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Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Neuropathy | Last Active: Oct 27 5:51pm | Replies (6152)

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@johnbishop

Hello @spanning, I use Google and Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/) a lot in my searches and sometimes the results can be misleading and sometimes pretty scary. I try find articles that are done by reputable organizations and the latest written dates which is where Google Scholar helps a little because you can sort the search results links by year at the left. I do know that chemotherapy has a nasty side effect of neuropathy since it also damages nerves.

I have no medical training or background but I am a little surprised when I read that the neurologist prescribed gabapentin if you don't have any pain and just have numbness all over. The reason I say that is before I was diagnosed with small fiber PN my primary care doctor gave me gabapentin when I complained about the numbness in my feet and legs. It was only after a few weeks and no difference that I told her it wasn't working and she brought in another doctor who asked me more questions, found out I had no associated pain, and told me gabapentin doesn't do anything for numbness. This is when I had an EMG and a referral to a Mayo Clinic neurologist who diagnosed me with small fiber PN.

Here's a few references on chemotherapy induced neuropathy:

Physical interventions for patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy
-- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-018-4071-y

Peripheral Neuropathy Caused by Chemotherapy
-- https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/peripheral-neuropathy.html

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: an update on the current understanding
-- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4920214/

I'm tagging @artscaping and @jenniferhunter to see if they may be able to offer some suggestions for you.

@spanning, I’m not sure if it is an option for you but if it is, the Mayo Clinic is very good at diagnosing health issues that are difficult to diagnose. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, you can contact one of their appointment offices. The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here:

Mayo Clinic Contact Information: https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments

John

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Replies to "Hello @spanning, I use Google and Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/) a lot in my searches and sometimes..."

@spanning - after reading your post, I would definitely at least find another neurologist, SF SD is not that far (compared to anyplace else in the US) from Mayos in Rochester. John Bishop gave you a link to Mayos for appointments, I would certainly consider that!

Thank you for connecting me with the articles on CIPN . I had a little bit of neuropathy on my and in my fingers while on CHEMO, which was almost 4years ago.
1.DoesCIPN occur several years after treatment, and continue to get worse?
2.since I have issues with auto immune problems already should ‘t The Dr’s be checking for other possible causes?
3.perhaps I missed it, and I didn’t understand some of the medical terms, but I didn’t see any specifics for middle ear balance not working at all. My eyes are working over time to try to provide balance.

I tried getting to see a local endocrinologist, but there is a year and a half wait. I have asked my dr to refer me to Mayo Rochester , so I am waiting to hear if I can get an appointment.
Thank you.