char

[cbowden]

I have been diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy,and spinal cord compression.I am 52 tomorrow and presently on Lyrica 200mg twice a day.They had me on 400 mg twice a day but I could not function, right now I can't even think or put my thoughts together, I forget how to spell simple words. I had to quit my job as a diaylsis tech which I loved. My question is the following, they cannot find out why I have this or what my progression will be, such as will I need a cane, walker, wheelchair or anything else and how can this affect my other organs. Can anyone help me out there, I am sick of not being able to do what I use to. Everyone looks at me and I look so young and healthy, if they only knew.Hope someome can help.
char

[JainMD]

Hi,
I have done some literature search and have come across two types of progression.
The majority of patients present with progressive disease with peripheral dysesthesias and distal fiber loss.
This kind of patient may need support for walking and other motor assistance.
A second smaller group of patient’s experience a monophasic illness characterized by the symptoms what you have and then recovering from it to a small extent.
Hope this helps.
Bye.

[cbowden]

What exactly is monophasic illness disease?

[cbowden]

Also what would you suggest for my spinal cord compression?
Thanks,
Char

[JainMD]

Hi,
Monophasic illness characterized by the acute onset of generalized cutaneous burning of the limbs and trunk followed by slow recovery.
It is defined roughly as a disease characterized by a single episode of active disease or it is one-time occurrence disease.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[JainMD]

Hi Char,
I would like to know at where is your spinal cord compression?
What treatment are you on for spinal cord compression?
I think as you are 52 years, you should be trying conservative management for a while and if no improvement is seen you can consent for surgical intervention.
Keep me informed.
Bye.

[cbowden]

My spinal cord compression is at the base of my neck and at this moment they are not doing anything for me. Any suggestions? Also I have had the neuropathy for over 2 years would this still be considered monophasic illness?
Thanks,
charlotte

[JainMD]

Hi Char,
You said that your spinal cord compression is at base of neck, suggests that there is some cervical disc pathology.
You should be on pain-killers with active physiotherapy to strengthen your para-spinal muscle and back.
What is the pathology when you say spinal cord compression?
As I told you that there is no new active lesion have been found hence it can be still called as monphasic illness.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.

[cbowden]

What do you mean by pathology of the spinal cord.I don't have any pain in my neck, I have heaviness,like I have to hold my head up because it feels heavy. I also have been experinceing trouble seeing, blurry vision.
Charlotte

[JainMD]

Hi,
You said you have spinal cord compression.
I would like to know the cause for spinal cord compression?
How were you recognized of having spinal cord compression?
Your symptoms of trouble seeing, blurring of vision can be due to rise in intracranial pressure or due to nerve compression.
You need to get an imaging study of brain to rule out any pathology.
Keep me informed.
Bye.