Feet/leg pain from neoropathy

[Kimmycu]

I'm still getting diagnosed at this time for who knows what, but so far we know I'm having complex seizures, neuropathy and a nerve conduction test showed my sensory paths are going out but not answering. Actually my doctor thought MS but I only have blurred vision, not double so he's searching a little deeper. All other symtoms are the same as MS. Doc thinks more than one thing is going on. I went to the doctor because I was falling and the right side leg/foot/arm were falling asleep, cramping and numb. Now the left side is joining in.

I am (was) a long distance runner. I've had to miss 2 marathons because my training is so badly being affected. Between the pain and imbalance I am VERY frustrated and scared. Yoga has become a heartache to attempt. I just want this to go away. It seems to have gotten worse the last week and I'm wondering if it's because I'm freaking out!

My question is, how painful will the neuropathy get??  My doctor said I'd get used to it and to keep running but I can't. I'm so mad. I'm a 42 yr old woman. And going crazy. I see the neurologist friday. Anything I can ask him would be so helpful. I go there and clam up.

[Kimmycu]

I did have an MRI, EEG and a nerve conductor test with a neurologist. That's who I'll see friday. My family doc thinks it maybe smoldering MS, but he hesitates to diagnose that w/o the bloodwork. He said the seizures are a separate problem. The neuropathy is also separate from the muscle cramping and a few other things that are going on. The thing that's scary is that the pain in my feet and legs is noticably worse, even from last week. With a marathon 4 weeks away. I know I can't even do a half right now. I'm so mad.

Thank you for answering.
Kim

[J T Junig, MD PhD]

Gosh-- so many things can cause a neuropathy.  That is a very general term that essentially means 'something wrong with nerves'.  MS is a common cause of neuropathies, but there are many other causes- exposure to toxins, genetic, nutritional deficiencies, diabetes--  I am not an expert in neurology, but seizures are not something that I associate with MS.  Some thoughts to share with your neurologist:

Your work-up should include (if not done already) an MRI of the head and possibly spinal cord, an EEG (sounds like you had an EMG already), a battery of blood tests, a thorough neurologic exam... maybe evoked potentials, maybe a lumbar puncture...

You should ask what he thinks the cause of the neuropathy is, as the prognosis depends on the cause.  Don't be afraid to ask anything and everything on your mind-- that is what you are paying for, and your right as a patient.  Write things down before the appointment, and take notes during the appointment.  Let us know how things work out-- I wish you the best.