Connect
← Return to Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
Discussion
Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group
Neuropathy | Last Active: Oct 27 5:51pm | Replies (6152)Comment receiving replies
I’m new to the group as of today. I have poly neuropathy. I’ve had two EMG tests, and I’ve gotten a little worse. Sometimes (right now), the pain is so bad I can’t stand it, but the main thing bothering me is loss of balance. I can be walking across the room, or even standing, and I’ll fall down. I can’t hardly get up when I fall down, which is troubling. I use a cane, except in my home, because everything is level, and I hold on to walls, furniture, etc. It started about 12 years ago as tingling in my right foot, so I went to foot doctors. The foot doctors finally said it was coming from my back, so I went to back doctors. The back doctors said, no, it was my feet. I have cervical stenosis and degenerative disk disease and other back problems, but the neurosurgeon says the PN isn’t coming from my neck or back.has anyone had luck with surgery?
Replies to "I’m new to the group as of today. I have poly neuropathy. I’ve had two EMG..."
Like you I have stenosis and degeneration issues in my back, thoracic and lumbar. I started falling in early December and like you I just fall down, but I cannot get back up and have absolutely no strength in my legs once I fall. I have fallen enough times that although I use a walker in the house, if I go out I am now in a wheelchair.
Falling down is just bizarre because you have little warning. I have cut my hand and needed stitches but most often I just get bruised up. Once I fall, I often wonder how I got down to the floor because one minute I’m standing and the next on the floor. I struggle with pain as well and use THC gummies to sleep. When I read your post I thought OMG this person is going through the same issue. Thank you for sharing, made me feel not so alone.
Connect
Hello @bouf1948, Welcome to Connect, an online community where patients and caregivers share their experiences, find support and exchange information with others. I have small fiber peripheral neuropathy and can understand the balance issues. I've become quite good using the senior shuffle when I first get up from sitting or start walking. So far I don't need a cane but I do use a walker when I have to get up in the middle of the night and use the bathroom.
You might find the following discussions helpful.
-- Having trouble keeping your balance?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/having-trouble-keeping-your-balance/
-- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
Is your neurosurgeon recommending back surgery?