new & nervous about neuropathy - Neuropathy Message Board

camelia · 08-12-2003, 04:06 PM

Hello all
Have recently had a MRI diagnosing spondylilothesis - a cracked vertebra that has slipped forward under L5 - this is an old fracture that probably occurred in my childhood from gymnastics
Has anyone on this panel had fusion surgery to relieve painful burning in both feet & aching in calf & back of knee
Have had blood test & I'm not diabetic so the burning is not due to that - I take tramadol & that relieves the pain & I sleep pretty well but am concerned about it getting worse - any advise would be much appreciated - thanks!

riceneuroni · 08-16-2003, 03:08 AM

Hi Camelia,

I can't help with your questions, but at least wanted to welcome you. This can be a great place for info, but apparently not right now for your particular question.

I hope you don't give up, though. It really is a friendly place. I can empathize with your back problems and your neuropathy. I've been fighting back disaster for over 20 years and neuropathy for 1.5.

I hope you have had some pain-tolerable days lately.

Brice

cbjordan · 08-16-2003, 06:38 PM

I've been fused between the L4/L5 and that is now what is causing the neuropathy in both my feet. Causes burning, numbness, electrical shocks, stabbing pain, and ankle pain and swelling, which is all quite painful. Dr. has me on high level of neurontin, and told me to also to take flush-free niacin and to use Zostrix cream,, 0.025 which is the lower dosage of this, do not get the higher dosage, and always apply w/rubber gloves. Use that twice a day, but be careful to not get your feet into the sunshine or they will start burning really bad. Dr. says that if I do this, it hopefully will keep it from getting worse, and even better yet, it may get better.

Celia

ChristineH · 08-19-2003, 08:31 PM

Hi Camilia and all. I am also new to this board and am very happy (well, sort of) to have found you. Over the last several months I've been experiencing leg pain and recently discussed it with my doctor who thought the use of Zocor might be a cause. I've been off it for over a month and blood tests, venous and arterial sonograms are clear. Symptoms have escalated to pain in the back of my thighs when sitting (which is rough since I'm a writer and need to sit), tingling, numbness and crawling in feet, legs and thighs -- primarily left, but progressing to right. I've had sciatica in the past, but this is not anything like it. Today I was told to see a neurologist since he has no idea what's going on -- and am very nervous about this. What can I expect? I must admit, I am rather phobic about needles and the notion of having them rammed into my muscles is not appealing to say the least.
I look forward to meeting you all, as it looks like I may be around for a while.

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Christine in NY

camelia · 08-20-2003, 08:09 AM

hi Christine - your symptoms are exactly like mine - I'm a photographer & spend much time at my computer & had the same back of thigh pain when sitting - was my first symptom & tried all sorts of remedies - diff. chair, raising legs when sitting, massage ,exercise etc all to no avail & from there it just got worse - this was a year ago
Am self diagnosed with pn & see a specialist tomorrow
get the books by John Senneff - Numb toes & other woes etc - all at Amazon .com
stay in touch
C