Greetings
 

Hi all.
I am just starting down this road of discovery.
I had leg cramps new years eve and thought I would be able to sleep it off. Next day I was at the local hospital to be told it was a tear in the calf muscle.

2 Jan I had pain in both calves and feet and non stop sweating. Feet felt very cold so it was back to the hospital thinking it could be bold circulation.
Dr tells me my legs and feet are warm and all circulation seems fine.

He then decided to do a pin test. Outcome was definite reduced sensation in right leg and foot. He wrote a report and told me to see mt GP ASAP.

3 Jan saw my GP who agreed and did a referral for a neuro and has put me on lyrica.

Now both legs and feet have numb spots and I am still looking at about a 3 month wait.

GP is hoping it is injury related due the sudden onset and my history of disk bulge on the L4, L5. Very frustrated since I have wasted my leave (first real holiday in years), haven't been at work this year and am still to find out anything.

Hi! This is a great place to learn about neuropathy, spend time reading the old posts and sub forums, I have been here a long time and still find new information all the time by doing a search here.

good luck

Welcome to NT skutters :)
 

Nice to meet you and so sorry about your pain......I'm still on my journey with small fiber neuropathy.

You will find many caring people on this site that have so much information. And as stated before....reading through the threads can really help.

Please keep us posted and I'm sure there will be others coming behind me that may offer some suggestions until you can get in to see the neuro.

Debi from Georgia

Hi welcome though sorry for your struggles. I agree this is a warm and informative community.
You said you have a 3 month wait for a neuro which I know is often the case but what I do is ask to be put on a cancel list. Then I call everyday to see if there is one. I have gotten into appointments months early doing that.
I am confused as they stated there was a tear but how was that dx and did you do something prior for that to happen? Did they run some blood work?

Thanks for the welcome all.

Daniela
I had a fall working in the yard while pulling out an old tarp that was buried. The tarp broke and I fell backwards down the slope. Kids claim I got a good meter of air and I did travel backwards several meters. I had no pain or sign of injury at the time.

As for the torn calf muscle DR based it off the triangle mark on the calf muscle and my description of cramps in the calf for 14 hrs at that time.
It wasn't till the next day that things had spread.
I live in rural AUS so the closest hosp is very small and only recently started having 1 DR on duty (Used to just have the local GP's on call).

It was the second visit where I had a proper examination and the DR found I had definite numb spots and reduced feeling in the lower legs and feet.
I have had bloods taken (No idea what the results are). My Blood glucose was normal at the time.

My GP agreed my symptoms were classic stocking / glove presentation and put my on Lyrica and referred me to the Neuro.

Been off work all year as I had leave till Jan 20 and my GP added 2 weeks to adjust to the medication. That means I'm back to work on Monday.

It's since then that my wife and I have fond the numbness is worse. With the heat my feet and legs feel cold indoors with the air con while the rest of me is ok or I can go outside and roast by my lower legs and feet feel happier.

At least since on the Lyrica itching is mainly now at night and the soles of my feet are not so painful.
I do get feelings of vibration when in bed, my knees are stiff but both appear to be side effects of Lyrica.

I have got passed the adjustment time on the drug so am now getting restless with not working.
I would also say the pain is not severe, I have had much worse from the disc bulge but it is irritating when it is constant.

So the guess on injury is due the fall, back history and onset of symptoms over a 24-48hr period.

Thank you for clarifying. It is good that you feel the pain is not as severe and the Lyrica is helping. What dose are you on?
With the fall did you get any xrays?

No.
just a quick examination of my calf and the standard blood pressure.
X-RAY would have required a 100km trip to the city and even I didn't think it was required.
It was the second trip when the doc (different one on duty) decided further examination was required.
I'm currently on 75mg twice a day. Was prescribed up 150mg twice a day but was building up to it slowly. Since I was dealing with the feelings (dull ache, chronic itching, now eased) I decided to not up it and the doc agreed.

I did wander if I didn't need the meds a week ago but missed a tab and noticed it after an hour so keep taking them.

I'm back to work on Monday so will see how things go. At least I have some medical contacts at work that might discuss what is going on. I build and maintain health it systems for a select client so have been on the sidelines of medicine for almost 17 years. Pity it is for a specific group and not more mainstream. But then I also have US friends in the medical world to bounce things off.

Well 2 days down with work.
What I have noticed. Standing hurts and if I don't shuffle I get the shakes. Shoes and socks are ultra itchy. Going up stairs is ok but my knees are stiff. Going down is not as easy and again If I hesitate then my legs shake. Took till this afternoon to trust myself not to watch my feet constantly on the stairs.
Legs ache after a day. Good thing is I'm not up most of the night like the last few weeks. The hour drive each way (1.5hrs this morning) is not to bad. While the time in the car isn't that long I do cover 160km (99.4 miles) a day if there are no detours. May not be looking forward to the next big accident on my main run as that will add at least 50km or more to the run. Over the last year we seam to get 1 fatality and several major prangs a month causing the road to be closed for many hours. They also now close the dirt road alternatives due to stupidity forcing traffic to head right out in a triangle.
Will see how I feel by the end of the week.

Dear skutters :)
 

Just wanted to see how you're doing :)

Debi from Georgia

Coping fairly well.
Started second week back.
If I can get through the afternoon nod of then I'm fine, Boss at least just said to take things a little easier.
I'm taking my shoes of at my desk and that helps :). I'm still having more late night than I should but that's life. I did manage to get a decent splinter in the side of my big toe over the weekend. I didn't notice it till I was rubbing my feet and felt a sharp point. So I looked and pulled it out. Half an hour later I could feel where it had been so I need to be more careful I guess.

I'm getting better on the stairs to as I'm stubborn and don't take the lifts, It's my exercise.
Oh and I have lost 0.1kg since being on the Lyrica, so much for the weight gain. I could have done with gaining a little weight since most people think I'm underweight.

Also happy that things have not progressed or I have started saying to people same old holding pattern.

Should have also said I had a great weekend. Celebrated my 42 birthday with most of the family and friends. I did go down the pub and eat, drink and be merry. First time in 12 years that we did more than a cake with the kids for my birthday. Now I just have to get SWIBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) to do similar her hers.

Good morning skutters :)
 

Good one. I'm guessing the origin is the H. Rider Haggard (author of King Solomon's Mines) novel (or movie of the same title)(?)

We used to know a fellow who said his wife (Gail) was in the dictionary.

Gale n. 1. a force to be reckoned with.

Doc

Debi
Thanks. That would be interesting. I'm a very heavy bleeder. I have to often tell people don't panic, blood is good it's when there is no blood or it takes a while to panic with me. I could fill the blood donation bag in under 2 mins.


Dr. Smith

I don't the origin of the term but picked it up from the military people I deal with. The other one is Minister for War and Finance.

My wife loved the SWIMBO the first time I used it so it stuck.

First time I heard--
 

--"she who must be obeyed" was on the British television series "Rumpole of the Bailey" about the curmudgeonly barrister of England's famous courthouse.

Interestingly, my wife's name is Gail. She may well be "SWMBO", but she is also "SWGLEWGPS" ("she who gets lost even with the GPS").

I understand completely and empathize. In fact, aside from the name, I think we may have married sisters—or clones. :rolleyes:

I keep telling people, "Don't let [DW] navigate (ride 'shotgun')," but they never listen. Then I get a call 1-3 hours later... "We're LOST! Tell us where we are and how to get back to civilization!"

It's had its moments though; on a road trip through the mountains (hills most anywhere else) in Pennsylavania, I was so preoccupied with keeping the truck on the winding roads that I made the mistake of asking her to navigate with a map. We wound up rounding a curve and coming face to bumper with a 600 lb. black bear.

Why is it that it takes some people only 5 minutes to get hopelessly lost, but an hour or more to find their way?

Doc

My mother could never read a map. I sure can and have never had a problem at all reading any kind of map.

Ah interesting thing. I got a decent splinter in one of my big toes. On the side above the tough skin. Didn't know it was there till I felt it while rubbing my feet. Pulled it out with my fingers and half an hour later I could finally feel where it had been. Guess I need to keep an eye on my feet.

Could not get my head in gear at all on Friday. I had no concept of time and struggled to do anything at work. At least it kept my team amused!

Forgot to take my tablet this morning.
Amazing how much more productive I was at work.
I hadn't realized how much it muddles the brain.

Been a rough week.
Wednesday had me in an all day workshop for work. Got back to the office and checked up on the days events, negotiated task required by my team for the next day and headed of late. Heavy rain and severe drowsiness had me stop at my brothers place. Basically fell asleep there so hung around till late and missed my club meeting. Drove home later once I was awake enough. When I got home I was told I looked like death warmed up so went to bed early, didn't sleep well as normal with severe cramps. Thursday I was a zombie so missed work.
Friday worked on catching up the last couple of days to have a migraine by the end of the day. Managed the hours drive home just. Took panadine forte so I could at least eat and pass out. Good thing being I slept last night, Yay.

Hey been a while.
Well mostly I have a routine going that works :) I can even think again. I have started walking the stairs at work even though my legs feel like lead but the shakes have gone except when I'm tired so it is good overall.

Pushed myself to much today with 6hrs of clearing trees and bushes and burning in the jungle (Yard). Could barely walk by the end but the difference is huge. Will see what state I'm in for the morning.

Only have 4 days of work this week before a week off. Looking forward to the break even if I have major plans for the house! I'm supposed to put up a garage, replace fences and progress the stalled renovations! Will see how I cope. At least I'm motivated again unlike the beginning of the year when it all started.

Still no neuro visit so keep up the tablets for now.
Knowing what it's been like for me I feel for those of you who are so much worse than me.

That's an impressive to do list, makes me tired and achy just reading your post! Thanks for sharing your improvements.

Well I was very active until this hit on Jan 1. I had take the month off to build a bedroom and kids play room. Bedroom needs lots of work still and play room is half enclosed.

I have got to the point of being able to push through but will have to pay more attention to the warnings as while I made work today I'm still sore and the tingling in my legs tonight is quite noticeable. Also plenty of burning in my feet all day at work.

Just happy to be doing things again. Now to get the boys motivated to help me.

Nice to hear your update :)
 

Well
Just over 3 months later and I now have my Neuro appointment. Pitty it's not till mid June. so it will be over 6 months by the time I see him.

Pins and needles plus the pain have been worse this week so I guess that mass activity may not have been to wise. I still plan to push ahead with the work but maybe a little slower.

Well.
I didn't get to far into my list!
On Good Friday I started the hedge removal.
While I finished it has won!
Felt a pop in my chest at one point and then got a thorn between my knuckles on my right hand.

So By sat night my hand was swollen and I couldn't us two fingers.
Local hospital diagnose it as an infection and put me on antibiotics.
Sunday I sore so on Monday my Mother-in-law came over to massage my left arm and shoulder (she is a massage therapist). She pointed out my collar bone and said no lifting. Cue that night and even breathing is agony. So an hours drive to a bigger hospital and it turns out I have torn my left peck muscle so now I have my left hand in a sling for a few weeks and no real grip in the right hand.

Means no more progress and extra pain killers to cope.

Holidays don't mix well with me it seems

My dad asked an interesting question the other night.
He was wondering if this sudden bout of injuries could be related to my PN.

I know that my Dr has put me on Targin 20/10 for pain relief as it turns out I also have a chest infection. I can't breath deeply and am having trouble coughing from the pain. I even coughed up blood the other morning.

Clearly my body is run down and not able to fight these infections right now. I'm feeling frustrated at yet another setback when it looked like I was about to make progress again.

If you use Cipro, Levaquin, or Avelox for infections... they can cause a painful neuropathy and also they affect tendons somehow(weakening them) leading to tendon ruptures. You will want to avoid this family of antibiotics therefore and request something else.

Sounds like you are really ill. Have you had your Vit D tested?
Low D reduces ability to fight infections.

I'm not sure what they tested back in Jan. I'm also out of it most the time to think to ask. This last visit with my GP was the first time I responded to the pain issue with I'm not coping. Normally I play things down.

I do believe that our neuropathy leaves us open to more injuries but I don't have proof of it. It can be an inflammatory process I believe this can be rough on all parts of our body. My neuro told me to becareful of being with others with infections. He said if I catch the infection will be worse for me due to my neuropathy.

You should continue to be honest about how you feel with your doctor. If you ever need to stopping working it needs to be documented for a while before applying for disability.

I hope you begin to feel better soon:hug:
Hopeful

Just had a look and the antibiotic is a Flucloxacillin.
Been semi conscious on the lounge under a doona all day with a monster headache. Wife said I look very pale so lets hope it is just a bad day as the only productive thing I have managed was a shower this evening.

That is not a fluoroquinolone...but related to penicillin.

You should go back to the doctor in case your infection is mrsA and resistant to penicillin.

Check for fever, and increased swelling and appearance of a red line moving up your arm from the injury site. These are signs of resistance to the antibiotic and spread of the infection.

Thought I should check in as it's been a while.

I have recovered from the cellulitis and chest infection but I'm starting to cough again.
Turns out it was the shoulder that I injured. 1 torn muscle and 2 ligaments. It will heal but it's going to take time. I have strength when my arm is against my body but it is very weak when extended and I can't raise it over my shoulder. Still not supposed to do any lifting with it but with 5 kids you always have to do some.

At least I am a lot better than before and without the extra pain meds I can think again, YAY. Just need to work on a sleep pattern that works as I'm waking regularly.

Finally had my neuro appointment today.

Yes things are going on in my legs.
They confirmed reduced sensation, reduced knee reaction and heel balance issues.
They want to MRI my prolapsed disc to see what pressure it is exerting on the nerves, take most of my blood to test (Ok the list just covers everything including thyroid and HEP C, autoimmune issues and the usual list). Once this is all done they plan a nerve conduction test.

They are thinking it is the disk causing things right now so I might be looking at surgery.

I submit to you that you should be hopeful that is what the problem is because that sounds like it can be resolved. That is better than having the dreaded "idiopathic" cause.

Yes but it does mean the solution is disk fusion.

At least it would be a simple cause and I know the risks.
They did stress that they often don't find a cause.

Long time no visit.
Well the back isn't the cause.
Bloods are all good so in a few weeks I get to have the nerve conduction tests. Feet are not recognizing heat. They have been telling me all winter that they are frozen and I almost managed to melt my shoes on the fire a few weeks back. Suppose that means I can look forward to summer :)

All in all I'm doing fine though.

Well aint I clever!

Have done my back in.
I can barely walk, move. I can feel the pulsing of the muscles and valium panadine fort have done zip. I get the nerv conduction test tomorrow so will find out what the neuro gas to say when I front up unable to do much.

Had my nerve conduction test. All came back as good. Specialist has decided it is the small fibers and I should heal. No known cause.

And I can walk again, sort of with the aid of walking sticks.
Working on getting enough strength to lift my feet properly again. The back injury has taken more out of me than I thought. I have regained bowel control again so that is a relief!