NeuroTalk Support Groups - so confused and frustrated

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- - so confused and frustrated (https://www.neurotalk.org/new-member-introductions/144428-confused-frustrated.html)

got a copy for my records. saw pcp when my husband had apt. today. guess what i didnt know i couldnt do- get up from the chair without using my hands. the doc told me if mri doest show whats wrong i need to go see a neurologist. don't know what he can do that the neurosurgeon can't do, but i trust my pcp. i told her about my attempt at work and she wrote a note not to work. we shall see what happens.

Here's what they look for....

As on that neuroexam site I provided a couple of posts before. Thing is? Neurologists are trained in hundreds of various neruo problems... some of them essentially structural [as in spinal], others are environmental [as in where you work or live..some THINGS aren't safe tho you are there?] and others are hereditary or autoimmune responses..these can and do get squirreley as there are soo many things any one person has or could have?
Make an appt with a good neuro..ask the GP for three good names and then research the web out on them! Find what neuro seems to be most close to what problems you mite have? Of course, easier said than done. THEN Make the APPT.. and wait the 4-6 weeks for IT! Then? Wait for the next when tests will be set up...Then Wait for results.. But each step checks what IT's NOT off the possible list of AWFULS it could be! JUST? NEVER, EVER accept that it's 'ALL in your HEAD!'. Don't give up or give in on YOURSELF. YOU know somethings not right.. get tested out the wazoo and find out!
That way? You know you've done your durndest to try and find out!
:hug::hug::hug:'s - j

I also Have pinched nerve in left elbow

I know what your going through although I went through surgery already I still have the tingling and numbness and now pain in left elbow 2nd nerve test confirmed I am still pinched in left arm. So I am scheduled to see my ortho who did surgery on the 21 st.

Try a ortho if you haven't already I don't know where you live but I live in Tennessee and if I can help don't feel shy ask for referrals from us;)

Dear Snookie, I have to tell you something, I didn't mind the MRI and the CT scans at all. I was so surrounded by this incredible machine, I actually paid attention to what each of them did. CT is quick as a rule. The MRI Loud. Even when I was in real pain, it went fast. I wanted the tests very much to figure out what was wrong, I was glad to be there. Good luck and do not be afraid of these tests. Even with contrast, not so bad. Ginnie

similar physical changes happened to me and later advanced to global RSD

Quote:

Originally Posted by snookie12303 (Post 741782)

hi. i've been checking in here the past few months looking for answers, trying to understand what is going on with me. right now i am scared, nervous and just plain tired of feeling lousy. let me start at the begining and see if anyone can help me understand. last june i started to drop things with my left hand, a small area above my wrist appeared at same time with mild pain. dr didnt know what it was and sent me to ortho dr. when mri of wrist and emg was "ok". ortho dr. didnt know what was wrong with wrist either. he did xrays of neck (arm from elbow to fingers ached with tingling). dx: degenerative changes in cervical spine. "can't do anything more for you- go see a neurosurgeon :mad:. 1st neurosurgeon told me my problem wasn't in his realm of practice :rolleyes:. now both arms ache bad, can barely work and all tests come back "ok" or normal. new neurosurgeon in nov. did emg on left arm. omg - severely pinched at elbow. surgery to move nerve dec 3. had heavy legs (dead legs) for couple weeks last fall but it went away, well its back along with my foot feeling like ice. periodically it feels like hot water is poured down my calf but skin is fine. wake up with headaches last forever as well as both arms heavy and numb. this new symptom is the most annoying. my face feels kinda numb after novacain wears off on my cheeks towards ears. i am just so frustrated hurting all time and being ignored or dismissed by dr.s. i sa the neurosurgeon for less than 2 minutes, this time brought my list with me. getting mri of brain and cervical spine this tuesday. sorry so long but i'm desperate to understand and be understood. thanks for listening at least.

My advice is to search for a pain management physician who has experience with RSD. For more info Google RSD/CRPS and look as several web sites devoted to the disease.

i am going for an mri of lumbar region this thursday. i have an apt. with a local neurologist next wed. and his receptionist said he wants a full 45 minutes with me. could this mean i could finally be getting a full neuro workup? about time. hope he will listen instead of brushing me off. i'm finally getting some periods of relief from stiffness, numbness and aching. i'll take it no matter how small the periods are.

It's a good introduction getting a basic case history?

No question should seem to invasive? I mean, It's your LIFE at stake?
Next, expect about 3-7 different kinds of tests to be done?
Nerve conduction studies
Basic blood work-ups then, maybe more specific tests for where the results lead them?
MRI's and CT's then ?
X-rays and more detailed histories. Even absurd questions.
It gets long, drawn out and tedious? BUT Each piece of info each test brings into the 'mix' of your problems?
Know that...MRI's CT's and Nerve Conduction studies only can tell IF there is some place that is damaging the nerves and these tests do not, CAN NOT see the nerves themselves?
I would stall IF any doc wanted to do a 'nerve seural biopsy' on me tho? That is a very very last result in testing. And nowadays? Many insurances don't cover it unless ALL the viable blood workups and nerve conduction tests are 'inconclusive'! PM me if you've questions about seural biopsies? I'm sure I can find current thinking on it. I myself, have refused this biopsy because all else didn't require it! For me? Once I set out to get tested and all? It took me about 8 months w/two different neuros to get the results needed for MY diagnosis? I truly hope yours can be faster and simpler. Many here have had to endure years of docs and testings to get their diagnoses! And at times? It's not been 'conclusive'!
My hope for you is that it is A] right for you; B] feels right and lastly C]IS RIGHT!
Hugs and hope! :hug::hug::hug::hug:'s !!!!!! DON'T GIVE UP! Please?