1. < Neuropathy

For those with Radiculopathy…..

Posted by serenafix @serenafix, Feb 12 12:00pm

Do you feel your symptoms symmetrically in both feet? I would have thought that the cause of my numbness would be something systemic yet my neurologist very confidently said it’s all coming from my L5 area. I have back pain which comes and goes. He did not order an MRI.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

crossette | @crossette | Feb 16 10:42am

17 years ago I was in an accident that burst my L3 disc and a fusion around it was done with lots of Titanium. The tingling, numbness in my lower legs and feet was always mentioned as "peripheral neuropathy" by doctors. But just last fall a Yale neurologist said it was Radiculopathy which mimics the symptoms of PN but is actually caused by nerve problems in the lower back. They won't operate on it because of fluid pockets seen on the MRI. They think it is a risk to disturb that area. Might make it worse. So I just try to keep moving , exercising and stay active mentally and physically.

REPLY
whalehello | @whalehello | Feb 16 12:54pm
In reply to @whalehello "I just had a positive MRI for T11-12 focal herniation with cord impingement. My feet have..." + (show)
@whalehello

I just had a positive MRI for T11-12 focal herniation with cord impingement. My feet have been numb (worse on right) with neuropathy and have had balance issues since mid Dec.
First ER visit on Sept 29th, CT was normal. Been pushing for a MRI since then and PCP and another doctor wouldn't approve it. They finally referred me to Neuro and that doc was like, I think you herniated a disc.
Now I have a referral for another more detailed MRI, and to a neurosurgeon.

Jump to this post

Forgot to say my EMG was normal

REPLY
pbrowni25 | @pbrowni25 | Feb 16 8:27pm
In reply to @gently "There is MRN imaging for the nerves. I'd find out what is impinging the nerves before..." + (show)
@gently

There is MRN imaging for the nerves. I'd find out what is impinging the nerves before deciding that nothing can be done.
https://radiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/services/mr-neurography

Jump to this post

This seems like it's only available in a few locations and probably at a ridiculous price. I guess Medicare wouldn't even get involved with something like that.

REPLY
gently | @gently | Feb 16 10:52pm

My mom had MRNs fifteen years ago with https://www.aaronfiller.com/ Medicare was billed for an MRI and it it is an MRI but the settings are different.

REPLY
smn1 | @smn1 | 20 hours ago

Hi Serena, Can I ask what the symptoms in your feet are? And when this started... Also what tests did the Neurologist perform?

REPLY
1 reply
serenafix | @serenafix | 10 hours ago
In reply to @smn1 "Hi Serena, Can I ask what the symptoms in your feet are? And when this started......" + (show)
@smn1

Hi Serena, Can I ask what the symptoms in your feet are? And when this started... Also what tests did the Neurologist perform?

Jump to this post

Two very small patches of numbness in both feet which remained the same for about 2 years before starting on a course of slow progression. The outer sides of my feet, then my big toe. Nothing is completely numb, but I fear will be someday. I have had two EMG/NCS. The first concluded minor idiopathic neuropathy, the second revealed Radiculopathy coming from the L5 area in my back. I have back pain only occasionally, and very mild pins and needles radiating down my leg. I’m thinking it may be a combination of something systemic and my back. My symptoms initially began after knee surgery but who knows if that is related. I’ve also had all the usual blood tests.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.