The REAL Price of Neuropathy: Losing Your Joy

by | Apr 19, 2023 | Neuropathy

The Costs of Neuropathy: Questions Answered

Introduction

Neuropathy is a health problem that affects many people. It can cause pain, numbness, and other issues that make life harder. This blog post will talk about neuropathy, how it affects people’s lives, and the costs that come with it. We will use easy-to-understand language so everyone can learn about this important topic.

Understanding Neuropathy

Definition and Prevalence of Neuropathy

Neuropathy is when the nerves in your body don’t work right. This can cause pain, numbness, and other problems. It is a common health issue that affects many people. There are said to be at least 30 million people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. 50% of those people are suffering from neuropathy. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Common Causes of Neuropathy

There are many reasons why someone might get neuropathy. One of the main causes is diabetes. When someone has diabetes, their blood sugar levels are too high. This can damage the nerves in their body and lead to neuropathy. Other causes of neuropathy include:

  • Vitamin deficiencies
  • Infections
  • Some medicines
  • Injuries
  • Autoimmune diseases (when the body attacks its own cells)

Types of Neuropathies and Their Symptoms

There are several different types of neuropathies. Some of the most common types are:

  1. Peripheral neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects the nerves in your arms, legs, hands, and feet. It can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
  2. Autonomic neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects the nerves that control things like your heart, lungs, and stomach. It can cause problems with digestion, breathing, and other body functions.
  3. Focal neuropathy: This type of neuropathy affects just one nerve, usually in the head, torso, or leg. It can cause sudden pain or muscle weakness.

The symptoms of neuropathy can vary depending on the type and the person. Some people might have mild symptoms, while others might have severe pain or problems with their body functions.

The Costs of Neuropathy

Financial Costs

Neuropathy can be expensive for people who have it. In the United States, the yearly cost of diabetic neuropathy and its complications is more than $10 billion. These costs include medical treatments, doctor visits, and medicines. People with neuropathy might also need special equipment or help at home, which can add to the costs.

Impact on Daily Life and Activities

People with neuropathy often have a hard time doing everyday activities. Pain, numbness, and other symptoms can make it difficult to walk, hold things, or do other tasks. This can limit what people can do and make them feel frustrated or upset. Neuropathy can also increase the risk of falls, which can lead to injuries and other problems.

Effects on Quality of Life

Neuropathy can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. The pain and other symptoms can make it hard for people to enjoy their favorite activities or spend time with their friends and family. This can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness, or depression. People with neuropathy might also have trouble sleeping or feel tired all the time, which can make it hard for them to feel happy and healthy.

The Role of Disability and Neuropathy

For some people, neuropathy can be so severe that it causes disability. This means that they are not able to work or do other activities because of their neuropathy. If someone is not able to work because of their neuropathy, they might be able to get disability benefits to help with their costs. However, getting disability for neuropathy can be difficult and might require a lot of paperwork and doctor visits. The amount of disability someone can get for neuropathy depends on how severe their symptoms are and how much they are able to work.

Treatments and Prognosis

Current and New Treatments for Neuropathy

There are many treatments available for neuropathy. The best treatment depends on the cause of the neuropathy and the person’s symptoms. Some common treatments include:

  • Medicines: Doctors might prescribe medicines to help with pain, numbness, or other symptoms. Some of these medicines might include pain relievers, anti-seizure drugs, or antidepressants.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help people with neuropathy improve their strength, balance, and coordination. This can make it easier for them to do everyday activities and reduce their risk of falls.
  • Lifestyle changes: For people with diabetes, controlling their blood sugar levels can help prevent or slow down neuropathy. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and quitting smoking can also help improve neuropathy symptoms.
  • Alternative therapies: Some people with neuropathy might find relief from alternative therapies like special supplements, cremes, infrared stimulation, Rebuilder 300 treatments.

Researchers are always looking for new treatments for neuropathy. In recent years, there have been some new treatments for neuropathy in the feet. These treatments are still being studied, but they might offer hope for people with neuropathy in the future.

The Potential for Recovery and Reversing Neuropathy Damage

In many cases, it is possible to reverse neuropathy damage. This is more likely if the CAUSE of the neuropathy can be treated or cured. For example, if someone has neuropathy because of a vitamin deficiency, they might be able to reverse the damage by taking vitamin supplements. However, in many cases, neuropathy damage cannot be completely reversed if you rely on medications, injections or surgery. Treating the cause of the neuropathy and will solve the problem if the neuropathy has not progressed too far. Sensory losses of 85% or more tend to lead to PERMANENT nerve damage. In those cases, it can be difficult if not impossible to fix. Neuropathy is a CHRONIC, degenerative condition and will always progress over time UNLESS steps are taken to address the underlying causes: neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic. Addressing all three will provide a solution, failing to address all three will lead to a whack a mole situation as new issues will keep popping up.

The Impact of Neuropathy on Life Expectancy

Neuropathy may affect a person’s life expectancy. However, the cause of the neuropathy might have an impact on how long someone lives. For example, if someone has diabetes, managing their blood sugar levels and taking care of their overall health can help them live a longer, healthier life. It is important for people with neuropathy to work with their doctors to find the best treatments and manage their symptoms. Research shows that once amputation occurs, the average life expectancy is about 2 years.

Conclusion

Neuropathy is a common and often challenging condition that can have significant costs, both financial and emotional. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms, find effective treatments, and maintain a good quality of life while living with neuropathy.

Understanding the causes and types of neuropathies can help guide treatment plans and lifestyle changes to better manage the condition. It is essential to work closely with professionals who are willing to find the best treatment options for a cure and not those who simply wish to manage neuropathy.

People with neuropathy should be patient with themselves as they adapt to their new normal and seek support from friends, family, and support groups. Remember that there are resources available to help navigate disability benefits and work accommodations if needed.

By staying proactive in managing your diabetes through lifestyle changes and improved eating habits, the likelihood that neuropathy will impact on your quality of life, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and happy life stop neuropathy from affecting your life: costing you time, money and happiness.