can't get a diagnosis

[Peachy1975]

Since 1990, two months after giving birth, with an epidural, I began falling, unable to prevent it, and it has continued since. Whether I stub my toe, step on uneven ground or a small object, like a rock, or catch my heel on the stairs, my legs go numb and I fall.  Unless there is something sturdy, or someone beside me I can grab onto, I fall-hard-and usually on my knees.  I have been to several
neurologists, had the needle tests, had arthroscopic on my left knee, then finally, both knees replaced.  I'm still falling. It definitely feels like a nerve has been struck & the feeling temporarily goes out of my legs. I question whether the epidural had an affect on my spinal nerves, since it didn't happen until after that.  I also question whether my having had spinal meningitis when I was four years old could impact it.  It did afffect my coordination, but I'd "outgrown" it, and hadn't had a problem with falling for years. Even then, there was no numb feeling.

I use a cane, for fear of falling, but it's no guarantee.  I suffer from depression and anxiety attacks, and the near-constant fear of falling only compounds it.

[pietiangel]

I started having the same problem as you about 3 months after I had an epidural during pregnancy, but I had an MRI that ruled out any complications due to epidural. I also have many other symptoms that I have listed in another post that go along with the falling. I have not fallen in quite some time, but I still get this really weird sensation in my tail bone like it's about to happen again and I have to sit or I will fall. Did they do an MRI of your spine to check for epidural complications? Do you have any other symptoms or just the falling and numbness?

[jamie1977]

I've had similar problems myself after having an epidural and a c-section.  I was dx'd with peripherial neuropathy.  Your EMG didn't show nerve damage? (the needle test where they stick you and shock you)  I have fallen alot too but it is because I can't feel my feet, or my leg isn't responding to my message to "move" like it should.  Have you seen a reuhmatologist?  They can help you rule out MS, lupus and other auto-immune issues.  Auto immune disorders often show up (flare) in women after childbirth or a stressful event.  Auto immune problems can cause joint issues, imflamatory issues, and nerve issues.  I'd try to get to a rheumatologist if I were you... that is where I am going next.

[mel_rak]

A related discussion, Tingling on the bottoms of feet in morning, TTC was started.