← Return to Many neuropathy issues, so why so few doctors who know?

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Profile picture for pegcmke @pegcmke

Why so few doctors know?… There are so few docs in neurology & likely fewer in research. Treatments generally require millions of dollars for research, then again for clinical trials. Neuropathy affects primarily old people, fewer than a dosease like cancer or spinal disorders….and now our government agencies are hatcheting many research programs. So I understand the lack of interest & knowledge.
Fortunately my neuropathy (feet only) is relatively mild & very manageable with a few strategies. At rarer times it is maddening. I have wondered recently if acupuncture would be useful. After I read about something called “peripheral nerve dysfunction (which affects body temperature regulation & other systems) that seemed the next approach I’ll try.
I’ve done 1 course of Tx with a PT using a device called WYNBK (“win back”.) It’s not FDA approved or reimbursed by insurance (self pay.) I didn’t notice any improvement with the 1 course. But if I did 10? ($4,000) Who knows. I truly feel for younger people with this, and those whose neuropathy is more severe. Our bodies are such a magical mystery! I bet what we know is just the tip of a great iceberg. Best wishes to you.

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Replies to "Why so few doctors know?… There are so few docs in neurology & likely fewer in..."

@pegcmke

I am willing to try acupuncture. I am afraid to have more damage come out of all I already went through. I am 62 years old and not sure of anything helping me. One battle leads to another.

Thank you for your post.

@pegcmke
Thank you for responding. Your point about funding scarcity is accurate, and the current cuts to government research make a thin field even thinner.

My case differs in that mine is iatrogenic, caused directly by spinal surgery rather than a systemic condition. That puts it in a gap between specialties: spine surgeons consider the chapter closed, and neuropathy clinics are built around diabetic or chemotherapy-induced cases. I have been reaching out to hand rehabilitation specialists, since the cortical mechanisms are essentially the same regardless of which limb is affected. Whether that opens any doors remains to be seen.

Your comment about younger patients resonates. I hope your own strategies continue to hold.