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Preliminary diagnosis of PN

Posted by Christine T. @christine1975, Jun 14, 2025

I am a 82 year old female at the preliminary stage of a diagnosis of PN: no feeling in toes of both feet. Started with middle toes of left foot now all ten toes on both feet. Next is a podiatrist visit. What happens at there? Feels bit at sea with this.
Thank you,
Christine

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Ray Kemble | @ray666 | Jun 16, 2025
In reply to @pah17 "I'd like to think that I could receive good care from each specialty, but I fear..." + (show)
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I'd like to think that I could receive good care from each specialty, but I fear that my Medicare Advantage plan might not justify both. I'll see my PA tomorrow and I will be looking for guidance. I have PN symptoms feet and calves and other strange things. I had a Neuro Consult two years ago. EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies were negative, but I never followed through for small fiber. With the guidance of my PCP I started Gabapentin and I've never been sure if it's effective. Fortunately I think of my level of "discomfort" as just that, not really painful. It is starting to cross the line at night though and after long periods on my feet.
I'm 73 and I've never seen a Podiatrist and think I could go without a referral for foot care which I'm inclined to do because I'm having trouble trimming my hard nails and I have a persistent callous and bunion. TMI but maybe if I get in the door, I might get a sense if they'd be able to help even it's just an assessment to suggest proper footwear. So far I can walk up to about 3 miles before I get really uncomfortable. I also work one day a week standing on my feet. After 6 hrs. I hurt.

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Hi, Christine

When you say, "I might get a sense if [a podiatrist would] be able to help even it's just an assessment to suggest proper footwear," I'm inclined to agree. I've gotten lots of good advice over the years about footwear from the various podiatrists I've gone to see. For years the advice was about proper shoes and my pronation and falt feet, then my deteriorating knees, and these days with my current podiatrist about PN-induced balance issues.

If you can walk 3 miles before you feel uncomfortable, that's fantastic! I'm jealous. 🙂

Ray (@ray666)

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arcuri24 | @arcuri24 | Jun 16, 2025

Good luck finding the right PT. My PT palace is excellent--there is cardio, strength training, and foot massage. Moreover, I get very guided instruction and supervision I even had some red light therapy for my hands. The pt team seems to offer more help than the doctors I have been to. I have pt three times per week. Its also good for one's appetite.

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gus0557 | @gus0557 | Jun 16, 2025

Hello,
So sorry about your preliminary neuropathy. However, have you actually been diagnosed by a neurologist? In my opinion, a neurologist will be the best to deal with neuropathy if you've actually been diagnosed by one. A podiatrist is for somthing else.
Wishing you the best.
Take care and have a serene evening,
gus

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Christine T. | @christine1975 | Jun 16, 2025

Thanks Gus. I called my PC and asked for a phone visit so she can explain why she sees a visit with the podiatrist as the next step after her initial evaluation.she will call Wednesday — in two days.

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