Question:
After surgery and you lose your diabetes, does the neuropathy of your feet go away?

My toes hurt and I am taking neurontin. Has anyone with this problem had the pain go away so they can stop taking meds?    — geneswife (posted on February 15, 2006)

February 15, 2006
Hello Billie, I would like to know this myself. However my situation is a bit different than yours. I developed Neuropathy post-op due to a "B" Vitamin Deficiency. Prior to my becoming pregnant it was controlled with monthly B12 injections and vitamins but I was still taking Neurontin for the pain. Now that I am pregnant I can not take the pain meds. Every now and again my toes hurt but not as bad as before they put me on the injections. My undertanding was that once the nerve damage was done there was not a true cure for it you just had to control it. Let me know if you find out anything different.
   — Tiff's On a Mission

February 15, 2006
i am almost 2 years post op, and if anything, the pain from the neuropathy to my left foot especially, is worse than its ever been. The only medicine that works for me is vicodin, and that lasts maybe 90 minutes. You will get a broad spectrum of answers, but for me, the pain has gotten worse. Its one of the things WLS didnt cure for me, about the only one. Good luck Cindi -219#
   — DollyDoodles

February 15, 2006
From experience with patients I care for, neuropathy will not go away as it is nerve damage that is irreversible.
   — scharlier

February 15, 2006
For what it's worth, I'll throw in my 2 cents. I have Neuropathy and Lymphedema. So I have had severe swelling and pain in my legs, feet, arms and hands. I see a Dr. for the Lymphedema (he uses manual manipulation therapy) and it has helped. I also have Orthotics and that has helped with the pain. The Neurologist tried me on the drug Topamax right after my diagnosis and it made me crazy (literally), with little help for the pain. I couldn't remember anything. It was awful. I had finally decided that I would just have to live with the pain. It was so severe at times, it felt as if I had MS...I could barely get from one room of the house to the other. I also have severe depression. In January 2005, I was put on Cymbalta. Cymbalta has two uses, one is depression & the other neuropathy. This med, along with my treatments and orthotics has helped me as much as anthing. My Neuropathy is not due to Diabetes, it is hereditary. Honestly, I just had surgery on 02/06 and the pain (and swelling) seem to be improved. While Neuropathy is nerve damage, it would stand to reason that with less weight pressing on those nerves and pushing down on the affected limb, I would think an improvement in the pain is possible. Good luck with your pain and your journey. Tammy Oklahoma
   — Thin2WinNOklahoma

February 15, 2006
I use a product used for Arthritis pain relief, called Zostrix. I rub it on my feet before bedtime. I use a rubber glove because the product is made with peppers. It has helped me. Helen
   — saralee

February 15, 2006
I am only 5 months out of surgery however the neuropathy in my feet is almost gone. I don't know if it is because the diabetes is better or because the less weight on my feet because of the weight loss is making it better. Either way I don't have to take the neurotin anymore. I wish you luck
   — vickicarson

February 18, 2006
You may not "lose" your diabetes after surgery, and if your nerves are permantly damaged the neuropathy will not go away. Just by saying you have diabetic neuropathy means you have had diabetes for a while and it's been poorly controlled. The neuropathy is a complication of diabetes. Probably the person to ask this question to is your neurologist and your endocrinologist. Best of luck
   — goldroses

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