Rare hereditary neuropathy

Mayo Clinic diagnosed my pain and numbness in my feet and thighs as length dependent axonal sensory motor peripheral neuropathy, a rare hereditary neuropathy that amplifies the referred pain from my "pinches" in my lower back, which were discovered by two pain doctors here in Michigan.  I am scheduled for surgery on two levels:  L4-5 and S-something level July 14.  What kind of advice would you give me about this rare neuropathy?  What kind of recovery time would you expect from the pain and numbness in my feet and thighs, especially since that pain has been there for 23 years?  Steroid injections demonstrated immediate relief for 2 to 3 weeks, but the pain comes back after those periods of relief.  Thanks for your help.

[Jordanna Joaquina, MS, CGC]

There are multiple hereditary neuropathies with different genetic causes and patterns of inheritance. The prognosis, management and treatment of the condition is dependent upon diagnosis. We recommend that you meet with a medical geneticist for evaluation. A medical geneticist can be found by going the the American College of Medical Genetics website. We wish you the best.

[LC57]

A related discussion, Treatment for Inherited Peripheral Neuropathy was started.