Neuropathy

[livingwith]

I AM 45 YEARS OLD AND A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO FELT PAIN IN MY LEFT CALF. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A PULLED MUSCLE BUT THE PAIN STARTED TO GET WORSE AND MOVED UP TO MY HIP. THE PAIN IS SO BAD I WOUND UP IN THE ER GETTING EVERY TEST IN THE WORLD AND A ULTRASOUND TO RULE OUT A BLOOD CLOT.
NO RESULTS FOR MY PAIN SO PHYSICAL THERAPY WAS THE NEXT STEP. I HAD TO GO THE THE DOC AGAIN A FEW DAYS LATER I COULD BARELY WALK. I GRIMACE THROUGH MY WORK DAY AND SPEND THE REST OF THE TIME ICING MY LEG & BAC...Read the full article

[patrm]

Hello Robin, My symptoms started back in 2001 with left foot numbness and low back pain. Around four or five years later, I began to have terrible calf cramps, (left side only) I remember the excruciating pain. Initially, I was sent to physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, physical therapy again, a re-hab doc, a specialist in Massachusetts.. The specialist, my last hope told me I was a medical mystery as they can't find what's wrong, what's causing my muscle degeneration. He strongely believes that I have a tumor in my sciatic nerve, but it doesn't show up in the numerous MRI's, etc., that I've had. I'm on neurotin, three times a day, along with naproxen. I now have bursitis, both hips hurt along with me left knee down to my ankle. The meds control my pain, but there are days when I wish they'd just amputate my leg and get it over with... Those days are only if I've had a hard day at work. Lately it hasn't been too bad.
I've been told that surgery would be exploratory and I could end up worse. I don't know what the long term effect it, will I eventually end up in a wheelchair??? I try to exercise, I walk on the treadmill and ride a stationary bike. And I also lift weights and try to stay in shape. I am 48 years old and try to stay healthy although some days I'm too tired.
I don't understand why I've been given this illness; don't know what sparked it!! I did have a small car accident in 2000, but don't know if it's related. I do know that if I move around, stay active, that it's much better than not doing any activity at all.
Thanks for listening... i'm happy to communicate my experiences, my pain, with someone who understands what i'm going through. Pat

[buckeyegal]

My situation sounds very similar to yours Robin, down to the ER visit, multiple tests, physical therapy etc. I've hit 3 weeks of physical therapy with little improvement and had started to feel a bit desperate, like you, I have a family depending on me and being on my feet at work is very painful. I've been reading the boards, and have yet to see anyone mention using the Rebuilder. I was/am about at the end of my rope, and ordered the machine. It's a bit expensive, $400.00, but then so are my copays and medical bills, not mention work lost due to this medical problem. My Rebuilder arrived yesterday afternoon. I did a treatment yesterday evening and this morning, and I can feel a definite improvement, I about cried I was so relieved, it seems there's light at the end of the tunnel. If I had to put a percentage on it, I'd say I'm walking at least 33% better today and less pain, and that's just after 2 treatments. The effects are accumlative, according to the company improvement keeps continuing with treatments. I know it's early yet, but I'm so pleased, I feel like I just may get my life back.

[buckeyegal]

Oops, 3 months, not 3 weeks of physical therapy. I tried to edit my post, but it wouldn't let me.