1. < Neuropathy

MRI was useless detecting anything relevant for neuropathy in feet.

Posted by louise@lou @suzed, May 13, 2023

I was disgusted with results of MRI. The findings were slim: mild sesamoiditis, stress, arthritis, and artifact in little toe. That's all when I can barely walk? My sesamoid bone is hugely inflamed even with taking Pregabalin, and lidocaine patches don't help. My toes are numb (almost like frostbite) and I truly thought the MRI could pinpoint the damage as my last resort. My pain specialist hasn't been much help either in controlling or finding the root cause of peripheral neuropathy. Why is this SO difficult, and are there any caring and mindful doctors left who actually know what they're doing? Not in my case.

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dlmdinia | @dlmdinia | May 16, 2023

I have neuropathy in my feet and participated in a clinical trial in June of 2020. The tests to confirm diagnosis (qualification to participate) and to track any improvement during trial were mostly performed by a neurologist with the exception of skin biopsies.

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brushin | @brushin | May 16, 2023
In reply to @suzed "Really appreciate your comments, and it wasn't a Neuro-MRI, just standard, but still thought it would..." + (show)
@suzed

Really appreciate your comments, and it wasn't a Neuro-MRI, just standard, but still thought it would detect damage. I don't have diabetes, and the pain specialist hasn't discovered root cause of peripheral neuropathy. But in 2021, an orthopedic surgeon performed revision surgery (for botched tailor's bunion) and it was after that, gradually over time, the peripheral neuropathy appeared which has halted 90% of my walking.
This pain specialist actually recommended an orthopedic surgeon which I thought was strange too. Passing the buck? I'm going to have him call me today for any other options. Very angry also about getting the run-around when my acute pain is so debilitating, I feel like a cripple when I used to be totally active, and enjoying life.

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Me too!! I have excruciating pn. No diabetes. Got worse after spinal fusion. Have to use rollator. My life is confined to my home unless I have a dr appt. It hurts so bad to put my feet on floor to walk. Today they are very swollen and red

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1 reply
louise@lou | @suzed | May 17, 2023

I am so sorry to hear that. If your feet are red and swollen, surely some medication can decrease that? I take Pregabalin, and it helps a bit, but just masks the symptoms for a while. All we want to do is able to move freely, and that was taken away. I'm the same in the respect my only outing is food shopping once a week. Truly hope things improve for you somehow.

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | May 17, 2023

Have you considered thinking outside the box? Have you considered acupuncture? NIH even put out treatment specific guidelines for peripheral neuropathy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5733739/

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1 reply
louise@lou | @suzed | May 17, 2023

Thanks for that link which was very informative. I started acupuncture last week, and also had a session today; will continue on with it as my insurance does covers this.

Can't really say if my foot has improved, but have around 7 more appointments to go before I judge. 'We need to think outside the box' is very true seeking anything and everything to relieve pain.

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helene71 | @helene71 | May 18, 2023

I am going for a nerve conduction test next month to assess the damage. I have numbness in both my feet, my right big toe is always tingling and when it acts up electric charges surge through my foot till all the toes cramp up so bad that I have to walk on my heels. When this happens, several times a day I have to lie down till the pain subsides. I also am on Pregabalin and a muscle relaxer.
I am hoping this test will reveal at least the areas that the damage occurred and what kind of pain treatment management I could pursue.
I am still waiting on a referral for a neurologist, although from what I am reading this will not be much help to me either. I guess the Big Pharma win again.

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1 reply
66vet | @66vet | May 18, 2023
In reply to @brushin "Me too!! I have excruciating pn. No diabetes. Got worse after spinal fusion. Have to use..." + (show)
@brushin

Me too!! I have excruciating pn. No diabetes. Got worse after spinal fusion. Have to use rollator. My life is confined to my home unless I have a dr appt. It hurts so bad to put my feet on floor to walk. Today they are very swollen and red

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Neuropathy is also caused by M-Protein......MAGUS (monoclonal Gammopathy
of Undetermined Significance ). I have this. Blood work needed to find it.

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2 replies
wendyhobbie | @wendyhobbie | May 18, 2023
In reply to @jenatsky "Have you considered thinking outside the box? Have you considered acupuncture? NIH even put out treatment..." + (show)
@jenatsky

Have you considered thinking outside the box? Have you considered acupuncture? NIH even put out treatment specific guidelines for peripheral neuropathy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5733739/

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That’s a great idea! Thank you. I just had cortisone shot in one heel. Not even close!

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1 reply
wendyhobbie | @wendyhobbie | May 18, 2023
In reply to @helene71 "I am going for a nerve conduction test next month to assess the damage. I have..." + (show)
@helene71

I am going for a nerve conduction test next month to assess the damage. I have numbness in both my feet, my right big toe is always tingling and when it acts up electric charges surge through my foot till all the toes cramp up so bad that I have to walk on my heels. When this happens, several times a day I have to lie down till the pain subsides. I also am on Pregabalin and a muscle relaxer.
I am hoping this test will reveal at least the areas that the damage occurred and what kind of pain treatment management I could pursue.
I am still waiting on a referral for a neurologist, although from what I am reading this will not be much help to me either. I guess the Big Pharma win again.

Jump to this post

PT is helping along with all day long mindfulness. Highest dose of Gabapentine, Tylenol, diet and elevated feet. I had spinal surgery (2 vertebrae caged) one month ago and up to 1hr on my feet with lots of walking now! 🙏

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1 reply
wendyhobbie | @wendyhobbie | May 18, 2023

Oh, and low dose of Oxy-condon Need to get off that asap

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