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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Re: Nerve Damage - Over 2 years and Getting Worse
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Re: Nerve Damage - Over 2 years and Getting Worse
by Kristy__0__0, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Kristy on July 07, 1999 at 09:19:08
I had a C-Section over 2 years ago where I was administered a spinal
(not an epidural). This was the nurses first time doing a spinal and
long story short - over 8 tries later, it finally took. I noticed
that when the spinal was wearing off, my leg and toes were still numb
as if the numbing medicine was still in me. I have had 3 MRIs which
have come up fine and only 1 out of 3 EMGs came up positive.
I do not feel anything on the bottom of my foot or my first 3 toes.
My knee down and knee up is numb with hot/cold, tingeling sensations.
Up until a year ago, I had no pain, but I now have debilitating achy
pain. It starts as a lightening strike pain and ends with what I call
a thunder storm - where the pain hits certain unknown points in my
leg and foot. I was recently referred to a physical therpaist again
who told me that it felt as if my muscles and tendons in my back
were swelled. They put me in traction and did ultrasound and the
electrical currents on me 3 times a week for a month. I also had
exercises to try and give me more movement in my hips. The neurologist
said that I am "babying" this leg and is is creating havoc on my hip.
Well, now a month later, not only is the movement in my hip limited,
but I now cannot move my knee. The physical therapist has told me that
this is due to my back problem....and yet the neurologist keeps telling
me that it is due to me babying the leg. How can I not baby the leg
when it hurts and because I cannot feel the bottom of my foot, I have
fallen a number of time - not knowing I was stepping on a stone or
an uneven surface. I am on Celebrex and Desyrel at this time and
have noticed no difference.
Is there ANYTHING that you see that help me with insight into this
problem??? The neurologists have told me that although they do not
have positive test results, they are assured that this is nerve
damage in the L5 and with this type of damage, surgery will not
help. I am 28 years old with 2 small children. As much as I attempt
to ignore the pain, it is difficult. Any clue???
Thank you very much!!
I had a C-Section over 2 years ago where I was administered a spinal
(not an epidural). This was the nurses first time doing a spinal and
long story short - over 8 tries later, it finally took. I noticed
that when the spinal was wearing off, my leg and toes were still numb
as if the numbing medicine was still in me. I have had 3 MRIs which
have come up fine and only 1 out of 3 EMGs came up positive.
I do not feel anything on the bottom of my foot or my first 3 toes.
My knee down and knee up is numb with hot/cold, tingeling sensations.
Up until a year ago, I had no pain, but I now have debilitating achy
pain. It starts as a lightening strike pain and ends with what I call
a thunder storm - where the pain hits certain unknown points in my
leg and foot. I was recently referred to a physical therpaist again
who told me that it felt as if my muscles and tendons in my back
were swelled. They put me in traction and did ultrasound and the
electrical currents on me 3 times a week for a month. I also had
exercises to try and give me more movement in my hips. The neurologist
said that I am "babying" this leg and is is creating havoc on my hip.
Well, now a month later, not only is the movement in my hip limited,
but I now cannot move my knee. The physical therapist has told me that
this is due to my back problem....and yet the neurologist keeps telling
me that it is due to me babying the leg. How can I not baby the leg
when it hurts and because I cannot feel the bottom of my foot, I have
fallen a number of time - not knowing I was stepping on a stone or
an uneven surface. I am on Celebrex and Desyrel at this time and
have noticed no difference.
Is there ANYTHING that you see that help me with insight into this
problem??? The neurologists have told me that although they do not
have positive test results, they are assured that this is nerve
damage in the L5 and with this type of damage, surgery will not
help. I am 28 years old with 2 small children. As much as I attempt
to ignore the pain, it is difficult. Any clue???
Thank you very much!!
Dear Kristy:
Sorry about all your pain and discomfort. It sounds that your have paresthesias, or sensory changes. These usually occur from nerve irritation or damage. A muscle imbalance can induce a similar type of nerve irritation but usually this is from a mechanical type problem like gait abnormality. I am not sure what to tell you, we are very limited by not being able to examine the patient and see all the lab work. I think that if I were you, I would seek a second opinion from someone new. I would gather all the information and make an appointment with someone new who will go over the work done thus far and have him/her make a judgement from afresh.
It sounds like a nerve problem, but I can't tell for sure.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
From my experience it sounds like a nerve was hit during the epidural procedure, mine was damaged during a spinal fusion. If you have fallen, that could be dangerous as you have little children. Has an AFO been suggested? I have to wear an abreviated version, as I have fallen 5 or 6 times since my surgey two years ago. I am a young grandmother and watch my 17 month old quite often I would hate to fall with him in my arms, just a thought. I've been told my situation will not improve, although I am not giving up on the exercise front. I have working nerves in the hip, thigh, knee and calf, I will not give into atrophy of these areas as long as there are nerves alive there. K
Keep active, of course with little children, how can you not? But exercise what you have motor wise so that the atrophy does not set in. I am so sorry you are experiencing this at such a young age... keep postive. Sincerely Jeanne
Thank you so much for your response!
Could you please explain what an AFO is, as nothing has been suggested for me.
That is why I feel so lost. I too have been told that this is now
permanent and I have a difficult time believing it. I still exercise
everyday - even if it is painful. A good thing to do? Probably not,
but I cannot let the pain win.
Good luck to you also,
Kristy
Dear Kristi:
AFO are ankle supports to help your foot from dropping (like your always pushing on the gas pedal). They will help you keep from tripping as you walk, if you have a foot drop. We know that if the nerve hasn't regenerated by 18 - 20 months, it will almost never regenerate.
I realize that having children and this problem can be really frustrating and worrisome. I wish there was something I could do to tell you. It sounds like your a fighter and a good mother. I hope that you can use your wisdom to help make things as good as possible.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
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