When a very ill family member says to you, "I can't believe this is happening"...

About their horrible condition, that possibly won't improve..what do you SAY?
MY sister has developed awful diabetic neuropathy in her feet, where high sugar over years time, plug up vessels and nerves, causing nerves to die, and become extremely inflamed.

Her feet are shades of red now, puffy, and she's in pain all day. The feet are numb too and the saddest thing is there is no true treatment for helping reverse this. There are some supplements that may slow progression, but some of it may be permanent. I've cried at night knowing she's so young to have this affliction that usually occurs in people's 70s or 80s.

I try to be positive saying we will find a new specialist that WILL give you actual pain medication. But beyond that I never know the right thing to say when she says occasionally, "I can't believe this is happening."
Any ideas? 😢

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Tastyfrzz · 61-69, M

stents can be used to treat circulatory problems in patients with diabetic neuropathy:
Angioplasty and stent insertion
A doctor inserts a catheter into a blocked artery and inflates a balloon to open it. A stent is then placed to keep the artery open.
Atherectomy
A catheter with a laser or grinding function removes plaque buildup in the artery.
Stent placement
If other treatments aren't successful, a stent is a permanent implant that keeps the artery open.
Stents are part of endovascular therapy, which is often recommended for short blockages or for patients with a high risk of surgery.

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@Tastyfrzz Her arteries are not blocked ..she had a vascular ultrasound and the flow is ok, but damage all assembles in feet first for some reason. I'll ask about it just in case though , ty🌸

Tastyfrzz · 61-69, M

@Coralmist in cases of vascular neuropathy, nerves can regenerate to a certain extent, although the process is slow and depends on the severity of damage and the underlying cause; however, full recovery may not always be possible, and managing the underlying vascular issue is crucial for optimal nerve regeneration.
Key points about nerve regeneration in vascular neuropathy:
Peripheral nerves can regenerate:
Unlike nerves in the central nervous system, peripheral nerves (which are affected in vascular neuropathy) have the ability to regenerate after damage due to the presence of Schwann cells that guide the regrowing axons.
Slow process:
Nerve regeneration is a slow process, taking months or even years to see significant improvement, and the rate of regeneration can vary depending on the individual.
Underlying cause management:
Addressing the underlying vascular issue causing the neuropathy, such as managing blood pressure or diabetes, is essential to promote nerve regeneration and prevent further damage.
Factors affecting regeneration:
The extent of nerve damage, the location of the injury, and the individual's overall health can impact how well nerves regenerate.
Treatment options:
Depending on the severity, treatment may include managing symptoms like pain, improving blood flow through medications or procedures, and physical therapy to help with muscle function and coordination