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New Onset Pain
I have had neuropathy symptoms for about 3 yrs. I've had two EMGs and Nerve Conduction Studies which are negative for large fiber neuropathy. My Neurologist suspects that it is idiopathic SFN. I take 300 mg. Gabapentin at bedtime. My discomfort has not been painful - just numbness & tingling until about 3 months ago. I simply can't get comfortable at night. I use a pillow between my legs. I finally reached a point where I couldn't really walk one morning due to the pain and stiffness that usually dissipates after I get up and move around.
I had a hip/pelvis x-ray. Results: No acute osseous abnormality. Calcification/chondrocalcinosis of the bilateral acetabular labrum.
My C-reactive Protein was abnormal at 67, so a 6 day Medrol dose pace was ordered. The following morning my pain was 75% better. I've been advised to continue with Prednisone until seen by Rheumatology.
In the meantime I was seen in follow up by my PCP re: several issues and we talked about this. I shared with him that I had a abd/pelvis CT in August and the reading indicated advanced lumbar facet osteoarthritis results in a grade 1 degenerative spondylisthesis at L3-L4. That got his attention in terms of my pain. The PA was leaning toward Polymyalgia Rheumatica.
From what I've been reading here it seems most of the group is dealing with pain on movement. My complaint is lack of sleep due to pain at night. Yesterday I woke up feeling better than usual with little pain or stiffness. I worked my one day a week as a cashier which means that I was on my feet all day, as well as twisting, turning and lifting.
This morning is not good!
I realize that this post is all over the place, but I'm hoping that something jumps out to someone who is at the beginning of finding a reason for their pain. BTW my pain started at the top of my thighs and radiates down the inner thighs and sometimes to the side of my hips and back.
Thank you for sharing your similar experiences.
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I have the same neuropathy problems for over 3 years. The doctors said mine is caused due to a severe curved and arthritic spine.
Due to other serious health issues, I have not been able to get corrective surgery for the last 3 years. I am seeing a new doctor in March to see if he will do the surgery.
I get severe muscle leg cramps as well. I took take gabapentin and a couple other drugs that help.
What I found that helps me sleep, I use a small heating pad on my feet. That stops the neuropathy pretty much so I can get some good sleep.
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2 Reactions@pah17 The spine will shift when you lay down or change position and you mentioned you have grade 1 listhesis which is when one vertebra slides past its neighbor a little bit. That changes the spaces where nerves exit the spine and can change your pain. Another possibility may be issues with the muscles that attach the pelvis to the spine. If the pelvis is out of alignment or possibly twisted, it puts pressure on the lumbar spine and can mimic a spine issue. It is possible to have more than one issue affecting the spine at the same time.
If you look at a website http://www.mskneurology.com and look under the articles for the lower back, there is an article about a compression syndrome that describes this. That brings up another thought, have you tried physical therapy? I have done a lot of PT and it has helped me gain strength and reduce pain.
@jenniferhunter
Thank you. My work up is moving along. See my hip MRI results below. I'll be curious to see if my PCP still wants me to follow through with Rheumo. I suspect he will cancel that referral, but maybe not. I had very pronounced pain in my inner thighs at night which prompted me to get to the doctor. I'm not sure what they will decide about pain management, because I've recently started Eliquis for AFib and NSAIDS are contraindicated. My friend who is a Cardiac PA suggests that I take 2 Xtra Strength Tylenol in the am and again in the evening. I started this morning because I'm on my feet all day at work.
It sure did make a difference in my usual discomfort, but there again I'm on Prednisone right now.
It wouldn't surprise me if there's more than one thing going on at the same time as you mentioned.
CONCLUSION:
1. Multilevel degenerative disc and facet disease most pronounced at L3-4 with a grade 1 anterolisthesis from severe facet arthropathy causing a mild-to-moderate central stenosis and moderate left lateral recess stenosis with possible compression of the descending left L4 nerve root.
2. At L4-5 there is a mild central stenosis and moderate right lateral recess stenosis with possible compression of the descending right L5 nerve root.
3. At L5-S1 there is a left lateral recess stenosis and possible compression of the descending left S1 nerve root