For those with Radiculopathy…..

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.

Forgot to say my EMG was normal

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.

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.

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

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.

Dear @serenafix and the rest of us,
I feel down on my garage-side from driving in there. That caused my lower back to my highest rear-end. That pushed this inside my side. Later one (2 + years ago0 I had a surgery - 9 mths ago - fixed that side and got rid of pain. Still, over 2 years ago - before my surgery - my balance is hurt from my right leg… to easy from falling down and hit the back of my head. I’m trying to take care of this by exercising but it’s still here.
Thx,
Greg D. @greg1956

Hi, thanks for answering, Unfortunately how these things work. There's the garden variety AKA Off the Rack cases. And then those that don't necessarily fit the existing mold. I unfortunately have had to spend over 1 1/2 years studying and learning about a similar situation. So I'll share my opinion as well as a request. Like you think generally with a lumbar compression it would be one side or the other. As one side has shrunk or began to compress the nerve root more on either side. With mild to very severe pain in the affected area. So given your symptoms I would assume your neurologist. Would have told you it's a peripheral neuropathy and that's it. Honestly that's where His interest is, now he's got a captive audience. And you have to keep returning every 4 to 5 months to follow up etc. The old saying is Drs want to prescribe medications, Surgeons wanna cut and Neurologists want to treat neuropathies etc. So I believe you received an honest opinion. And while it may not seem great, it actually could be... I'd recommend seeing a Back Dr. not a surgeon. He should be able to examine you as well as order a CT scan or MRI. If they won't do the MRI, be a Little Insistent at least that they do the CT scan. Their alot less expensive than MRI's. Not that getting the MRI should be a problem, but if for some reason it is. That will give you a little better understanding to what is going on. And while exercise is not pleasant, at least not to me... It seems as though your pretty early as to your condition. So you should be able to do exercises for your core. As well as exercises focusing on L5 S1 muscles. To try and build those and relieve some of the pressure on your spine. Which may help with the nerve compression. Here's hoping. Now my request, could you possibly share your Neurologists name and city he practices in, I may have to contact him to review my stuff in the future... Thanks

Hi Ellie, have they said what's causing it?

Thanks for your good advice. I would not recommend my neurologist to you, he is not interested in neuropathy patients and just wants to get them out of his office. However, one of the best neuropathy specialists in the world, is Dr Anne Oaklander at Massachusetts General Hospital. I’m sure you have to wait a year to see her. My neuropathy is not so bad that I want to go to that trouble. I probably won’t see any neurologist again, but maybe a back doctor who can verify that my back is contributing, as you advised.