Meralgia paresthetica - Neuropathy Message Board

NuNu713 · 10-17-2006, 06:46 PM

Hello Everyone! I went to see my doctor today because I have been having this numb tingling feeling from my left hip to my thigh. She said in like 2 seconds that it is Meralgia paresthetica and asked me if i have gained weight recently. And i havent. She said it common for individuals overweight or pregnant. And i admit I am overweight by 10 pounds. Is that enough to cause Meralgia paresthetica? I researched it on the web and it said that its supposed to painful to light or deep touch. But i honestly dont have a difference in pain if someone or I touch it. And also worse for indiviuals standing up or sitting down, but mine is worse when i lie down! Just wondering if ya'll can give me some feedback! Thanks again!

feelbad · 10-18-2006, 08:20 AM

i think the meralgia is actually neuralgia??if she said it quickly you may have heard it wrong,or for all i know,she could be right.at any rate,tho this does appear to most definitely be neuropathic in nature,i am wondering how she came up with this Dx espescailly since you don't(from what you stated) appear to even fit the symptoms of it?

I really think the best thing for you right now would be to obtain an MRI of your lower back.this could be just a compressed or"affected" nerve in the lower thorasic or upper lumbar.to have the total numbness would indicate something is definitely affecting the nerve there,you just need more definitive testing in order to define just what that is.there should be no reason why she would not refer you for an MRI.i really think this is your best bet right now to actually determine what really is going on there.

getting to a good ortho doc after the MRI or before if she is for some reason,unwilling to send you for one herself,would also be a good idea.but you really DO deserve a "real" dx made by actually looking at ALL possibilities.

i just find her Dx a bit too quick considering your types of symptoms.maybe she was just in a hurry.most docswould have at least sent you for some sort of testing,even an x ray of your low back area would have been at least a good start.you cannot actually see the inner structures of the vertebrae with a plain old x ray,but you CAN see any actual herniaitons or bulges within the discs,so this would have possibly told you something at the very least.you just need to know whats up.see her again and try to get that MRI.just tell her from doing research,you dont believe that this really is it,espescially since you don't even fit the symptoms,duh??just tell her you need to know for sure that this doesn't have something to do with your spine.ALOT of people have herniations and bulges in the low backs and c spines that are not even aware of it,yet.but eventually they do show themselves in some way.this really could be your issue.good luck and please keep me posted on how things go,K?marcia

CittyCat · 10-28-2006, 12:26 PM

Hi,

Don't feel bad though, about the diagnosis I mean. I was also diagnosised with Meralgia paresthetica in 2000. I got it in my left thigh during a long road trip to the midwest. My Dr. referred my to a Neurologist who I've been seeing ever since and has become a very close medical confidant. I have since developed ideomadic neuropathy (meaning no known cause). I also hurt a nerve in my right knee and have had significant nerve damage in my lower right leg. The conclusion to all of this is that I have 2 types of neuropathy. One, my nerves don't react normally period (neuropathy) and two if damaged they don't necessarily heal either.

So with that being said, your diagnosis is probably right, but if I were you I'd try to get a referral to a Neuralogist. That may take some doing and some jumping through hoops, but in the end you will know for sure.

Keep us informed as to the outcome. I know how painful it is. I couldn't even let the sheet of the bed touch my leg and it has only gotten more painful thoughout the years (sorry)

.

Cathy