[Wolbachc]

Hi Everyone,
I am also new to peripheral neuropathy. I am having my second upper and lower extremity nerve conduction study in 1 week. At what point do they give you a diagnosis for what type of peripheral neuropathy you have? If there is some treatment for a certain type, why do they take so long to figure things out?

At this point, I have had surgery for a ruptured peroneal tendon of unknown etiology and right tarsal tunnel syndrome which definitely helped the foot pain that was unbearable (he said there were varicose veins wrapped around the nerve.
I have symptoms in all extremities. Working is difficult as I am a nurse. At what point do you decide you just cannot work anymore. I have suffered from chronic fatigue for decades but I just don't know how much longer I can work a full time job. How do you go about applying for disability? None of the doctor's even ask how this is impacting my life. If I have no health insurance, I won't be back. I would appreciate any advice for how people have managed emotionally, medically and financially. Thanks in advance.

[Jomar]

Some of the testing is to rule in /out other possible causes, to narrow down the list more or less.
Have you had a basic workup for any possible spinal issues, so that can be ruled out as a cause?
Pinched or entrapped nerves are a treatable thing, so finding those things that can be treated is a plus, vs PN dx of unknown cause.

Perhaps the dx process is complicated by the long term chronic fatigue, do you have any fibromyalgia sx too?

You may have to tell the drs how it is impacting you.
You may have an option of short term disability thru your work place. Pretty sure a dr has to rx that time off.

We have a SSDI forum with info on how to start tha6t process and what is required. see the sticky threads above the main post listings there -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum28.html

[jenng]

This is a great place for information and support.

I am a nurse as well and no way could I do bedside care with my neuropathy. I have a part-time case manager job which suits my condition great at this point. I'm sure someone will chime in with advice on seeking disability.

In terms of diagnosis/treatment...it depends on if they find a treatable cause. Autoimmune conditions, diabetes, toxins, vitamin deficiency, spinal abnormalities, etc. can possibly be treated & nerves may heal. Have you been tested for hereditary neuropathy? These and "idiopathic" neuropathy are supportive care and pain management. This is where I am. I even had spinal surgery since I had some abnormalities that could explain some symptoms, but I am 8 months out and things continue to progress.

How did they diagnose the tarsal tunnel/varicose vein issue? I have varicose veins! It would be great if it were that easy!

Again, welcome & I hope you find some answers here.

[Kitt]

Welcome Wolbachc.

[Darlene]

Wolbachc,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will find a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please 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.

Darlene

[Diandra]

"At what point do you decide you just cannot work anymore. I have suffered from chronic fatigue for decades but I just don't know how much longer I can work a full time job. How do you go about applying for disability?"

Hi W,
This is such a stressful time...making these decisions to step out of your career for health reasons. My company made the disability decision for me, I had no choice. I had runout of sick time and had used up all my short term disability so they basically terminated me but gave me company paid for disability. They also gave me a lawyer to pursue Social Security disability as well. I know you can apply for SSDI yourself. I would get on the Social Security website and investigate.

I would first inquire if your company has disability benefits and if not, apply for SSDI now as it can take awhile to be approved and some folks get denied initially and have to keep trying. I was denied initially but did get it so don't get discouraged. The lawyer who I worked with said he never had a client who did not get benefits after 2 denials.

I believe there is a forum on disability benefits here on Neurotalk that you may look at as well.

Sorry for what you are dealing with. There are of nice folks with good info and advice here.
Take care and welcome, Diandra