. ugh.

#1 on your list should be to get your B12 levels checked. a B12 deficiency leads to peripheal neuropathy. and you dont have to be below range- my sis in law was only in the 200s and was suffering from this. Always make sure you get a copy of your results so you can learn about the ranges and your results- many times doctors miss something. good luck

Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

You also need a super-careful diet. Folks with neuro problems are more sensitive to gluten than most.

Takala Enthusiast
Takala
Posted

Q. what do you do for neuropathy?

A. eat a gluten free diet.

I have the feeling back in my feet now after years of numbness. The only bad news is that my feet are not exactly the feet one would want to have anyway :lol: and now I can feel them.

YoloGx Rookie
YoloGx
Posted

You also need a super-careful diet. Folks with neuro problems are more sensitive to gluten than most.

Unfortunately what Skylark suggests seems to be true--certainly it is the case for me. I am a true "canary".

I tend to be low on B-1, not B-12. But taking a B complex is good in either case since it helps keep a better balance--B vitamins are essential for a heathy nervous system. And unfortunately having celiac or severe gluten intolerance makes absorbing B vitamins often difficult (as well as calcium and other minerals by the way).

I have found taking co-enzyme B vitamins helps me absorb the vitamins more effectively than otherwise. I take country life capsules since I can't handle the sublingual vitamins with their sorbitol and flavoring. I had taken B vitamins for years, but they just didn't do the same job that the co-enzyme variety does.

I have recently discovered that I am salicylic acid sensitive; this sensitivity has given the nerve problems in the feet and legs an extra special special twist--like it was driving me nuts trying to sleep at night and twitching and jerking all night long almost every night until someone here pointed out I might also have salicylic acid sensitivity. Salicylic acid is not only in aspirin; it is in all kinds of fruits and vegetables as well as herbs. I now eat a low salicylic acid (SA) diet, which has greatly reduced the nerve problem in my legs and feet I have especially at night--along with significantly reducing the swelling scabby itchy eczema in my ears and nethers.

I also find it helps to do yoga and go for long walks almost daily. Nevertheless, I still often have to take benedryl to help me sleep at night. It works safely without the side effects of an antidepressant.

I might be worse than some with this problem due to the fact that in 2006 (before I was completely 100 % gluten free) the myelin sheath on my nerves was down by 50%. I started a complete gluten-free experience and diet in November of 2007, and feel I have improved significantly since. The co-enzyme B vitamins by themselves however had already calmed down my nervous, rattling heart that tended to race in the middle of the night or whenever I exerted myself. It also greatly reduced unexplained anxiety I was experiencing from time to time. Going completely gluten-free fortunately got rid of the anxiety. Itonly seems to come back when I have been glutened (along with the migraines, intestinal distress etc.).

Another thing that helps is to take a hot bath with epsom salts in it, or alternatively, baking soda--it is very relaxing and excellent for the nerves.

I also brush my teeth with baking soda. Baking soda actually is an antidote for salicylic acid poisoning and thus is very balancing for someone with SA.

Baking soda is also helpful against radiation poisoning we are all experiencing from the Fukishima disaster--since it helps us get rid of the cesium that is in a lot of our vegetables right now. I think the fact my family lived so close to the Hanford Nuclear plant up in Washington when they did the Green Run experimental release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere did not help my nerves any, or my tolerance to gluten. I have learned a few things since then, however, that makes life a lot easier. I hope this post is helpful to you and that you soon get to the bottom of your neuropathic problems and start to feel better soon.

Bea

Juliebove Rising Star
Juliebove
Posted

I do take extra vitamin B12. My levels don't show as low but my Endo. wants me on more. Another Endo. told me to take Evening Primrose Oil, 2,000 mg each morning and night. That really seems to help. Some people find that Alpha Lipoic Acid helps. I take that too. Not sure if it helps.

I tried the antidepressants. They give you a really low dose. They did not help me at all. Just gave me all kinds of side effects. Lyrical is supposed to help too, but the people I know that takes it says it makes them high. This is not how I want to feel. And you are not supposed to drive or operate machinery when you take it. I wouldn't try it.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to lizzie42's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Son's legs shaking

      @lizzie42, You're being a good mom, seeking answers for your son. Cheers! Subclinical thiamine deficiency commonly occurs with anemia. An outright Thiamine deficiency can be precipitated by the consumption of a high carbohydrate meal. Symptoms of Thiamine deficiency include feeling shakey or wobbly in the legs, muscle weakness or cramps...
    2. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Paulaannefthimiou's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      2

      Bob red mill gluten free oats

      Oats naturally contain a protein called avenin, which is similar to the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. While avenin is generally considered safe for most people with celiac disease, some individuals, around 5-10% of celiacs, may also have sensitivity to avenin, leading to symptoms similar to gluten exposure. You may fall into this...
    3. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to SamAlvi's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      High TTG-IgG and Normal TTG-IgA

      @SamAlvi, It's common with anemia to have a lower tTg IgA antibodies than DGP IgG ones, but your high DGP IgG scores still point to Celiac disease. Since a gluten challenge would pose further health damage, you may want to ask for a DNA test to see if you have any of the commonly known genes for Celiac disease. Though having the genes for Celiac...
    4. trents
      - trents replied to SamAlvi's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      High TTG-IgG and Normal TTG-IgA

      Currently, there are no tests for NCGS. Celiac disease must first be ruled out and we do have testing for celiac disease. There are two primary test modalities for diagnosing celiac disease. One involves checking for antibodies in the blood. For the person with celiac disease, when gluten is ingested, it produces an autoimmune response in the lining...
    5. SamAlvi
      - SamAlvi replied to SamAlvi's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      6

      High TTG-IgG and Normal TTG-IgA

      Thank you for the clarification and for taking the time to explain the terminology so clearly. I really appreciate your insight, especially the distinction between celiac disease and NCGS and how anemia can point more toward celiac. This was very helpful for me.
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      132,868
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    LMGarrison
    Newest Member
    LMGarrison
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.5k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      Son's legs shaking

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @lizzie42, You're being a good mom, seeking answers for your son.  Cheers! Subclinical thiamine deficiency commonly occurs with anemia.  An outright Thiamine deficiency can be precipitated by the consumption of a high carbohydrate meal.   Symptoms of Thiamine deficiency include feeling shakey or wobbly in the legs, muscle weakness or cramps, as well as aggression and irritability, confusion, mood swings and behavior changes.  Thiamine is essential to the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine which keep us calm and rational.   @Jsingh, histamine intolerance is also a symptom of Thiamine deficiency.  Thiamine is needed to prevent mast cells from releasing histamine at the slightest provocation as is seen in histamine intolerance.  Thiamine and the other B vitamins and Vitamin C are needed to clear histamine from the body.  Without sufficient thiamine and other B vitamins to clear it, the histamine builds up.  High histamine levels can change behavior, too.  High histamine levels are found in the brains of patients with schizophrenia.  Thiamine deficiency can also cause extreme hunger or conversely anorexia.   High carbohydrate meals can precipitate thiamine deficiency because additional thiamine is required to process carbohydrates for the body to use as fuel.  The more carbohydrates one eats daily, the more one needs additional thiamine above the RDA.  Thiamine is water soluble, safe and nontoxic even in high doses. Keep in mind that gluten-free processed foods like cookies and such are not required to be fortified and enriched with vitamins and minerals like their gluten containing counterparts are.  Limit processed gluten-free foods.  They are often full of empty calories and unhealthy saturated fats and additives, and are high in histamine or histamine release triggers.  It's time you bought your own vitamins to supplement what is not being absorbed due to malabsorption of Celiac disease.  Benfotiamine is a form of Thiamine that has been shown to improve intestinal health as well as brain function. Do talk to your doctors and dieticians about supplementing with the essential vitamins and minerals while your children are growing up gluten free.  Serve nutritionally dense foods.  Meats and liver are great sources of B vitamins and minerals. Hope this helps!  Keep us posted on your progress!
    • Scott Adams
      Bob red mill gluten free oats

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Oats naturally contain a protein called avenin, which is similar to the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. While avenin is generally considered safe for most people with celiac disease, some individuals, around 5-10% of celiacs, may also have sensitivity to avenin, leading to symptoms similar to gluten exposure. You may fall into this category, and eliminating them is the best way to figure this out. Some people substitute gluten-free quinoa flakes for oats if they want a hot cereal substitute. If you are interested in summaries of scientific publications on the topic of oats and celiac disease, we have an entire category dedicated to it which is here: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/oats-and-celiac-disease-are-they-gluten-free/   
    • knitty kitty
      High TTG-IgG and Normal TTG-IgA

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @SamAlvi, It's common with anemia to have a lower tTg IgA antibodies than DGP IgG ones, but your high DGP IgG scores still point to Celiac disease.   Since a gluten challenge would pose further health damage, you may want to ask for a DNA test to see if you have any of the commonly known genes for Celiac disease.  Though having the genes for Celiac is not diagnostic in and of itself, taken with the antibody tests, the anemia and your reaction to gluten, it may be a confirmation you have Celiac disease.   Do discuss Gastrointestinal Beriberi with your doctors.  In Celiac disease, Gastrointestinal Beriberi is frequently overlooked by doctors.  The digestive system can be affected by localized Thiamine deficiency which causes symptoms consistent with yours.  Correction of nutritional deficiencies quickly is beneficial.  Benfotiamine, a form of thiamine, helps improve intestinal health.  All eight B vitamins, including Thiamine (Benfotiamine), should be supplemented because they all work together.   The B vitamins are needed in addition to iron to correct anemia.   Hope this helps!  Keep us posted on your progress!
    • trents
      High TTG-IgG and Normal TTG-IgA

      By trents · Posted

      Currently, there are no tests for NCGS. Celiac disease must first be ruled out and we do have testing for celiac disease. There are two primary test modalities for diagnosing celiac disease. One involves checking for antibodies in the blood. For the person with celiac disease, when gluten is ingested, it produces an autoimmune response in the lining of the small bowel which generates specific kinds of antibodies. Some people are IGA deficient and such that the IGA antibody tests done for celiac disease will have skewed results and cannot be trusted. In that case, there are IGG tests that can be ordered though, they aren't quite as specific for celiac disease as the IGA tests. But the possibility of IGA deficiency is why a "total IGA" test should always be ordered along with the TTG-IGA. The other modality is an endoscopy (scoping of the upper GI track) with a biopsy of the small bowel lining. The aforementioned autoimmune response produces inflammation in the small bowel lining which, over time, damages the structure of the lining. The biopsy is sent to a lab and microscopically analyzed for signs of this damage. If the damage is severe enough, it can often be spotted during the scoping itself. The endoscopy/biopsy is used as confirmation when the antibody results are positive, since there is a small chance that elevated antibody test scores can be caused by things other than celiac disease, particularly when the antibody test numbers are not particularly high. If the antibody test numbers are 10x normal or higher, physicians will sometimes declare an official diagnosis of celiac disease without an endoscopy/biopsy, particularly in the U.K. Some practitioners use stool tests to detect celiac disease but this modality is not widely recognized in the medical community as valid. Both celiac testing modalities outlined above require that you have been consuming generous amounts of gluten for weeks/months ahead of time. Many people make the mistake of experimenting with the gluten free diet or even reducing their gluten intake prior to testing. By doing so, they invalidate the testing because antibodies stop being produced, disappear from the blood and the lining of the small bowel begins to heal. So, then they are stuck in no man's land, wondering if they have celiac disease or NCGS. To resume gluten consumption, i.e., to undertake a "gluten challenge" is out of the question because their reaction to gluten is so strong that it would endanger their health. The lining of the small bowel is the place where all of the nutrition in the food we consume is absorbed. This lining is made up of billions of microscopically tiny fingerlike projections that create a tremendous nutrient absorption surface area. The inflammation caused by celiac disease wears down these fingers and greatly reduces the surface area needed for nutrient absorption. Thus, people with celiac disease often develop iron deficiency anemia and a host of other vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It is likely that many more people who have issues with gluten suffer from NCGS than from celiac disease. We actually know much more about the mechanism of celiac disease than we do about NCGS but some experts believe NCGS can transition into celiac disease.
    • SamAlvi
      High TTG-IgG and Normal TTG-IgA

      By SamAlvi · Posted

      Thank you for the clarification and for taking the time to explain the terminology so clearly. I really appreciate your insight, especially the distinction between celiac disease and NCGS and how anemia can point more toward celiac. This was very helpful for me.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.