Neuropathic pain and wether

Question

I have peripheral neuropathy (below both knees) dx resulting from chemotherapy 5 years ago. I also have nerve damage that happened during a spinal fusion (spinal stenosis) 2 years ago that damaged my rt upper leg (it feels like it's severely sunburned and sometimes as if cold water had been thrown on it). I've noticed recently that the pain seems to get severe when the weather changes. I find it hard to believe, is that possible?

anuragsrivastava · Accepted Answer

Hi, Thank you for your question. The most essential aspect of treatment is to identify the underlying reason and to correct it whenever possible. However, the long-term result will depend upon the nature of the neuropathic pain problem at diagnosis that how poorly the nerves have been damaged. Since nerve tissue can take many days to regenerate, it is likely that your pain will improve over time or might reduce completely. Simple over the counter painkillers like non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, B12 injections may be helpful in reducing your symptoms. Other commonly prescribed is amitriptyline, an anti-depressant and carbamazepine that can help in relieving nerve pain when given in relatively small doses.  Other treatment options could be physiotherapy, the use of a TENS machine or acupuncture. I would suggest that you discuss your symptoms and the different treatment options with your doctor. I hope it helps.

hhrflower · Answer

Thank you for your answer. I see the GP next week, and I will ask for a referral to a neurologist. I'm really tired of not dealing with it!

Londres70 · Answer

Please try a Neurologist, sounds like no one else was of much help.  Perhaps he/she can offer you some non-medication options.  

Your GP should leave the explaination of the bone degeneration to the experts; I would be worried if my GP gave me some LAME explaination such as that.

hhrflower · Answer

Thank you for your answers! 
I'm having trouble finding a Doctor interested in helping with the nerve pain, it doesn't help that I moved out of state. My family doc is just managing meds I was already on (Cymbalta and Vicodin). Should I ask to see a Neurologist? I have tried lyrica, gabapentin (I call it 'morontin,' made me forget everything!), and amitriptyline in the past with little relief, but times change.
Another thing that worries me is that I had a bone scan 3 or 4 years ago, and it showed 'significant degeneration' in my feet. My GP told me it 'just' means that the bones in my feet are degenerating, probably because the nerves weren't telling my brain to maintain my feet. Well, that just leaves me to worry what will happen there!
I feel like I fell through some cracks, the Oncologist doesn't want to treat this, Pain Docs weren't any help, Orthopedic didn't want to deal with it (from the damage that seemed to have started after surgery). Very frustrating!!!
Thank you both for your answers!!

Londres70 · Answer

Yes, that is possible.  Your sensory nerves are sensible to weather fluctuations (heat, cold, dry, wet, humidity).

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