New to having Neuropathy

Posted by barrymiles @barrymiles, 2 days ago

I not sure how this works. I haven’t officially been diagnosed with neuropathy, I’m waiting for a neurologist appointment. About 6-7 years ago I started having back problems and joint pains. Then it got to where when I walked uphill or upstairs both of my legs started going numb and it hurt and I would always have to stop. This still today have this problem, but all I get from my medical team is a look of sorrow for me, perscribe anther medication. I was given gabapentin for the pain but I also have arthritis in my back, knees, and feet. The horrible sciatica. I keep saying I’m still in pain and numbness when I walk upstairs or hills. I live in San Francisco with no car.

Two years ago I had a heart attack because high cholesterol got 3 stints. Now I’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes. So yes I guess I feel some numbness from it. Every time I describe my pain, every body talks about diabetic neuropathy. However I’ve been dealing with the pain and numbness years before diabetes.

I’m researching and I’m finding out that. it’s not common, but you can get neuropathy in both legs, ( like I have) before getting diabetes. I can’t work much anymore, but I used to clean houses for a living. I once had a pretty good size business. Of course I used all kinds of cleaning products and I didn’t wear gloves. I’m reading about “Toxic Neuropathy” I feel like is what I have or

I saw I have neuropathy because that what my symptoms say. Read that you can get it from repetitive motion. Well cleaning houses, walking dogs, doing yard work for 20-30 years, I tend to move the same way over and over.

So after a long story. Does anyone else have some advice and experience with this?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

jankavs | @jankavs | 2 days ago

I have small fiber neuropathy and do not have diabetes. I also have osteoarthritis and various issues with spine and neck. The drugs they give for neuropathy do nothing for numbness, unfortunately. If you have burning and tingling and pain with it, they will likely prescribe gabapentin or other medication to help with that. You are likely in the right place for good advice. Mayo also has other support groups for spinal issues.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 2 days ago

Hello @barrymiles, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @jankavs and others. I have idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy and shared my story in another discussion here - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/310341/. I also have trouble walking up hills and stairs (walking down also) but my legs don't hurt or get more numb than they already are. I think my problem with the walking is may be related to lower back issues since I have difficulty walking any distance at all, just more so on inclines.

There are a couple of other discussions you might find helpful that mentions neuropathy and sciatica:
-- Peripheral neuropathy and sciatica: What helps with the pain?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-neruopathy-injections-not-working-tramadol-to-control-pa/
-- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
A great source for learning more about your condition is the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy - https://www.foundationforpn.org/newly-diagnosed/. You mentioned you are waiting for your appointment with a neurologist. Do you mind providing an update after you meet with your neurologist?

gus0557 | @gus0557 | 1 day ago

Hello,
So sorry about what you’re going through now.
Hopefully you have already made an appointment with a good neurologist. And I strongly suggest you wait for the appointment before jumping to conclusions and start taking things.
I wish you the best.
Take care and have a serene evening,
gus

barrymiles | @barrymiles | 1 day ago

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @barrymiles, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @jankavs and others...." + (show)

I’ll keep updating

Thank you

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | 1 day ago

I have been dealing with neuropathy for 40 years. It began in the bottoms of my feet. As my nerves deteriorated, I experienced stinging, stabbing, burning, tingling, and pins and needles sensations, which eventually gave way to numbness that traveled up my legs to my waist. This has caused complications such as erectile dysfunction, bowel and bladder issues, and weakness worsening my already existing balance problems, ataxia from seizure medications.
Is your numbness only present when walking up stairs or hills?Does it resolve when you stop or rest, or is it a constant sensation?
I am currently looking for a good neurologist, primarily for epilepsy but also for neuropathy. If you’re impressed with the Neuro you see I hope you let me know, I would appreciate it. I live about 90 miles east of the city.
I've heard there is a pain doctor at Stanford who specializes in neuropathy, but unfortunately, I can’t recall his name.
Take care,
Jake

cit10jetjockey | @cit10jetjockey | 1 day ago

Make sure you dont purchase any online cures fot PN. They are all a scam and nothing works. The best you can do is learn to live with it. PN is here to stay.