Hello. I'm a new user here and I hope not to be here very long. I've just got a few quick questions. I've read several stories here and I think I am lucky. I got a doctor fairly on who was able to figure out what was causing my problem. (He used the words "entrapped lateral femoral cutaneous nerve." Now, if I understand it, this is another way of saying meralgia paresthetica. I did not have to wait months or years for a diagnosis. He was only the second medical professional I had consulted about it.

If you do not mind, I have some questions. How long should it take to get over the symptoms? The initial doctor said no medications would help. (I had no insurance and had to go to a free clinic. I should resolve this issue soon.) He also said losing weight was the most likely cause in my case. His solution is to lose more weight. I hope this is correct, although his solution seems counter intuitive.

This is not helping me in the meantime. I have two jobs. I am a freelance writer. Because that pays inconsistently, I also am an event specialist. (I work for the company that hands out food at Sam's Club.) This job requires me to stand all day. By the end of the day, I am almost crying because of the pain. Today someone asked me if I was about to faint. Now, I'd like to go armed to the next appointment with possible ways to reduce the pain.

Is the doctor right and how long should I expect this to last? I assume, with the exception of the quick diagnosis, that my case is typical. I hope it is. I don't want to deal with this any longer than I have to.