Peripheral Complex

[Hotntot]

Hi, I'm Wayne age 44, when I was about 10 or 11 years old (1968 or 1969)
I was diagnosed with Peripheral Complex by my family doctor. That does not
seem to be a term used today. My illness came on suddenly and lasted
about a month. I Remember the very begining of my illness but not much
of the rest of the month. My older sister wanted me to walk to the local
store. I complained that my legs and arms hurt, but left for the store
anyway. I made it about a hundred yards and collasped. I was bed ridden
for about a week, and had to be carried to the bathroom. The doctor told
my parents that a more severe case would have left me crippeled for life.

I have been researching Peripheral Neuropathy and my first question is:
Could this have been GBS?

My second question is: Could I have some lasting damage or be
susceptable to other Peripheral nerve disorders? Let me explain why I
ask.

Since 1983 I have suffered from frequent urination, my bladder feels
full but I will void very little. During the bladder capacity test I
experienced severe pain. The doctor an Army Colonel made a comment that I
should be more of a man and should be able to take a little pain. It was
more than a little pain. I could not convince him that I had severe pain
during the test. He determined that my frequent urination was a reaction
to stress.

About seven years ago I came down with Sciatic pain symptoms in my left leg.
Occasionally I have the same pain in my right leg. I have pain starting at
my hip down my entire leg with my big toe numb most of the time. I have short
bursts of intense pain up and down my leg for several minutes at a time. A MRI
showed a central disc protrusion L4-L5 with no evidence of nerve root impingement.
I have been through physical therapy twice to no real avail. I have had pain 24/7
since late 1994 or early 1995. I lost my job about a year ago due to increased pain
in my legs and lower back. At the end of the day I was in so much pain it was all I
could do to get in my car. After about a fifteen minute drive home I would have to
grab the top of the door to get out of the car. The inactivity in that short time
just about doubled the pain. I had to take baby steps to get in my house, it was
hard just to lift my feet. Since I have lost my job I no longer have such severe
pain. Although even light work like running the vacum will cause me increased
pain especially when I lay down to sleep.

Two years ago I came down with IBS. I have abdominal pain 85% of the time.
Most of the time the pain is just below my right rib cage. I have occassional
pain across both sides and short bursts of pain throughout my abdomen.  In my
family history, my mother and  maternal grandmother had Parkinsons Disease. My
mother's sister had Alzheimers.

Should I have some tests run? And What kind of tests? I thank you for what
ever help you can give me.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

1.Yes it could have been, although there's probably no way to definitively prove it.
2. The symptoms you describe are not typical for long term complications of GBS which consist of weakness and numb/tingling sensations in the arms and legs rather than chronic pain.

First things first. See a urologist for the urinary symptoms and ask for formal urodynamic testing where they can evaluate how much your bladder can store and what pressures it can hold. You should try to see if this is a problem that can be fixed.

Second, glad the MRI was normal as your symptoms would be concerning for spinal cord problems. One thing you can do is get an EMG to evaluate the integrity of the nerves in your legs to see if the problem is further out from the cord. Also get a formal neuro exam if you haven't already yet.

Finally, see a pain clinic specialist in the meantime. Chronic pain can be quite debilitating as you have experienced firsthand.

Good luck.

Third,

[Hotntot]

After talking to my sister about posting my questions. She told me that I had large purple bruises on the backs of my legs and arms. I hope this additional information helps.