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First consultation with neurologist
Neuropathy | Last Active: Apr 22, 2021 | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
I am going back for my first "real" consultation with my neurologist soon. My first visit didn't really count because we agreed to wait until my Medicare coverage started May 1. He did recommend some stretching which I performed reliably for at least 6 weeks, but I could not see any help at all... sometimes I felt worse.
My symptoms are daily pain and numbness from my neck down to my right thumb and index finger... BUT many days it involves my whole arm. I have pretty bad right shoulder pain. I have also developed left shoulder pain. Less commonly, I feel tingling in my left big toe... sometimes in the right as well.
Finally, I have stability issues. I have fallen a few times, and am often unsteady. I am certain this is not heart related... there has been no dizziness. It always feels muscular.
I guess it is almost certain I have a C6-C7 type of PN.. but there could be more going on given my other symptoms.
So I am looking for what to expect now. I expected he would want to order an MRI but his nurse told me he would not (I have a pacemaker so I inquired about getting info from my cardiologist).
Are my options a shot? Drugs? I really do not want to go on a drug regimen. Please give any suggestions as to what I should ask.
Thanks!
Replies to "I am going back for my first "real" consultation with my neurologist soon. My first visit..."
@birdman518 you will notice that I have moved your post into your original post/discussion on a first consultation with a neurologist. @athenalee has already responded and other members like @johnbishop @terrydclaar @artscaping and @rwinney may be able to share more based on their experiences.
This post by @johnbishop may also provide some helpful information:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/290563/
Also, here is another discussion that you might find helpful as well.
Testing for Neuropathy:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/testing-for-neuropathy/
I know you are concerned about what drug therapy options might be recommended. Can you share a little more about your hesitancies for a drug regimen?
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Hello, I put a similar question out to the group prior to my first neurologist appointment, I also did a lot of research, and follow the discussions on the group about what people have found helpful. I’ve attached a list I put together for my visit. I’d like to suggest you do research on what you already know about your condition and review the discussions this group has had. There is a wealth of knowledge that you can take with you which can help inform your visit with the neurologist. We’re all different with our symptoms and causes, but I feel, for me anyway, that I want to know all the available treatments, side effects, tests, etc. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Neurologist Appointment Prep (Neurologist-Appointment-Prep.pdf)