Answering Questions: Odd Sensation in My Legs, No Significant Pain

Hi, Chris. Thanks so much for following up with me. I did have my tests. The EMG was normal but the NCS showed sensory damage in left leg. However, I’ve experienced new symptoms (muscle twitching, water dripping sensations, sporadic shooting pain) in my other leg. When I explained this to the neurologist, he all but shrugged and gave me a follow up appointment for bloodwork that is scheduled for January. My husband and I were not impressed with this neurologist at all. Also, anxiety and depression has set in and I was not getting any sleep, which was making me even more anxious at work and at home. I reached out on this forum and took someone’s suggestion to discuss my psychological issues with my PCP. She prescribed Amitriptyline 25mg at night to help with sleep and depression. She also referred me to a different neurologist that I am scheduled to see December 4th. So the waiting game continues. At this point, I’m not experiencing consistent pain and I’m getting restful sleep so there’s my silver lining for now. Also, I’m in the process of finding a therapist and I’m attempting (and failing) meditation. I may try group meditation until I get the hang of it. Thanks again for reaching out and any advice is appreciated.

Hi, Chris. Thanks so much for following up with me. I did have my tests. The EMG was normal but the NCS showed sensory damage in left leg. However, I’ve experienced new symptoms (muscle twitching, water dripping sensations, sporadic shooting pain) in my other leg. When I explained this to the neurologist, he all but shrugged and gave me a follow up appointment for bloodwork that is scheduled for January. My husband and I were not impressed with this neurologist at all. Also, anxiety and depression has set in and I was not getting any sleep, which was making me even more anxious at work and at home. I reached out on this forum and took someone’s suggestion to discuss my psychological issues with my PCP. She prescribed Amitriptyline 25mg at night to help with sleep and depression. She also referred me to a different neurologist that I am scheduled to see December 4th. So the waiting game continues. At this point, I’m not experiencing consistent pain and I’m getting restful sleep so there’s my silver lining for now. Also, I’m in the process of finding a therapist and I’m attempting (and failing) meditation. I may try group meditation until I get the hang of it. Thanks again for reaching out and any advice is appreciated.

@klro0001

That weeks and months of waiting for an appointment with a doctor is frustrating and irritating, at least it is for me. I hope you get a better neurologist. Do you live within driving range of a university hospital? They often have more resources than locals.

Chronic pain definitely has an impact on our mental health. I'm going on 15 years of that combination. The neuropathy pain began after I'd been seeing a therapist and psychiatrist, and the pain really slowed down the process of achieving any progress in my mental state. I think that it's likely that I'll need to take antidepressants for the rest of my life.

There are multiple ways to meditate. After I told my doctor about my suicide attempts, he could have put me in the hospital, but he let me go home to have two days to delegate my jobs, then I admitted myself to a small, brand new facility for people like me. I tell you that to tell you how they taught meditation.

The process of their meditation involved mindfulness and emptying one's mind. I couldn't do that because I believe that it's dangerous to empty my mind.

I meditate by emptying out the negative, harmful junk from my mind and focus on healthy things. For example, I will sometimes focus on a verse or a phrase from the Bible. Focusing on something like that tends to clear my mind, and I begin letting go of my worries and relax in the moment. It's something I do when I have a panic attack, or when I'm stressed or scared. My feeling is that keeping it simple makes meditation easier. I don't think that it matters how long I meditate, 2 minutes or 30 - whatever I have time for.

I'm seeing a neurologist now whom I didn't like a few years ago. He's shy and very soft spoken, and I didn't think he was doing anything to help me. After seeing two other neurologists, I gave him a second try and I like him. I initiate discussions and ask questions, and it draws him out. I think, too, that he's developed his communication skills over the years when I didn't see him.

I'm not going to any therapy now. I had a really good therapist but he had to quit and move for family problem. I went to the woman who took his place, but I don't click with her, so I stopped therapy a couple of months ago. It's hard to find a therapist who takes Medicare. The only ones who do accept it work for the hospital. There's no counselor or therapist within 120 miles that I can see. That's one of the trade offs we make to live where we do.

Enjoy your rest.

Jim

Jim,

I’m a city girl so I live within driving distance of most things. This new neurologist has great reviews online so I’m hoping that I’ll have the same good experience as his other patients. If not, I’ll look into finding one at the university hospital.

Thanks for the meditation advice. Interestingly, my pastor mentioned a similar technique at church this morning (though he didn’t call it meditation). I like the suggestion to focus on a Bible verse. I have a couple in mind that have always seemed to comfort me during stressful, sad, or scary times.

Thank you again for taking time to reply and for providing helpful advice. It means more to me than I can express with words.

Kia

Hi, Chris. Thanks so much for following up with me. I did have my tests. The EMG was normal but the NCS showed sensory damage in left leg. However, I’ve experienced new symptoms (muscle twitching, water dripping sensations, sporadic shooting pain) in my other leg. When I explained this to the neurologist, he all but shrugged and gave me a follow up appointment for bloodwork that is scheduled for January. My husband and I were not impressed with this neurologist at all. Also, anxiety and depression has set in and I was not getting any sleep, which was making me even more anxious at work and at home. I reached out on this forum and took someone’s suggestion to discuss my psychological issues with my PCP. She prescribed Amitriptyline 25mg at night to help with sleep and depression. She also referred me to a different neurologist that I am scheduled to see December 4th. So the waiting game continues. At this point, I’m not experiencing consistent pain and I’m getting restful sleep so there’s my silver lining for now. Also, I’m in the process of finding a therapist and I’m attempting (and failing) meditation. I may try group meditation until I get the hang of it. Thanks again for reaching out and any advice is appreciated.

Good afternoon @iro0001, Hope you had a precious memory-filled Thanksgiving. I remember that you have an appointment with a new neurologist tomorrow. My thoughts will be with you. Be safe and protected. Chris