"Non-Diabetic/Non-Heredity Sensory Neuropathy"

[ConiR]

March 2009 I became paralyzed from the chest down. For unknown reasons C7/T1 "broke apart" sending several disc fragments into my spinal cord. Through a milagram, a CT scan, and and MRI it was noted that I required surgery. After undergoing "2" surgeries to remove disc fragments and perform and ACDF at the site, I remained paralyzed for 2 months. I lost "motor skills" in my left leg, and "sensory" in my right leg. I never lost the sensation to "push" or sit, but I could not stand fully supported on my legs. Eventually through daily therapy at home, I was able to go from wheelchair, to walker, to cane, and then walk unsupported. 4 years later I have very intense sensory neuropathy of the right leg, from the right buttocks (splitting the peri area in half) to my toes. I utilize VA health care for my medical needs. My neurosurgeon told me "what you have now is all you will ever have". I must wear thin socks when I go to bed, but during the day I feel as though I have bands that tighten around my calf and foot. I get burning "hot" sensations on my calf if I wear pants. I can't wear the same shoes for long periods of time. Heavy shoes feel like blocks of cement on my leg and foot. I have now developed "sores" with scaring and bruising for now reason on the right calf. I cannot feel the sores, but most times the sores are "deep tissue" and that's when the pain and burning begins. These sores start out as small blisters and manifest (without picking) into these hard callus type things. The crusted portion comes off, mostly at night when I sleep, and the sores will bleed profusely. I have also been diagnosed with Cervical Spinal Stenosis, and have underwent another surgery on C5/C6 for spinal cord protrusion. I have recently had an MRI which stated that the T8 Dermatome has nerve root compression 8mm and C3 to C5 has spinal cord compression 9mm. I am awaiting a consult to my previous neurosurgeon, but have been unable to get questions answered or effective medication for the Non-Diabetic sores or bruising that has developed. There is no history of Sensory Neuropathy in my family, as far back as we have been able to gather information. I have tried Hibiclense, anti-bacterial soaps, and even wound care gels, nothing works to heal up the sores...and what can be done to stop the bruising. Doppler ultrasound shows good arterial and veinous blood flow. Thank you!

[ConiR]

thank you for your response, and I have spoken to my doctor this week about what is going on with my skin. some of the diagnosis's you mentioned were in question, but there is no dermatologist in our area affiliated with the VA so I am awaiting an outside consult. the sores have become infected so I am now on a high dose of antibiotics to help with the infection and wearing long sleeves and pants to keep from scratching and interfering with the healing process. hope we can get a result!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I am sorry to hear about your medical problems. Since there is intense burning and scabs are formed, possibility of atopic or contact dermatitis, psoriasis or even eczema should be looked into.
Other than this it is usually due to micro-vasculitis and ischemic injury to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Massaging, taking anti-inflammatory drugs and physiotherapy may help improve the circulation. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.

[ConiR]

addition: I have been diagnosed with acute anxiety due to the spinal stenosis, but cannot take the medications as they all have raised my blood pressure. I have no pain receptors in my cervical spine, so when i'm in pain my blood pressure goes out of control!