Hi, I'm Steve and I'm beginning to worry myself now. I've suffered from chronic pain in my lower back and legs for some 18 years now. However over the last couple of years I've started to get other symptoms. It started with my legs and arms shaking and then at rest my lower torso would twitch and my legs would jump. More recently however I've had a burning and numbness on the right side of my face (around the cheek and eye) I have even had loss of vision in half of my right eye once. I get a wierd sensation on the back of my head (feels like something crawling inside my head). I have tremors inside my body, which started off where people couldn't see them but now they've developed and my OH can see me shaking. I regularly lose my balance and have to grab something to stop me falling. I have severe pain in legs and arms which is a combination of the sharp burning and also the dull bone deep sensation. this last week i've been getting the bone deep pain in the tips of both of my hips and my lower ribs. I can't concentrate, find myself day dreaming and my memory has become rubbish. I get cold sensation in my feet when driving, my heels get painful also if I rest them directly on the floor. I've seen my GP who's actually sorting things out. I've had a load of bloodtests that came back okay and I'm getting to see a neurologist next month. I just feel that whatever it is is getting worse. The only medication I'm on are lidnocaine plasters and amitryptiline for the pain caused by my damaged back. I forgot to say that my neck really cracks if I tip it left or right and if I look left or right then my vision becomes blurred and I feel lightheaded. I'm hoping that someone may shine some light and possible causes for these new symptoms.

Steve

First I wanted to welcome you to NeuroTalk...amazing place to find friends...great folks.

Steve, so glad you are seeing a doc and following up with a Neuro...we have some great forums that might be helpful...

We have a great forum for those with chronic pain I put the link below...

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum10.html

Also a forum for back problems...

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

You can drop in anywhere and folks be greatful to have you around...please keep us updated on what the docs say!! Take care!!

It can be scary as the dickens tho! Especially when it gets worse. I've been there and many others here have as well.
First check out the Peripheral Neuropathy Forum:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html
Just click on the blue above and it'll take you rite there. At the very top of this 'forum'? Are a series of postings called 'Stickies'...meaning they should stick around a while as many/most are 'keepers'.
Now, all that said? it doesn't mean that you have PN. So go to the neurologist and get a heap of tests... more bloodwork and some electo-diagnostic tests as well.
As one who has gone thru the whole diagnosis and following treatments for both an autoimmune neuropathy AND cancer? My best advice is to GO! Get all the tests done! Find out that it's NOT worse things and that it IS something that can be treated!
You aren't now happy with your situation and the more tests they do? Well, the more things can be ruled out! Then you & your docs can zero in on what your problems are, and keep them from getting worse. Then hopefully get help so they are better! When one HURTS? A person can become really grumpy! Let all your family and friends know where you are at, and go from there.
Lastly? Do NOT at this point in time worry that IT IS THE WORST POSSIBLE IMAGINABLE NEURO DIAGNOSIS! 90% of the time? It's a let down but? At least you'll have a name and some help as to what to do about it all.
You say 'damaged back?' HOW? If you don't mind? You mite want to look at the Spinal Disorders forum as well - http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Good luck and keep faith in YOURSELF that you KNOW something IS WRONG. Then go and do your best to get some things right! 'S - J

I'm new here too. I'm a professional (Speech-Language Pathologist) who works with adult survivors of stroke and brain injury. It's nice to have this forum available for support!
Jena

Thanks for your replies, finding the site a great source of information.
However today I've noticed symptoms getting worse.
Luckily I'm still able to work (in IT so not physical) and I've noticed that my vision is still blurred. I've just looked at my monitor with my left eye closed and yes everything slightly blurred/ foggy. However upon closing right and and looking at screen with just left eye I noticed that what I could see was shaking left and right very quickly. My up limbs are visibly shaking nearly all the time now. I'm trying to be patient and wait until I've seen the Neurosurgeon on monday (first visit) before seeing GP, but I can't help wondering if they'll give me a diagnosis. I just need to know, whatever it is.

Steve

Hi folks,
just thought I'd give a dissapointing update. Due to have my first appointment with a neurosurgeon tomorrow, however I received a call from the hispital late on friday evening to say my appointment cancelled due to the guy being ill and that they'll have to make another appointment. When I asked when, the woman said she couldn't say. Well to say this demoralised me was an understatement. My partner was even dissapointed because she knew how much this meant to me. Now I guess I'm going to have to phone GP on monday and try to get an appointment to see him (hopefully within the week) I've got to the stage where my symptoms are increasing by the day. The burning on the face is almost unbearable, even my eye itself feels like it's being burnt and someone is sticking a hot needle into it. My balance has gotten worse, along with the pain in the bottom of my ribs (that feels all tight and something is squeezing it) Tremors and shaking has also increased. Sorry for the rant, it's just that i feel let down yet again by our countries health system, but I just don't want to keep going to the doctors and be a nusiance.
Steve

mackers758,

Sorry about the bad news you have been given. My thoughts and prayers are with your at this time in need. You are going to have to take it one day at a time. In today's world there a great number of people who put themselves before others. My mother taught me to care for the others.

We are all here to listen at the times when we need to listen when one of our fellow members just need to get it out.

Darlene

Darlene,
thank you for the comments you made, It makes you realise you don't have to suffer alone and in silence. Thank you.

Steve

I am new here as well and I am glad to be a part of Neuro Talk. It really is good to know that we don't have to go through these hard times alone and that we can reach out for the support of others who can relate to our circumstances. Thank you to everyone for being here. I hope you all have a great day today.