Peripheral neuropathy and my quality of life (x-rays, pain, kidneys)
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I've been treated for diabetes/HBP for over 20 years now. Have taken all the recommended OTC supplements to be had over the last 20 years for neuropathy...ALA,LCARN,BENFO,B12 etc.etc.. Up to 2013 I was walking up to 5 miles 3 times a week,even with the pain of claudication;until I just couldn't walk without the danger of falling and breaking a hip due to balance/gait issues. Started a stationary bike since.
Last year had 2 stents placed on each of my legs,by 3 different doctors in 2 different hospitals/clinics....I've actually gotten worse..I can barely walk 20 steps before my legs spread out as if I were riding a horse,and my gait changes and my legs feel heavier than ever and my shins feels like they are being pressed by a vice grip.
Been walking with a cane for 5 years now...When at home have to be constantly grabbing walls/doors furniture as not to lose my balance or trip over my own feet. Didn't help that last year I had a big toe amputation because of gangrene.
Yet;I wonder all the time if this could be more orthopedic than neurological. It only hurts when I stand up or when I walk. When I'm sitting or lying down...there is absolutely no pain. And is only in my lehs..I've read about people who can no longer hold stuff with their hands.
I barely leave my house other than work/groceries...I have to count the steps from my doorway to the parking lot/the trash bin just to make sure I can make it ...Can barely do the bike anymore..Just 5 minutes...stop for 10 or more...do 5 more minutes...The pain my shins/calves/ankles is unberarable..Of course this makes it useless to exercise...Progress is non-existent for whatever I exercise for. Hoping for a quick and sudden death to escape this hell on earth. I've lost all hope...It's quality not quantity of life. If I believed in God I would pray for a widow maker heart attack.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,585 posts, read 81,186,228 times
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Sorry to hear about your serious problems. All I can suggest is talking to your doctors more, or trying different ones. I hope someone can do something to help.
My health is not as bad as yours, but I see a variety of doctors regularly after getting Type 2 Diabetes, cancer that damaged my kidneys, 7 surgeries then chemo, and severe arterial calcification.
My doctors are:
Regular GP
Oncologist
Urologist
Nephrologist
Vascular Surgeon
Cardiologist
I am constantly asking questions and getting referrals as needed. My foot pain is constant 24/7 but not too bad normally, worse in the evenings. I can walk about 1/4 mile before my calves are too painful but can rest 2-3 minutes and do the same distance again. That is from the arteries in my legs being calcified. I have no problem on the exercise bike and can go several miles, my doctor claims it's not using the same muscles as walking. I'll still go on a 6' stepladder sometimes but carefully, and no more walking on the roof. Still, I am able to go fishing, work on a classic car, do yard work and most other activities, just slower and stopping to rest a lot. I just turned 71.
About both posts above, did you ask your doctor(s) for a CT scan or MRI, as well as blood tests, etc? Those tests, scans and images can show details of what's going on inside your bodies.
Sorry to hear about your serious problems. All I can suggest is talking to your doctors more, or trying different ones. I hope someone can do something to help.
My health is not as bad as yours, but I see a variety of doctors regularly after getting Type 2 Diabetes, cancer that damaged my kidneys, 7 surgeries then chemo, and severe arterial calcification.
My doctors are:
Regular GP
Oncologist
Urologist
Nephrologist
Vascular Surgeon
Cardiologist
I am constantly asking questions and getting referrals as needed. My foot pain is constant 24/7 but not too bad normally, worse in the evenings. I can walk about 1/4 mile before my calves are too painful but can rest 2-3 minutes and do the same distance again. That is from the arteries in my legs being calcified. I have no problem on the exercise bike and can go several miles, my doctor claims it's not using the same muscles as walking. I'll still go on a 6' stepladder sometimes but carefully, and no more walking on the roof. Still, I am able to go fishing, work on a classic car, do yard work and most other activities, just slower and stopping to rest a lot. I just turned 71.
My GP sent me to a pulmonologist...tomorrow I'm getting CTScan and a Pulmonary function test.
Also to a nephrologist...My numbers as of last bloodwork are showing an indication of kidney disease.
It's just not worth even trying anymore...I just wish it was sudden and decisively to have all these things go away.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,585 posts, read 81,186,228 times
Reputation: 57820
Quote:
Originally Posted by len ren
About both posts above, did you ask your doctor(s) for a CT scan or MRI, as well as blood tests, etc? Those tests, scans and images can show details of what's going on inside your bodies.
Yes, I get CT scans, MRIs, Chest X-Rays and full-body ultrasounds every 6 months or year, and full blood work every 6 months. Coming up next week I have an Echocardiagram.
My GP sent me to a pulmonologist...tomorrow I'm getting CTScan and a Pulmonary function test.
Also to a nephrologist...My numbers as of last bloodwork are showing an indication of kidney disease.
It's just not worth even trying anymore...I just wish it was sudden and decisively to have all these things go away.
Tks for putting up with my old man vent.
Have you recently seen a doctor for four feet? Orthopod or neurologist?
They will give you the answers that you need, we can't
Yes...I have a podiatrist...Tks for asking.
On a lighter note.....I only have 2 feet
NOT a podiatrist, an orthopedic physician who specializes in foot and ankle!
MrsM worked for an Ortho Foot and Ankle specialist for years. Half of his practice was correcting issues caused by podiatrists who were too happy to cut, or do unneeded procedures
NOT a podiatrist, an orthopedic physician who specializes in foot and ankle!
MrsM worked for an Ortho Foot and Ankle specialist for years. Half of his practice was correcting issues caused by podiatrists who were too happy to cut, or do unneeded procedures
If four feet, I highly recommend a veterinarian
Well,my podiatrist had a brace made for my drop foot...though I couldn't wear it much...It broke the skin on my calf and drew blood;so I had to stop using it. Her clinic's ads and cards says "Foot and Ankle Specialists".
As I explained in the post,sometimes I wonder if my mobility issues are more orthopedic than neuropathic.
She has taken XRays of my foot,etc. I assume the orthopedic part is part of her skill set..though now I will look into the specific descriptions you mentioned for optional/additional consultations.
'
Thank You!
My sis had it since 2008 and it just got worse. She had many probs and passed away in 2019., Everything went to hell the last 6 months she lived.
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