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Nerve biopsy test: Is it done by a neurologist or rheumatologist?
Neuropathy | Last Active: Dec 10, 2021 | Replies (222)Comment receiving replies
HI JIM. I'm new to this reading your post I wonder if the recliner isn't part of the problem. I've read that recliners puts a lot of weight on your lumbar spine. As comfortable as they seem they may not be the best thing for our backs. Especially if your pain is less when you are standing that seems like an indication that sitting in the recliner is not good. My husband sits in his recliner so many hours of the day and evening and he has low back pain but he claims he's had it for years before. He is into his family genealogy and works on it on the computer many hours a day. He also reads a lot sitting in the recliner. He used to be very active with projects and home improvement but he has lost all interest and doesn't walk much either. I can't complain because I have neuropathy and weakness in my legs and I sit a lot too but not in a recliner. You might try physical therapy. I think getting outdoors and working in your garden is very good for you physically and mentally as long as you don't overdo. As far as sleeping is concerned you may have already tried this but I sleep on my side with a pillow between my legs (this is recommended by doctors and physical therapists). If I lay on my back I have to have a pillow under my knees which are bent. Your pain must be really significant if you are taking morphine to sleep. I truly hope the surgery helps. I want to suggest that you find a mental health professional to talk to. I understand depression quite well and the feeling of isolation that comes with this kind of illness. My husband suffers from terrible migraines and is knocked out sometimes for days and although I am used to being alone it can get to me sometimes. I often come to the point of thinking of ending my life but I talk to myself (not aloud) about what I will miss out on and how I will probably feel better the next day. I get through it.
I recommend a book by David Burns Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Years ago I was seriously depressed and my doctor recommended this book. I read it and I learned some things that helped but I did not do the exercises. Then one day I was really down and I decided to do the exercises. It really helped a lot! It can't hurt. You can get a used copy for $6 on Bookfinder.com.
Good luck with the surgery.
Replies to "HI JIM. I'm new to this reading your post I wonder if the recliner isn't part..."
@catharbert Thanks for writing. I do see a therapist every week, and have been for 14 years. Pain when sitting is pretty much the same, whether it's in a dining chair, a recliner or driving the car. If I walk very long, my feet and ankles will begin hurting more the longer I walk. We have a big place, even though 8 of the 10 acres are in use as pasture for our neighbors' cows and horses, and I'm really thankful for my riding mower.
I have the same approach to sleep position as you. I use a Bipap machine because of sleep apnea, so I usually sleep well if pain doesn't wake me up. I put a pillow between my knees because if they touch, it sends pain signals to my feet, and if I lie on my back, my heels will start hurting.
It took a few years to find the antidepressant that works, and I've been taking it, Wellbutrin, since the end of 2005. So far so good. My doctor prescribed morphine sulfate contin 8 or 10 years ago for the pain in my feet, and it's the only medication that's helped long term. I've tried one medication after another, and some have helped, but only for a month or two. I had a spinal cord stimulator implant in 2017, and it was wonderful! I'd forgotten how it felt not to be in pain. It gave me pain relief for a year. The surgeon has said that stenosis surgery could help enough to allow the stimulator to do its job again. I'll know in a month.
Again, thank you for writing.
Jim
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@catcando @rwinney @jimhd Wow, here I've been over in other discussions the past couple hours doing my usual catch-up on the Daily Neuropathy News, when the real action was happening over here. Rachel, you are never up now. Wow!
My deepest most earnest sympathy and sorrow for you guys and what you are describing about your lives, both with your pain and with family who just can't seem to "get there" when it comes to the deepest understanding of what you are going through. I have none of what you go through. As much as I try to "be there" for you guys, and, of course, for my wonderful spouse, I can't sustain it. I forget. I do. I am solicitous as I can be, like Kevin Rachel, I'm like "do you need this?" "can I do that for you?" etc. But I am one who likes to keep it light, wanting to be humorous, I just can't keep the pain you all are experiencing in the forefront of my mind all the time, but yet you are experiencing it all the time. It must be a rare person that can be there ALL the time. I just try to be available. I am always ready to pour it out as Linda indicates a need, but it sure is easy to forget if she' not giving me the cues.
I feel very deeply when I feel. But that too gets exhausting. Ugh, nothing about neuropathy is GOOD. I'm sick to death of having to know how bad it is for you guys and I can't do a damn thing. Sorry.
@catcando, you seem like a really great person and I am sad for your pain also. The only thing I'd say about your post (besides thinking how nice you sound, and caring) is just go and read a few of Jim's recent (last couple weeks) posts to get a sense of his experiences with depression. You can see them by clicking here @jimhd ; he has been through it, this man has, and then some. I have fallen head over heals in love with him and with Rachel and with all of the people here. It came unexpectedly right out of the blue since January when I joined.
OK, sorry you guys. I'll go take a walk and try to stabilize. Best to you, Hank
PS: I just proofread this. It's not saying enough. It will have to do.