Preliminary diagnosis of PN

Hello @christine1975, Sorry to hear you are starting your journey with neuropathy. The one positive thing in your description is that you didn't mention having any pain. I too only have numbness and some tingling in my feet a little up the legs. Mine started in my mid 40s in the toes and now I'm 82 still dealing with it. You mentioned a podiatrist is next. Did a neurologist do any tests to determine you have neuropathy?

Good morning, Christine (@christine1975) and welcome!

Your mentioning both PN and a podiatrist caught my attention. I have chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy. It was diagnosed by a neurologist in 2022. So, I have a neurologist, whom I'll call Dr. B., and a podiatrist, whom I'll call Dr. M. They're both, in my estimation, excellent doctors. What I have found interesting, however, is how each doctor, probably due to his respective specialty, takes a somewhat different approach to assessing the problem with my feet. (Despite my PN, I still have sensation in the bottoms of my feet.)

My neurologist, Dr. B., bases his assessment entirely on the two EMGs I've had, both EMGs indicating PN.

My podiatrist, Dr. M., rubs, squeezes, manually explores my feet (and uses an X-ray), and assures me that despite whatever degree of PN I may have, my feet still show reasnably good nerve activity. That probably explains why I continue claim I've a modicum of sensation.

I actually respect (and utilize) both doctors for their assessments, each doctor arriving at his assessment via a slightly different path. I find that interesting.

I wish you all the best, Christine!
Ray (@ray666)

I saw a podiatrist when my neuropathy first became an issue, and he told me there wasn't anything he could do for me and to see a neurologist. It was a waste of time.

" … he told me there wasn't anything he could do for me … "

I perhaps gave the impression that my podiatrist did litte more than examine my feet. He was quite up to the mark when it came to understanding what PN, and although he wasn't able to prescribe anything that might directly affect my PN, we did talk at length about what properties to look for in shoes is balance is a person's No. 1 symptom.

Onward and … well, onward! 🙂
Ray (@ray666)

Thanks for your comments as well as encouragements. So glad this group is here. It’s an immense comfort for me going forward.
Christine

After initial visit with Primary Care Clinic (during which I was given a preliminary diagnosis of PN) I was not referred to a neurologist but, instead, I was told to see a podiatrist. Now I’m wondering if I’m to be fitted for shoes, etc. before I even get a firm diagnosis.

I'd like to think that I could receive good care from each specialty, but I fear that my Medicare Advantage plan might not justify both. I'll see my PA tomorrow and I will be looking for guidance. I have PN symptoms feet and calves and other strange things. I had a Neuro Consult two years ago. EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies were negative, but I never followed through for small fiber. With the guidance of my PCP I started Gabapentin and I've never been sure if it's effective. Fortunately I think of my level of "discomfort" as just that, not really painful. It is starting to cross the line at night though and after long periods on my feet.
I'm 73 and I've never seen a Podiatrist and think I could go without a referral for foot care which I'm inclined to do because I'm having trouble trimming my hard nails and I have a persistent callous and bunion. TMI but maybe if I get in the door, I might get a sense if they'd be able to help even it's just an assessment to suggest proper footwear. So far I can walk up to about 3 miles before I get really uncomfortable. I also work one day a week standing on my feet. After 6 hrs. I hurt.