Living with Neuropathy - Welcome to the group

I posted this as reply. However, figured others might be interested in the services of PM&R/Physiatrists.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians, also known as physiatrists, treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.

PM&R physicians are medical doctors who have completed training in the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), and may be subspecialty certified in Brain Injury Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Neuromuscular Medicine, Pain Medicine, Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Spinal Cord Injury Medicine, and/or Sports Medicine.

Specifically, PM&R physicians:

Treat patients of all ages
Focus treatment on function
Have a broad medical expertise that allows them to treat disabling conditions throughout a person’s lifetime
Diagnose and treat pain as a result of an injury, illness, or disabling condition
Determine and lead a treatment/prevention plan
Lead a team of medical professionals, which may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, and physician extenders to optimize patient care
Work with other physicians, which may include primary care physicians, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and many others.
Treat the whole person, not just the problem area

Thank you! I printed this out to use when I go for my appointment with my new physiatrist. They are also called pain management doctors. I have neck pain that has been ongoing since the end of May (join the club). I’m hoping he can help, but I’m going to PT first. PT worked for me when I had neck pain on my right side. I haven't had neck pain for almost 2 years. My rheumatologist told me the physiatrists use chiropractic, nerve blocks and shots. I’m glad I have now other things that might help.

This is very helpful, I always wondered (and must have been too lazy to look up) what their role was. Opening this up to everyone on the site, how have your experiences been with a physiatrist? Are they hard to find or are they scheduled so far out it's impossible to see them in a reasonable amount of time?

You are lucky to have a choice. Cannabis is still illegal in Wisconsin.

I wish there was more info on usage of cannabis for pain. It really helps me, but it would be helpful if they started sharing some research results. I think until recently, it couldn't be used to research because it is still illegal federally. I'm sure someone is looking into it! I am sure there are probably side effects that we don't know about.

So what kind of doses and what form are you given when you go the medical cannabis route?

Maybe we will hear from some suffering people who have more info on using cannabis.

Yes, that’s a point, it’s illegal where I live as well. Old folks arrested for eating pot gummies?

Had no problem scheduling an appointment in about a week and follow up in about 3 weeks later. Needed a referral though. My neurologist was kind enough to do so. So far my experience is very positive. He is now reviewing all the scans, etc. for possible damage, and sources of the pain, etc.

Hi Cathy-
I can't believe I reaad this! I have a toe on my left foot that starts to fire up in the afternoon and is like an ice pick stabbing pain. Up all night and nothing helps. Now this week I have 2 toes on my right foot doing it- I want to amputate them! FYI- I have had ideopathic bilateral neuropathy in both feet for about 10 years. I take 3300 mg gabapentin, cymbalta and klonopin ( 1 mg at night ) . Nothing helps with the toes. Luann