Question for all in the medical field-Peripheral Neuropathy?
Is this a definite wheel chair bound disease? What's the best way to find "the best" neurologist if you don't know one? If your not in the medical field, but know someone with this illness your input would also be welcome. Thanks. |
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| I know many people who have had this disease, and I can tell you that the progression is determined by many factors, some of which are at least partially in your control.
Assuming the cause is diabetes, the number one thing is to get the person's blood sugars under control, and to examine the feet every single day for any sores and to have any sores cared for immediately. |
| Both my dad and my MIL had peripheral neuropathy as a result of diabetes.
Both had limited sensation predominantly in the lower legs and feet, although it can affect the hands as well. The 1st concern (after control of the BS to prevent or minimize further loss of sensation) is good skin care. A visual inspection of the lower legs and feet are needed, as the loss of feeling doesn't alert you to sores or blisters. The lack of blood supply that goes along with the loss of sensation means that any sore is much more difficult to heal. Often a wound nurse specialist is needed to heel what once would have been a simple blister from a new pair of shoes. My MIL had a toe amputated from a blister - caused by a new pair of tennis shoes - good expensive ones at that! She also quit driving later on, as she couldn't feel her feet well enough to be safe in knowing if they were on the gas or brake, and how much pressure she was applying to each. This was quite a blow to somone who had driven for a living - she was a postal emplyee and rural letter carrier. My dad ended up with a below the knee amputation from a foot infection gone bad. Neither one was w/c bound - my dad did great with his prosthesis. |
| There can be many causes of peripheral neuropathy is is not limited to diabetes. Treatment is generally aimed at handling the symptoms which can range from severe pain to total numbness.
As already mentioned meticulous care of the effected extremity is very important. Since sensation is impaired you need to inspect the extremity carefully for any breaks in the skin or signs of infection. Neurontin is a very effective medication for managing the pain. Anything that promotes circulation in the limb also helps. If it is you feet (or foot) you need to make sure your shoes are well fitted and that socks (cotton is recommended) are not too tight. |
| Thanks for your input. From what I've read the patient is their own best doctor with this to some point. Can't believe they admitted that one!!!
Diabetes, blood clots, and many other things you can test by the blood have been eliminated as a cause. This started with numbness going widthwise just above my toes, about the width of two fingers. Progressed to the outside of my foot and felt like a bad rug burn. In the meantime half of my foot (width) started feeling numb and hurt like h-ll. My ankle got sore and felt like I injured it. As the numbness progressed the pain worsened. I'm on a low dose of oxycontin for my back and it didn't touch that pain in my foot!!! I have hydrocodone for breakthrough pain, so I took one. It did NOTHING! The pain is severe and the foot is quickly becoming totally numb. The bottom of the foot feels like your walking on bumps, sort of like trying to walk on an unbroken quartz rock with one foot and the other feeling normal. The surface of the foot feels like a rubber when you touch it. This has progressed just above my ankle on one side, and about even with my ankle on the other side of that foot. All in less than 2 months max.. I've been put on the neurontin, but its the lowest dose you can take because of other similar meds I'm on. We're gradually going to increase it, in the meantime... the pain and numbness is still spreading upward. I was told it usually doesn't go above the knee. WOW! Glad to hear that! I'd like to stop it NOW! This is suppose to be a common ailment, but an unknown one to most people??? I didn't know anything about it. People - if your foot or hands feel numb, GO TO THE DOCTOR!!! The pain associated with this is severe. Just the slightest touch causes immense pain. I'm in the process of getting my referral for the neurologist I've chosen, which happens to be the same one that treated my friend for Gillian Barre Syndrome. I'm hoping to stop any further progression of this and any information you can provide me with would appreciated VERY MUCH!!! Thanks!!! Pam |
| The only thing I can add to the above is care of your toenails. Keep them clipped to avoid catching them on socks, etc. If you happen to have a friend that is a nurse or manicurist you might want to see if they'll do your nail care. Torn or improperly cut nails have caused the majority of foot problems that I have cared for. I took care of my dad's feet for years after he was diagnosed, it was something we both enjoyed. He come over to my house get a pedicure, then we'd hang out and usually have dinner as well.........Kathy |
Chauncey wrote: ......I took care of my dad's feet for years after he was diagnosed, it was something we both enjoyed. He come over to my house get a pedicure, then we'd hang out and usually have dinner as well.........Kathy
You know, I attended a foot washing ceremony at church one time - years ago. It may sound silly to a lot of people, but that was a very special ceremony!!! The lights were dimmed, music playing and bowls with small amouts of water in them. Sponges were used to just dampen the persons foot and then they were towel dried. Because of that ceremony, I can understand just how special that time was for you and your dad!!! I have an appointment this Friday with a neuologist, but with all the flooding here in Indiana, I won't know until tomorrow if they'll be in, or if I can find an alternate route there. Boy, what a time for gas prices to be so high!!! Pam |
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