Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

Welcome to the Neuropathy group.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet other people who are dealing with neuropathy. Let’s learn from each other and share stories about living well with neuropathy, coping with the challenges and offering tips.

I’m Colleen, and I’m the moderator of this group, and Community Director of Connect. Chances are you’ll to be greeted by volunteer patient Mentor John (@johnbishop) and fellow members when you post to this group. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.

We look forward to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.
Let’s chat. Why not start by introducing yourself? What concerns would you like to talk about?

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

Happy Friday!
This week I went to my wonderful neurosurgeon. This is the doctor who, with surgery, was able to make me pain free for the first time over a decade; but that is another story.
Over the last few months, he has been trying to figure out why my legs have gotten weak and why I have developed neuropathy (with my big toe on my right foot not working at all). He has sent me to all sorts of doctors for all sorts of tests. As a last resort, he had me take a brain scan to see if I either had a stroke somewhere along the line or if I have something going on in my brain that would contribute to this. I AM THRILLED TO SAY THAT NONE OF THOSE SCENARIOS ARE HAPPENING. MY BRAIN IS HEALTHY!!!! (Lucky none of you know me personally because the comics would really get off on those statements.)
He suggested the last time we saw him (prior to this), that he could do surgery near my last one, and do some additional work, but he said he really didn't know if it would help. In addition, he could not guarantee that the pain I experienced for all those years wouldn't come back. My hubby and I discussed this and decided that neither of us is willing to take the chance of the pain returning. So, I will continue to use a cane, walk slowly and go for some PT for balance. If the neuropathy and/or legs become MUCH worse or painful, then I will reconsider my options.
I gave the doc a big hug and thank you and we said "good-bye".
I am not thrilled with this outcome, but I am content (for now).
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@gmaw4

I was just diagnosed with Tarsal Tunnel as well. I was told it is like Carpel Tunnel except in the foot. Dr. wanted to do surgery (went to a surgeon) to relieve pain in heel and big toe. Told him I didn’t have pain in my heel and big toe but in the smaller three toes and across my ankle. He ignored me and said to give him a call if I decide to have the surgery.

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I have not heard surgery - yet. My pain is exactly as you say. My last three toes, across top of my foot and ankle. Neurologist will discuss more on next visit. Do your toes foot and ankle swell along with the pain? Thank you for sharing this with me as I do not want surgery. I had carpel tunnel surgery years ago but as I said, years ago.

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I'm about finished. I'm at the point where the pain is intolerable. The Pain Doctor increased my medicines, I took it for a few days and could not wake up - I lost 2 days of what's left of my life. I had to retreat to the previous dose - it's still inadequate and my life isn't worth waking up for. Is Euthanasia legal yet? Anywhere? Peggy

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@pfbacon

I'm about finished. I'm at the point where the pain is intolerable. The Pain Doctor increased my medicines, I took it for a few days and could not wake up - I lost 2 days of what's left of my life. I had to retreat to the previous dose - it's still inadequate and my life isn't worth waking up for. Is Euthanasia legal yet? Anywhere? Peggy

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Hello Peggy @pfbacon, I know it must really be hard for you to deal with the pain. You mentioned that you had to retreat to the previous dose and it's still not adequate. When your pain doctor increased the dose and you took it a few days do you mean you didn't have any pain or that you slept for 2 days? I would talk with the pain doctor and see if they have some suggestions on the dosage and maybe lowering it somewhere in between what it was and what you went back to taking.

Hoping you have some relief from the pain soon.

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@pfbacon

I'm about finished. I'm at the point where the pain is intolerable. The Pain Doctor increased my medicines, I took it for a few days and could not wake up - I lost 2 days of what's left of my life. I had to retreat to the previous dose - it's still inadequate and my life isn't worth waking up for. Is Euthanasia legal yet? Anywhere? Peggy

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@pfbacon Peggy, I imagine that all of the people on this forum at one time have wanted to give up because of the situations they are in. I have thought about it. I have been though the stages of grief that are normal, and I think people who are diagnosed with some incurable disease go through the anger, the grief, the "why me," the sadness, the fight, the flight, and then may reach the point of just wanting to give up. When I feel this way, I stop and think that there are so many people who have situations more severe than mine. We don't know why we get a disease or have severe pain when other people are enjoying life. What I have come to realize and accept is that there are problems in our lives that we have no control over. I am not saying that we accept the pain, but we seek information from those who are also trying to find help. Can you go to another doctor and get another opinion? Don't let yourself give up. A professor I had used to love to say "Keep on, keeping on. I know you have read posts on the Mayo Connect site from people who are in the same pain situation you are in. I have diabetes and have such pain in my feet that yesterday I thought I would not be able to walk at all. I elevated my feet and messaged them and eventually the pain was less---not great but better. Small baby steps sometimes help enough to give relief. Just allow yourself a chance to read more posts and see if someone can give you suggestions. I haven't found anything that helps, but I haven't been to a pain dr. and I haven't told my endocrinologist. I want to be strong and try to learn as much as I can. Just don't give up on yourself. I will look through and find others who may have some suggestions.
If you need to write any time there is a Neuropathy group and a Just Want to Talk group. Also I am on the diabetes group, and I will do anything I can to help.
Carol

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@gmaw, Thank you for this information. This appears to be a reliable strain. It also looks like you have done your experimenting and chosen your medical cannabis safety net.

I have small fiber neuropathy (sfn). I use both topicals and have recently mastered the sublingual dosing. Just a few minutes held under your tongue so it goes through the membrane quickly.....3 times a day. Then come the topicals for hands, wrists, and feet.

Congratulations to you for being pain med free. That also means that you are probably free of fear and anxiety about the pain. Since fear and anxiety cause more pain, you have chosen a significantly more effective path.

Please share significant changes and new knowledge. Have a joyful day. Chris

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@pfbacon

I'm about finished. I'm at the point where the pain is intolerable. The Pain Doctor increased my medicines, I took it for a few days and could not wake up - I lost 2 days of what's left of my life. I had to retreat to the previous dose - it's still inadequate and my life isn't worth waking up for. Is Euthanasia legal yet? Anywhere? Peggy

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I am so, so sorry for all that your are going through. I am sure the combination of pain, meds and frustration is taking its toll!
Please do not do anything harsh that you might regret later. Speak with your doctor and try to come up with a plan that might work better for you!

You are in my prayers!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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@sallymagint

I've had a number of trauma injuries over 45 years of life which have resulted in some significant nerve damage. Although I've seen many Specialist there has been no specific type of neuropathy diagnosis, although most is peripheral, because there's always been more pressing issues to contend with which steers Investigations in other directions.

I had a spinal injury 25 years ago and fractured 3 vertebrae after a fall on a working holiday in England. At the time although I knew I'd hurt myself I continued to backpack with a 25 kilo backpack around Europe. Hindsights a great thing but when we're young we believe we're infallable. A spinal fusion followed 6mths after I returned home. I suffered nerve damage and I've had 3 dorsal Column stimulators implanted over 20 years to help with nerve pain.
I've had a number of other injuries which resulted in ongoing nerve problems. I broke both ankles (at different times) which were pinned and put in casts. The plaster had to removed with both due to severe nerve pain affecting the external parts of my ankle. I couldn't stand to have anything touch my ankle for at least 6 mths, no shoes, no sheet/blanket and at times even having my foot in water whether it be the shower, bath, pool was excruciating. Lots of desensitisation work to help my alter my bodies response to stimulus of any sort.
I had severe type 2 diabetes for which I was on insulin for over 5 years. I'm happy to say this is now controlled through diet and lifestyle change and I no longer have any medications to treat this.
I have moderate degeneration of thoracic and cervical spine with neuralgia affecting my strength and body's response (over sensitive or sometimes lack of sensation) to stimuli.
I also have a Chiari Malformation which was diagnosed after a head injury. I stood up and became dizzy, fell and was knocked out on the TV cabinet on the way down. It's believed the impact forced my brain through my skull and into my Spinal canal. A previous cranial CT before the accident did not show a Chiari which is how this reasoning was attained. In addition to Chiari it is suspected I have Syringomyelia (Syrinx or cysts on the spinal canal) which affects my strength and alters many sensations sometimes causing intense pain other times resulting in paralysis. The Syrinx if not treated appropriately may continue to cause irreversible damage. Because of my dorsal column stimulator I have been unable to have MRI scans which has meant some diagnosis can not be ascertained. The decision has been reached to remove the device so MRI's can be taken which will happen in the next couple of weeks. I will then fly interstate in Australia to have decompression surgery and possible fusion of cervical spine. They will also decide how to treat the Syrinx. I have facial neuropathy which results in severe facial pain that brings me to the ground it is so severe. In combination with pain I have paralysis in my face, again my face responds in different ways to stimuli.

My team of specialists are somewhat baffled by the complexity of my conditions but they are slowly being able to bring it a together and gain a better understanding of what's going on and why. That's it in a nutshell, there's more to it but these are the basics. Hope this gives a bit of insight

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I feel your pain. Thanks be to God, I've had no broken bones but four fusions and eight knee operations put me in your league of polyneuropathy. I lived on Oxycontin, Lyrica, Baclofen, and Amitriptyline. The side effects of the abuse of Oxy have made life a living hell here in the State of TN. It was bad enough that my GP was forced to discontinue prescribing Oxycontin by my state, but now they are forcing pain clinics to close or jump through a maze of hoops to stay in business. I had a manageable quality of life until May 8th when the State of TN forced the closure of my last pain clinic. I am now on a two-year waiting list just to get into another clinic. All of that time without the Oxycontin that I was living on.

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Thank you all. I'm not depressed, just can't take the pain any more. When military prisoners are tortured, they look for something sharp to cut their veins with when they can't take the pain any more. That's just what humans do. The pain must be stopped when it can no longer be endured. I wish politicians would think about this before they made draconian laws restricting what doctors can do for their patients. I had a good life, I don't have young children or grandchildren. I have friends and a husband but they are not dependent on me. I still need to know about euthanasia. I knew Doctor Kavorkian's cousin, Chevalia, but they have both passed away. PS I understand about the difficulty of getting medicine. The whole country seems to have gone kookoo about opiates - everyone who says the word 'pain' is considered to be an addict and a criminal until they prove themselves innocent. Peggy

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