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Falling & possible muscle/skeletal issues related to Neuropathy

Posted by birdman518 @birdman518, Dec 29, 2020

Hello all.... new member here. I have had nerve pain from what I believe is a cervical radiculopathy for about 2 years. I have mostly just lived with it, but recently it has gotten worse. Instead of just my thumb and index finger, my whole hand is being affected. I also have nerve pain in my shoulder and down my arm.

Because of this, I have an appointment with a neuro-muscular specialist in January.

Here is my question. In the last month or so, I have also had a lot of instability when I am walking. I am definitely *not* dizzy, but feel shaky and almost like I am tipsy. Twice in that time I have fallen pretty hard. I cannot say for sure that I did not just trip, but it is certainly a little suspicious.

Has anyone had what I am calling "muscle or skeletal (or joint)" issues related to neuropathy?

Oh, and FWIW I am in otherwise pretty good health. I do have a pacemaker and artificial left hip, and definitely have arthritis in my right hip.
And I am 64 years old.

Thanks,

Mitch

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efgh1020 | @efgh1020 | Oct 14, 2021
In reply to @centre "Good luck with your appointment. I had lumbar spinal stenosis surgery three years ago and it..." + (show)
@centre

Good luck with your appointment. I had lumbar spinal stenosis surgery three years ago and it was very successful. Beforehand, it seemed like everyone had a terrible story they wanted to tell me, of themselves or someone they knew having awful results, but my surgery was a game changer. Post-surgery, following PT and faithful performance (to this day) of the PT home exercise program, my pain is drastically reduced and I’m able to walk, with special shoes for my lower leg neuropathy. My balance is off, but I’m careful- removed all throw rugs, had grab bars installed in the bathtub, and railings on any stairs, don’t walk on grass, etc.
My recommendation if you go ahead with surgery- insist on Home Care for Skilled Nursing- wound management of the incision and medication management (you’ll at least be on a pain med) and for PT- the PT will get you going on light exercise and walker to cane use, ready for outpatient in 2 weeks. In my case, the hospital PT was reluctant, told me I should just go to outpatient clinic, BUT once home, I wasn’t to ride in a car for 2 weeks, so I would have been vegetating at home, instead the Home Care PT got me up and going, instilled a lot of confidence too.

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From @efgh1020
This was the aftercare I recommended to my surgeon after my own spinal fusion, which seemed successful at first, but after falls and 2UTI’s I have developed polyneuropathy. He said the data did not support such aftercare. I was a rare case (!) Your response is a validation for me. I have bookmarked 8t, and will make sure he sees it.

REPLY
birdman518 | @birdman518 | Oct 15, 2021

Met my neurosurgeon yesterday, but all that happened is that he schedule a myelogram for me, since I do not have an MRI (thanks to my pacemaker). So I guess it will be another couple of weeks before I go back. I liked my Dr and feel like he will work with me and be conservative in my treatments.

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pfbacon | @pfbacon | Oct 15, 2021

I too had surgery for spinal stenosis. Mine was a few months ago - it was easy and successful. With local anesthetic (and deep breathing exercises to keep myself calm), doc went into my spine in six tiny incisions and used tiny saws to cut and remove extra ligament material that had grown into my spine. I rested that day, walking carefully to the kitchen and bathroom as needed. The pain of spinal stenosis had slowed me down from running, to walking, and barely that - I was hoping to get back to running. The next 3 days, I walked on the beach for 4 miles, then went back to running on the beach for 4 or 5 miles. It's wonderful to be running in the sand again. I'm 70; many friends my age discuss "quality of life" issues and remedies. This simple operation restored my quality. I still have neuropathy, which I've had since 2018 - it hasn't gotten worse or better since the operation but at least I don't have spinal stenosis pain any more. Running helps me ignore the pain of neuropathy; walking didn't have the same effect. Peggy

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pfbacon | @pfbacon | Oct 15, 2021

I have heard of gabapentin and lyrica and other medicines making some people light-headed or dizzy. I am watching for that in myself. So far, so good. I only get wobbly late at night when it's time to go to sleep any way. Peggy

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