Exercise and PN

Okay all... just back from my appointment. The doctor revisited some of the strength tests he had done before. The bottom line he is thinking this is cervical (C6/C7) radiculopathy, not PN. He also wants to check for ulnar nerve issues. The problem is that although most of my issues are my right hand/arm, I also have leg weakness that may indicate lumbar issues.

The next step is that I will be getting both EMG and CT Scans to try and further determine the cause(s).

So really this is pretty much where I wanted and expected to be, namely in a diagnostic phase. I feel that my issues are not as serious and/or debilitating as for many, but as my right hand is getting more useless, I want to get to the bottom of it.

Thanks to all of you for your support!

For years I’ve spent hours at a computer contributing to numbness, tingling, and pain in my hands and lower arms. I do have PN, but my hand issues started developing prior to my diagnosis. I found at least some relief and better mobility by going to occupational therapy. They gave me a stack of exercises, some stretch bands, and therapy putty. As I have to use a computer for work, I continue to do the exercises on my own and find they definitely help. Good luck with your pursuit for a confirmed diagnosis and treatment!

Thanks... it's good to hear something might help. I worked on a computer my entire career (38 years) and still spend a fair bit of time on it!

My personal trainer had me start out on the elliptical, rowing machine, etc. using the lowest settings and for no more than five to ten minutes. I wanted to do more but followed her instructions and slowly built up to higher settings and for longer periods of time. You might want to try that… Good luck!

I recently tried a class in water aerobics and I’d love to hear from anyone else who has tried it and/or does it regularly. The only things I noticed were that I felt like I weighed 1000 pounds when I got out of the pool for a minute or so, then it went away. I also noticed about 10 or 15 minutes later that I could feel my feet for a change they were kind of throbbing and tingling for a few minutes. BTW, I have poly neuropathy, idiopathic, hereditary, no pain or burning sensations, just weakness and numbness. And instability.

Okay all... just back from my appointment. The doctor revisited some of the strength tests he had done before. The bottom line he is thinking this is cervical (C6/C7) radiculopathy, not PN. He also wants to check for ulnar nerve issues. The problem is that although most of my issues are my right hand/arm, I also have leg weakness that may indicate lumbar issues.

The next step is that I will be getting both EMG and CT Scans to try and further determine the cause(s).

So really this is pretty much where I wanted and expected to be, namely in a diagnostic phase. I feel that my issues are not as serious and/or debilitating as for many, but as my right hand is getting more useless, I want to get to the bottom of it.

Thanks to all of you for your support!

Exercise is the only effective treatment of my Peripheral Neuropathy.

@birdman ... 1st time I've actually posted in this Mayo Clinic Connect system so hope I'm using it correctly.

Coincidentally, I'm amazed at how similar (from a 100'000 foot level at least) your post sounds like my own situation ... except my current status and symptoms look like they are probably 3-4 years down the road from where you're just starting from (i.e. "The next step is ... etc."). For what it's worth, I'll plan to come back to this post at a later time and expand on my experience ... you probably will be able to relate to it and it might give you things to consider as you continue to look for a diagnosis (/ cause) and possible treatment.

John

PS: purely coincidentally again ... just yesterday, I returned from an appointment with a 2nd neurologist that the 1st neurologist I had been seeing for a few years, had referred me to.

May I ask if you have had to try the medications for nerve pain? When you said exercise is effective does that mean that your neuropathy actually improved?