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Old 03-07-2014, 12:29 PM #1
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Don't underestimate viruses for damaging nerves. The shingles one Zoster can last a lifetime of pain in some people.

If your immune system gets overloaded or sluggish or busy with another assault, the Herpes family activates, when the white cells go down.

Try the Lysine...see if it helps. It can prevent cold sore breakouts too. It is not expensive and has no side effects.
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Old 03-06-2014, 02:09 PM #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Susanne C. View Post
I know not many of us have CMT here, but this would probably apply to any advanced case of small fiber neuropathy. I have been having a very stressful few weeks as my daughter is having serious pregnancy complications and we are her primary caregivers, her husband has to work and she has a toddler. With all the commotion I have forgotten my base pain meds a few times, I am on MS Contin 30 mg x 3. The pain if I forget the afternoon one is very bad by the evening, and unlike the generalized leg pain I always have, this is most prevalent in my knees and thighs up to the hips.
My skin biopsy at Johns Hopkins in 2011 showed no nerve fibers at ankle, few above knee, and breaking down at hip. If the primary pain has moved from feet and ankles to thighs as the nerves continue to deteriorate, what happens when it gets to the hips as it has- the numbness has progressed this far? Does anyone have experience or knowledge of what happens next? I definitely have some uncomfortable symptoms of tightness in the chest and muscle spasms, with loss of sensation from the waist down. I was given Baclofen for the muscle spasms and chest "hugs" but it isn't really helping. The Valium worked better, but is not a good idea for long term use and I am not going to get well.
I would be grateful for any input. Thanks.
Hi Susanne,

As I recall, you have CMT2 but do not know the subtype of it. However, with CMT2 (whatever subtype) you can have phrenic nerve involvement and so have diaphragm weakness which can cause pain in your chest. Here is a site concerning the phrenic nerve.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrenic_nerve

I also recall that you have arthritis. Perhaps that is raising havoc with your hips, etc. Many things can be affected by arthritis as well. Here is a site for hip numbness and other things that happen with arthritis.

http://www.orthop.washington.edu/?q=...arthritis.html

IVIG is for autoimmune diseases of which CMT is not. IVIG is not without it's problems either.

http://www.gammagard.com/patients-an...e-effects.html

As you well know CMT is inherited.

Our support group leader had CMT2, not sure which subtype. But CMT progressed very fast with her and she also had phrenic nerve involvement and vocal cord paralysis at one point. She went from walking (the walk as we call it) to getting AFO's to then using a cane with them, falling and breaking the AFO and hurting her foot badly to a walker and AFO's and finally to a wheelchair. Just sharing what happened to her. And it was fast. Her hands were also involved.

Hope you find an answer.
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Last edited by Kitt; 03-06-2014 at 02:26 PM.
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Old 03-06-2014, 03:18 PM #3
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Thank you, Kitt. I do feel like two things are going on here - almost any strange pain, weakness, or spasticity can be rightfully attributed to CMT 2, which I have beyond reasonable doubt. Still, it would be possible for something else to be going on. I am inclined to think I am just fast-tracked with this, as the neurologist thought, but I don't want to overlook anything, as Mrs. D. suggested. I did tell my husband when we were in our 30's that I would be in a wheelchair by 50. I have put that off for a few years, but we have one for museums and airports. I am resigned but don't want to be stupid and I hate doctors which complicates things.
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Old 03-06-2014, 04:43 PM #4
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I hear you. I hate doctors too. I do have to say that no matter how well intentioned you are, and I know you are, your plate is overflowing. Stress is not good for us either. I should talk as I have plenty going on. JMO
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Old 03-06-2014, 09:12 PM #5
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Default Susanne,

Quote:
Originally Posted by Susanne C. View Post
I know not many of us have CMT here, but this would probably apply to any advanced case of small fiber neuropathy. I have been having a very stressful few weeks as my daughter is having serious pregnancy complications and we are her primary caregivers, her husband has to work and she has a toddler. With all the commotion I have forgotten my base pain meds a few times, I am on MS Contin 30 mg x 3. The pain if I forget the afternoon one is very bad by the evening, and unlike the generalized leg pain I always have, this is most prevalent in my knees and thighs up to the hips.
My skin biopsy at Johns Hopkins in 2011 showed no nerve fibers at ankle, few above knee, and breaking down at hip. If the primary pain has moved from feet and ankles to thighs as the nerves continue to deteriorate, what happens when it gets to the hips as it has- the numbness has progressed this far? Does anyone have experience or knowledge of what happens next? I definitely have some uncomfortable symptoms of tightness in the chest and muscle spasms, with loss of sensation from the waist down. I was given Baclofen for the muscle spasms and chest "hugs" but it isn't really helping. The Valium worked better, but is not a good idea for long term use and I am not going to get well.
I would be grateful for any input. Thanks.

Just a little info about Valium. When I had my L4-5 fusion about 7 1/2 years ago, while in the hospital, was given Vallium to take with the Percocet. Was told the Valium helps Percocet give more relief. Had several other spine issues, as well as eventually PN. Have been under the care of a Pain Management doctor. Have been prescribed Oxycontin, Percocet, and still on the Valium.

I have been taking 5mg's Valium 2 to 2/12 a day for years. An addtional benefit I didn't realize would take place was the relief I received from the terrible muscle spasm on the left side of neck. shoulder to the shoulder blade which I had for years. I Had been unable to sleep on my left side for several years. Since taking the Valium, these spasms have greatly decreased and have been able to sleep on left side. Had been unable to lay on my back so had been sleeping on right side for years. I really started having a lot of right hip pain because of this. Vallium, as with most of these meds are addictive. Helping to relieve pain has caused many of us to be dependent on meds. I am greatful for the relief I have gottin from Valium and have no regrets.



Gerry
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Old 03-07-2014, 04:24 PM #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Susanne C. View Post
I know not many of us have CMT here, but this would probably apply to any advanced case of small fiber neuropathy. I have been having a very stressful few weeks as my daughter is having serious pregnancy complications and we are her primary caregivers, her husband has to work and she has a toddler. With all the commotion I have forgotten my base pain meds a few times, I am on MS Contin 30 mg x 3. The pain if I forget the afternoon one is very bad by the evening, and unlike the generalized leg pain I always have, this is most prevalent in my knees and thighs up to the hips.
My skin biopsy at Johns Hopkins in 2011 showed no nerve fibers at ankle, few above knee, and breaking down at hip. If the primary pain has moved from feet and ankles to thighs as the nerves continue to deteriorate, what happens when it gets to the hips as it has- the numbness has progressed this far? Does anyone have experience or knowledge of what happens next? I definitely have some uncomfortable symptoms of tightness in the chest and muscle spasms, with loss of sensation from the waist down. I was given Baclofen for the muscle spasms and chest "hugs" but it isn't really helping. The Valium worked better, but is not a good idea for long term use and I am not going to get well.
I would be grateful for any input. Thanks.
Hi Susanne,
I'm so sorry that you are going through so much. I was going to suggest IVIG also but see that Kitt said it doesn't work for CMT. I wish it could work for you. It helps me somewhat for about 7-10 days after. It takes my pain down to about a 5 level which is awesome for me. I'm not sure why it won't work for CMT but I trust Kitt's info.

From what you have written it actually sounds like you may live around me. If you are looking for a neurologist I have one I like. I also have a rheumo that I love. Really listens to me every time I go there.

Let me know if you want the names. I'll pray that your pain and frustration gets better
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Old 03-07-2014, 04:54 PM #7
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It does not work for CMT because CMT is an "inherited" syndrome. However, it seems to have worked for two of the siblings in one family who had CMT1X. But, that's one family and they had CMT1X. Susanne has CMT2 but do not know the subtype.

It seems to work for autoimmune conditions but of course there are side effects as with everything for some people. Affecting the liver is just one possible side effect that a person might encounter. The majority of people who have IVIG treatment can tolerate it. Again, it is for autoimmune diseases of which CMT is not. I believe Susanne also has arthritis so it could possibly help that. JMO.
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