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PN progression? How can you be sure?

Neuropathy | Last Active: Jul 22, 2023 | Replies (10)

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@dbeshears1

I think you have to deal with it one symptom at a time. I’m inclined to believe (at age 58) that everything I have is because of my PN. It seems to be where most of my doctors have put everything if it’s not obviously something else. But if I need help with managing a particular “symptom” of PN, I seek out the specialist who can help it, as I haven’t found Neurology as the field being in charge of helping improve our quality of life - WE are.
Hammertoes? Maybe it’s caused by my PN per my PCP, no clear indication, but my Neurologist shrugged it off as nothing he can do about it. So I took initiate to line up a Podiatrist because I’m interested in staying on my feet most effectively and efficiently for hopefully a long time. My severe dry eyes was checked off as probably PN related too, but I was the one to have to take it the step further to charge my Ophthalmologist with keeping my vision and eye comfort optimal. Dry Skin - I have my Dermatologist though it’s probably PN. Balance? I went out and lined up PT.
You get it, you already know the drill. PN can easily be the black hole to dump everything in and we figure out how to live with it, which sometimes mean seeking out specialists for that function to help us improve our lives or make us safer. Hopefully if the specialist has the thought it might not be PN, he’ll test or treat accordingly.

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Replies to "I think you have to deal with it one symptom at a time. I’m inclined to..."

Hi, Debbie (@dbeshears1)

That's basically the approach I take, although I do take it upon myself to keep all of my specialists apprised of my situation. I make sure two of my docs especially have a good overview: my PCP, and the one neurologist with whom I've been working most closely. He specializes in physiatric medicine, so he likes having an overview. The others all know that I'm dealing with PN. When I went to see my podiatrist a few weeks ago, I told him I'm here to find out if podiatry could help with my PN (my walking). When I see my hematologist next month, I intend to ask him if my PN could be the chief cause of my low red blood cell count. It's as if we as patients are partially responsible for ensuring we benefit from a system of integrated medicine. I actually enjoy doing what I do: the more I talk to my various specialists, the more I learn.

Enjoy your weekend, Debbie!
Ray (@ray666)