I am 45 and have non-diabetic neropathy. In my youth I was a gymnast for 10 years, and a soccer player for 10 years. At 36 I had to have 3 plates and 7 screws in my left foot to repair old injuries. I also have a total knee replacement in my right knee. Although I was fully vaccinated, I got COVID 3 times. After the last bout of it, I started getting burning, tingling, stabbing, and weird numbness (numb, but not numb) feeling. I have loss of feeling going up to my knees in both legs. I also have lower back and leg pain.
I'm adopted so it's hard to determine if it's hereditary or not. I've heard that my bio father is diabetic, but I've been tested and that is not the case. I am in no way saying COVID is to blame, but it's weird that the symptoms of neropathy inconveniently showed up just after I had it. I work out 4-5 days a week and it is painful after every workout, but I'm in pain every day whether I work out or not. So I choose to try and stay healthy.
I have been an active person my whole life and it is heartbreaking to feel this helpless to fix the debilitating daily pain. I will not do opiates, as they are only a band-aid and are more harmful to my health.
I started to see a neurologist and have tried everything drug companies offer. Lyrica, gabapentin, topicals, compounded pharmacy remedies, etc. I am a great candidate for a spinal chord stimulator, and I'm in the process of getting approved. I have done the psychological evaluation, I'm getting my MRI's (thoracic and lumbar), and have spoken to reps from Abbot and Nevro. I've decided that I'd like to try the Nevro. It is ultra high frequency and has the best results for pain relief that I've read about. I've also read that people don't feel the buzzing (MORE pins and needles feelings) that the lower frequency Abbot causes (paresthesia). I'm going this route because I want my quality of life back without the side effects of drugs that will also take away from my daily activities.
Has anyone else considered this option or has had this implant? I'm curious about your results. Or any other advice for that matter.
Thanks!