New symptom....feedback?

[Katie]

As usual, I'm not sure if this is in the right forum, but I was hoping to get some feedback.

The oldies here know my story, but we've got a lot of newbies on here lately, so I'll give a very brief background.

At least five herniated discs, four needing treatment soon, with severe lower back pain as well as complications from cervical spinal cord compression. Thankfully I've had almost no leg pain over the years, and when it has come, it is sciatic, going down my left leg and foot and quite treatable through massage and chiropractic work. It is mainly caused by a squished nerve going through my large muscle, rather than stenosis, etc.

Over the past two to three weeks, I've developed a strange numbness/burning sensation on the top of my left foot after being in bed for more than an hour. I literally cannot feel the top of my foot when my husband touches it.

It used to go away quite quickly when I got up and moving, but for the past week it has been lasting for much longer, often up till at least a couple of hours now. Any idea if this is a progression of my cervical damage, or the lumbar pain? I forgot to tell the chiropractor about it last week, so perhaps he can clear things up next week.

[ajj1001]

It sounds like a lumbar thing. I have one very numb foot in varying areas. The picture shows where pain comes from -

http://backpainadvice.files.wordpres...iculopathy.jpg

[Cindylou]

Boy, I sure don't have a clue Katie. I would only be guessing. It doesn't sound good tho. That much I know. Please remember to ask your doctor this coming week for sure. I doubt you'll forget this time around!

[scduggan]

Dear Katie,
Don't you just LOVE having new, weird things pop up? I do not have a clue either. I am a big believer in stretching. Have you tried to sit in a really hot bath for a few minutes and then immediately get out and try some stretches? Your muscles will be warm and pliable. This might help loosen up whatever is so angry and causing the weird numbness. Try to stretch all your leg and hip muscles gently and slowly. Keep us posted with what the doctor says. I am so happy about your trip to Brazil.
CD

[Katie]

Thanks for the idea about stretching, CD! That's a great one. In fact I think I'll try it right after I get off this message. My only puzzle is why it is occurring after lying flat all night, or for just a couple of hours for that matter. I have pillows under my knees and am wondering if there is a pinched nerve somewhere from that. Who the heck knows

Alison, that is a brilliant chart! Thanks so much. I've been hoping to find something like that for awhile. So if it is just on one side, then the L5 is only pinched on one as well? Do the nerves work in reverse...if the left side is pinched, then the right side of the body is affected?

The more I see, the less I apparently know ;-)

Cindylou, I still wouldn't place bets on that ;-) My memory seems to be getting worse by the week.

Here's an offshoot question...for those on large amounts of pain meds, has your appetite been getting smaller? I eat so little now, and the thought of having meat or fish at suppertime almost makes me nauseous. I am starting to worry about maintaining a healthy amount of vitamins, etc. I'm taking normal doses of vitamins and minerals, but am getting more fatigued and feeling 'out of it'. Everything else I eat is good...just veggies, nuts, dairy and fruit, but even with those I'm having trouble building an appetite.

The sad thing is that I'm not losing any weight...if anything, I may have put on some, but don't use scales so not sure...just feel 'puffier'. :-(

[linda]

Hey Katie,
i'm sorry to hear about your new nerve issues. My right big toe goes numb a lot but I think it a combo of still not finding the right tennis shoe for the brick floor I work on. I've also developed a sore nerve pain on the top of my thighs. I also don't sit right on my couch with this laptop on my lap.

I originally lost about 20 lbs. when I first got on these narcotics (oxycodone short release) I started them 2 years ago. I've gained 10 back and look a lot better. I'm just not that hungry anymore. I am 5'2 and got down to 109 lbs. I eat a lot of chicken and rice meals. I have very little energy on the weekends after my stressful work week. Its all I can do to wash and iron my clothes for the next week and my condo is not as clean as I would like it to be. I believe these pills have made me more depressed than I was to start with. I'm so glad you are finally finding a surgical option and maybe all of these horrible problems will subside.
Linda

[Katie]

Yes, I'm getting uncomfortable with all these new symptoms. Before Christmas, my hands and arms started going numb when I started typing or drawing at my drafting table. Not good, as it is one of my main activities. Now that this new one has flared up, I'm getting a bit more anxious. Thankfully the surgery is around the corner. I'm hoping to hear from Dr. Pimenta's office by tomorrow night, and get some possible dates, then try to connect them with flights and my life schedule.

My diet is so limited because of allergies that the selection is pretty boring. I can't eat any grains at all, including rice, corn or its byproducts, nor potatoes or tomatoes, anything in the nightshade family. It makes for a very small menu! Thankfully dairy is still a go.

Also something to be thankful for is the lack of depression, at least so far. Of course I get down some days, but everyone does. But generally I have been able to stay up. The past week has been tough, and I'm not sure what to attribute it to, whether the stress of the upcoming surgery or the thought of being so restricted with my first grandchild coming so soon in mid April. Probably just a combination. Linda, I'm glad that your weight has stabilized and that you are still able to carry on every week. I don't know how you work a full time job plus carry this pain. Several others here do it too, and I'm amazed at your strength.

All the best,
Katie

[Cindylou]

Katie, I know you will, but please.......let us know the minute you get your surgery and travel dates, ok? I could only wish lack of appetite were an issue for me! Ha I am up 20 pounds and I can't stand it. I know it's because my activity level has been so low, but it is driving me crazy. I decided to jump start things with some prepared low cal meals and try to get on the treadmill one more day a week. I absolutely refuse to stay in this body at this weight.

I am also glad to hear you have (mostly) kept any depression at bay. Good for you! I went off (tapered, natch) all narcotics and nerve pain meds over the past few months, and since I was on a roll, so to speak, I recently decided to go off my anti-depressant, Cymbalta, too. I tapered off that as well, but still, probably not the smartest move I have ever made! I have been off it 4 weeks roughly, and I am convinced now that what I have been experiencing is the withdrawal from Cymbalta: dizziness, vertigo-like, extreme mood swings...including rage, etc. I sure won't win any genius awards for going off an anti-depressant while in the throws of a death of a family member. Duh! Dumbo Jumbo here!

Hang in there Katie, and again, can't wait to hear you say: "I have my surgery date!

[Moni]

Hello I hope you had a good relatively painfree day.
This is an awesome link. May I will print it off for my "scrap book"......

http://backpainadvice.files.wordpres...iculopathy.jpg[/QUOTE]


Cheers!
Moni

[Moni]

[QUOTE=linda;10267]Hey Katie,
i'm sorry to hear about your new nerve issues. My right big toe goes numb a lot but I think it a combo of still not finding the right tennis shoe for the brick floor I work on. I've also developed a sore nerve pain on the top of my thighs. I also don't sit right on my couch with this laptop on my lap.

Have you tried the NewBalance nunners...the high end ones come with stabilizer and walking cushioning specifically...My husband bought me two pairs after my knee surgery and they were heaven....cushioned and supported my feet and I felt stable...even when I was weaned off the cane.
For sitting with the laptop...or sitting in general I have a TUSH CUSH. Google that if you'd like...might help.
I hope you get relief.Nerve pain is horrible.
mg