1. < Neuropathy

Cervical myelopathy mistaken for neuropathy

Posted by yojimbob @yojimbob, Nov 25, 2022

I have been told for almost 10 years I have neuropathy . It was relatively mild for the most part . Recently I had serious episode of electric shocks ( cattle prod like ) pains in legs . I had weakness, numbness , tingling constantly in my legs and feet . I went to the doctor and was given an increase in gabapentin and the addition of cymbalta . It helped quite a bit with the pain . I was resigned to the fact I had neuropathy and it was going to get worse over time .
All of this prompted me to see a neurologist . He ordered an MRI .
Guess what ? I don’t have neuropathy. My problem is Cervical Myelopathy . My back . The only good news is this condition can be helped with surgery in most cases .
I would advise anyone who has been diagnosed with neuropathy and NOT had an MRI to get one .

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bjk3 | @bjk3 | Apr 30, 2023
In reply to @leema "Almost 80 years old: Was diagnosed with Lyme disease 20 years ago (after seeing a bazillion..." + (show)
@leema

Almost 80 years old: Was diagnosed with Lyme disease 20 years ago (after seeing a bazillion Drs)...and treated with antibiotics off and on for a few years and when I felt relapses. More recently have developed arthritis and pain in most bones including some cervical degeneration. My pain patterns are similar to yours and in early episodes was diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy. Also episodes of instability where I lose equilibrium and sort of keel over. Also bowels not moving regularly without help.

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I am on what seems like a ton of prescription medications for not only neuropathy pain but also for blood pressure, thyroid, and cholesterol and I am sure that one or more is the reason for constipation or irregularity. It is so discouraging to have that issue in addition to everything else. But what has worked for me is eating grapes and making sure to drink enough liquid. I choose the seedless red or black grapes over the green ones for their antioxidant properties. This also worked to help me to "get things moving" after surgery.

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