[JohnJoe]

I just found out I have Neuropathy but I want to explain how I found out.
On April,Friday 13th I woke early morning with my left leg sticking straight off the bed.Being half asleep I pulled it back under the covers but my left foot was numb and I went back to sleep.When I got out of bed and tried to walk it seemed my left knee was out of place and it was hyper extending.When I put my weight on it to take a step it hurt so bad I couldn't walk on it.I managed to get out to the kitchen where there is a island so I get hold of it and did some squats with no problem.The earliest appointment I could get was monday so I went in for xrays.I was told by the orthopedic dr. there was nothing wrong with my knee so I must of had a stroke.
A little over a year ago before this I had Gamma Knife surgery on a blood vessel in my head.Monday April 9th I had a Cat Scan and was told everything was ok.I went back for another Cat Scan and everything was still the same as the last one.A few days later I went back for a Cat Scan of the neck area and back.The orthpedic dr. said he was giving me 6 weeks of therapy and that's all he could do.I went to a back surgeon yesterday and he is the first dr. that I have seen that has told me I have Neuropathy.He is a good dr but why hasn't any other dr said anything and I have seen plenty of them since April.
Thank you all for comments

[ginnie]

So sorry you are going through all this with PN of some kind. Welcome to Neuro Talk. There will be people here to help you through this. Lots of compassion here. Not all doctors understand PN, or neurological type of pain. It may take more investigative doctors to help you. consider a physiatrist if you possibly can.
This type of doctor know about PN, RSD, and may be able to help you if your current physician can't. Keep in touch, ask all the questions you can of your physician. I hope you can find a resolution and reduction in the pain. ginnie

[JohnJoe]

Thank you ginnie for your response and I plan on a visit to my Dr. very soon about this Neuropathy.He may not understand what this is but he will find out or put me in touch with somebody and I will mention a physiatris to him.

[mrsD]

I have a question for you....

I see a post from you that you "jumped out of airplanes"?

Is this true? There is a type of neuropathy called peroneal neuropathy that affects the nerve behind the knee.

Sky divers and paratroopers can damage this nerve from those activities. So when you go to the doctor make sure and tell him of any activity that can compress this nerve. Even in the past.
Crossing the legs alot while sitting, squats and kneeling for long periods can also put stress on this nerve. Your leg sticking out of the bed may have done this too, if that vulnerable part of the back of the knee was on the edge for a long time.

You can ask for a nerve conduction test to test it.

[JohnJoe]

Yes mrsD,I jumped out of airplanes when I was in the army plus, the 3 years I spent in it seems we were always running every morning along with exercizes.When I got out I climbed power poles using spikes so that didn't help at all either.
I think you your're on to something mrsD since I don't have any real pain except in my left knee when I walk and it extends backwards.
Thank you very much and I will let my dr. know as I made a appointment with him.

[mrsD]

Oh, climbing poles with those spiked shoes? That is really stressful on the legs and feet! Make sure you tell the doctor about that too!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_fibular_nerve
This site shows the nerve behind the knee in a diagram.

I have compression behind my rt knee from this, when it flares up I cannot put weight on my leg. I use Lidoderm patches for it and it goes away in a day or two. I've had minor dislocations of that knee in the past... it hurts like devil and takes your breath away!

As we age the cartilage in the knees wears thin. So that strange movements can pull it out of line. Sitting with legs hooked on a chair or a stool (like kitchen or bar stools), is one way to pull it out. Another is twisting motions while standing and keeping the feet firm and not rotating them with the leg. It can happen more easily when you are older than younger.

There is a stretch a chiropractor taught me to help realign the knee. Put your leg up on a low stool, or low step about 24 in high, toes pointing up, and keep the heel from moving and pull back to stretch the hamstrings (back of leg) ...hold for a few seconds, and repeat. If you feel a click or pop of any kind then your knee is moving and you don't realize it. Hanging that leg out may have pulled it slightly --enough to bother that nerve.

I'd avoid the runner's stretch where you pull your leg behind you grab with your hand. That will compress the nerve considerably.

drawings:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...9QEwBQ&dur=295

The first one on the right top row, is the stretch I do for my knee. I pulls it straight if it is off center. (back of thighs)

The first drawing on the LEFT in second row, is the runner stretch, I'd avoid with compression of the peroneal nerve behind the knee. (front of thighs).

[Darlene]

JohnJoe,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Rrae]

Welcome to NT!

You've found a wonderful place for support and understanding!
Make yourself right at home!
This is a friendly, down-to-earth place to hang out and there's a friendly soul around every corner.

It's great to have you with us!

Rae

[JohnJoe]

Thank you Darlene and Rrae for the welcome and I feel blessed.MrsD,I still have a copy of the exercizes from therapy and I use those.In one room we have a treadmill,a stepper,2 bicycles and a full size therapy table we bought when the wife had her knees replaced.We don't use it every day but a lot of times we arn't home.
Now some good news.While laying in bed the other night we were talking and the wife keeps telling me how good i'm walking lately.Seems my balance has gotten a little better and I walk straighter without a bobble.She is talking and i'm thinking,i think I can tell the difference myself and I think she is right.
Today at the dr. office we go over some things and he says "have you thought about getting a second opinion on your knee ?".I think you should get one but first I want you to try something.(I did mention to him about some drugs that can help Neuropathy).I want you to take 2 a day for 3 weeks then see me again and tell me if you can see a improvement.
Other good news,when we got home I find I can walk somewhat without a cane up and down.Yes it hurts but the longer I walk the less it hurts but I have to stop sometime then I imagine it will hurt again but this is a improvement.O,and I didn't take and of those pills till we had been home a little while so no,it didnt act that fast. lol