[Romany]

I’m not really sure whether I am posting on the most appropriate forum, so forgive me if not, but I am trying to make sense of my current symptoms which are generated by prolonged sitting or laying on my back, particularly in a reclined position where pressure is at sacral level. I then get pain in left buttock and stinging/burning/cold sensations in both legs, mainly lower shins, ankles and feet, including the soles. Remaining leg area is largely spared, except for the worst times when there can also be 'Chinese burn' and deep itching/irritatable sensation in thighs. I don’t have low back pain, groin/genital pain or pain down back of legs. Otherwise, I am in good health, function normally without pain or restriction and my sleep is not disturbed. Routine bloods, B12, sugar etc. all normal.

Long story, but briefly, my problems first started in February 2008. Initially I had pelvic floor myalgia which was horrible but with quite different symptoms to those I have now. This slowly resolved over time, but symptoms then evolved into this troublesome buttock pain on the left side, shortly followed by the leg symptoms. I have to assume all these events are connected. The buttock discomfort is around and above the tuberosity. I could suspect piriformis syndrome affecting the sciatic nerve, but how would this explain symptoms in both legs?

Had two MRIs in the past, which showed nothing significant. I saw a neurologist in November last year who reports that my pains are probably a radiculopathy, although he wasn’t sure why they are bilateral, and that I have no clinical signs of a peripheral neuropathy and normal pulses. He also noted my externally rotated right lower extremity, suggestive of a longstanding musculoskeletal abnormality, but was not sure how this related to my symptoms. (This had never troubled me before!). He only did a physical examination and did not plan any further investigations.

Things are manageable but prolonged sitting is my main challenge. Before I give in totally and just ‘live with it’, I don’t want to neglect any possible chance of improving my situation. Not currently taking any regular meds. Have been to osteopath and two physios and would consider chiropractor, but am hesitant. Would any supplements benefit me? Have read Sarno and mindbody medicine extensively and am very open to this concept too. I sometimes use magnesium oil on my legs/buttock but it stings like the devil due to skin sensitivity. I am a 61 year old female by the way.

I would be most grateful for any thoughts or advice, thank you.

[Rrae]

Welcome to NT!

I'm sorry about this list of mysterious symptoms you face. I keep feeling this nudge to point you to the PN forum, even tho your doctor said you have no 'signs' of peripheral neuropathy. It doesn't sound like he did any tests to substantiate this claim. PN is very complex. I too have the bilateral leg pain and I've been diagnosed PN.
Needless to say, you've got nerves that are misfiring.
I feel in my heart that you are on the right track by coming here and wanting to know more before it continues to get worse. You hit the nail on the head with your inquiry to supplements. Again, alot of info on this at the PN forum.
Here's the link to take you there:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=20

Pay particular attention to the top section where supplements are discussed and many other ways to combat this very frustrating condition.

People are very caring and supportive here, so make yourself right at home!
It's great to have you!

Caring,
Rae

[Darlene]

Romany,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Here are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[Romany]

Darlene - thank you very much for your cheery welcome and Rrae for your helpful reply. I can see that there is a wealth of knowledge and information on this site and I will endeavour to use any of it which I feel may benefit me as I am more than ready to do what I can to help myself. In fact, I've largely been my own case manager for the past four years as my symptoms have pretty much bewildered my GP! To be honest, I wasn't much impressed with my neurology appointment - hence finding myself here, and I'm glad that I have. Thank you.

[Jomar]

How long ago was the MRI? after these sx started, or before?

[due to skin sensitivity]
Is the skin sensitive most of the time & in the same places as the pain?
Any blotchiness, skin color or texture changes?

If so maybe visit our RSD forum- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS)
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum21.html


[externally rotated right lower extremity, ]
Osteo & PT didn't address this??

I did have very good treatment with an expert Gonstead style chiropractor for my chronic RSI/TOS myofascial injury. He also used many PT type modalities for pain relief, which was a time saver so I didn't have to go to PT also.. Like low level laser, IF stim, manual trigger point work & ultrasound.
Much more than only adjustments, more of a whole wellness approach.

Maybe search out the best ones in your area and just request an evaluation, then you can get a feel for comfort level and such before committing to anything.


Perhaps you sat in a different way or adapted your posture due to pain during the first incident and now the body is showing that past strain with pain & discomfort now??

Have you explored some posture, yoga, therapeutic and various videos on Youtube?
There are so many some good and some not , but you may find something that helps you.

[Romany]

Jo*mar, thank you for your comments. Concerning the MRI, this is certainly pertinent as when I saw the neuro in November he told me (for reassurance I think!) that he had reviewed my lumbar/sacral MRI and that the abnormalities were only minor. The problem was, this MRI was done in July 2008 when I had the initial pelvic problem, whereas my current symptoms did not start until early 2010!!!

Skin sensitivity is in the same places where I get the pain but everything looks normal in terms of colour and texture and there is no swelling. It's not too bad, sometimes snug clothing can irritate a little but the application of topical agents like the magnesium or other oils when I have aromatherapy massage do set the burning off.

Thank you for your other tips and I agree there certainly are some excellent resources on the internet, particularly Youtube, and I have explored many of them.

I think I must discuss the possibility of some further investigations with my GP, and meanwhile I am looking at the advice on this site regarding supplements. Thanks again for your input.