Neuropathy! I have had numbness and tingling in my legs from the
knee down and from what I have read, I probably have
neuropathy. I know that the first thing is getting a diagnosis,
but for those of you who may have this, what is the treatment. I
am also aware that it can effect your eyes and most organs in the body.
OMG! I truly hope this is a false alarm, but I am not getting my
hopes up too far. What next?
I must tell you also that I have been on 40 mgs of prednisone for 3
days and now working down to 30mg for 3 days, 20 mgs, for 3 days and
then continue at 10 mgs which is my usual dosage for now. I had a
bad ear infection that effected my hearing and they hoping that the
extra prednisone will help and if not I may have to have tubes put in
for drainage.
Thank you my trusted knowledgeable friends~~~~
Hi now & then, I'm new to all this: both RA and these message boards. I was just dx this week, and have a lot to learn!
I also have numbness and tingling (in my hands and feet.) Before I was diagnosed, they thought it was temporary neuropathy from a low vitamin B12 level. I got a series of B12 shots and-bingo! The pins and needles went away. Now, with this latest flare that got me diagnosed, the tingling is back in spite of more B12 shots.
No one has said anything to me about RA-related neuropathy. In fact, I didn't even know it was a possibility. One more thing to add to the list of questions for next month's appointment.
Keep us posted about what you find out!
Hi now & then. I was diagnosed with neuropathy about 3 yrs ago. My neurologist is also my pain control specialist and I've been seeing her for about 4 yrs.
She said she is sure my neuropathy is a result of my arthritis, however I'm certain she was referring to my OA, which is severe and widespread. As she explained it to me, it is caused by damage to the nerves and I think it can be from illness, as is diabetic neuropathy, or trauma, like mine. She said that the nerves had been damaged over the years by rubbing against worn, rough edges of bone damaged by arthritis, or bone spurs, or many other ways nerves can be damaged because of bone that isn't smooth. ( I think I am being repetitive, but I trying to think of words that are escaping me
Anyway, the treatment that I am on at the moment is just Topomax, for nerve pain. and other pain meds for chronic pain from neuropathy, OA,RA, FMS Etc. If you type in "neuropathy" on your search engine you should find a lot of info. Also it sound like you have "Peripherial Neuropathy", which is the same as mine.
Best of luck, Many Blessings
Nini
Thank you Blue and Nini. I did do the search engine thing and found out a lot, however these people on here are so informative and well read that I just knew that they could add to this. We are so lucky to have each other.
Sometimes, inflammation will cause the numbness and tingling. But you need to get over to a Neurologist because neuropathy is a real possibility.
I just saw the neurologist for the tremors that I'm having. I have them in both my legs and my hands. But I have the numbness, pain and tingling in my hands.
He is starting out with the Neurotin which I posted about. He didn't say whether he was giving it to me because of periperhial neuropathy or a suspicion of MS. He is also sending me to physical therapy to help treat and evaluate. Neither is good news. But MS is worse.
My tremors have been terrible today. He said I have so many things that could be contributing to the problem including the vasculitis which is getting worse. So, he is trying this to just settle down the nerves.
It does seem to help with the overall pain. I start with one pill a day and progress to 3 a day. I can feel some relief so I am anxious to increase the dosage.
I am so tired of all these things that are wrong as I'm sure that you are. But do get to a neurologist and have it checked.
I've been surfing regarding this subject, but have not found very complete information especially for RA caused neuropathy. If anyone else finds some good links, I'd been interested.
Deanna,
Have you tried NIH.gov ? They have a separate neurological section. That has usually been a good resource for me when I've had to look up diseases. They have experimental testing and stuff. I will definitely keep my eye out for you. Hang in there!
Trish
It really depends on the cause of the Neuropathy. I have been on Neurontin (also known as Gabapentin) and they want to me to go on Lyrica which is in the same family. That is supposed to help heal the nerves and barring that, relieve the pain. If a nerve is pinched then they may be able to do Physical Therapy to free it up or even *shudder* surgery. They may diagnose Niacin to help heal the nerves. It is hard to say.
I have numbness and tingling in my leg which was diagnosed as Ridiculopathy which is not as severe as Neuropathy, but I was tested for MS also since they wanted to rule that out. For MS they would normally do an MRI and then do a nerve test called "Evoked Potential". They could do a Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) or Audible (BAER, I forget what the initials are for in that one).
Turns out that mine is caused by RA affecting the joints in my spine and putting pressure on the nerves.
The most important thing (in my opinion) is that time is NOT on your side. It will most likely not go away on its own. The quicker they can begin some treatment the more likely that the problem can be fixed.
PS, the Physical Therapy is helping !!I too am new to this forum but wanted to comment on Bullwinkle's Lyrica discussion.
I started Lyrica 4 months ago for peripheral neuropathy and have had great results! My feet would seem to be on fire and all of that is gone but the part in my lower legs is still bothersome and feet and ankle pain/swelling are still a problem from the arthritis.
Been diagnosed with OA/FMS/RA but last rheumy visit thinks PA. So far all labs are neg but many symptoms showing.
I am also taking MTX-2 months which has eased the swelling some but if I use the area too much I turn red and swell.
Take care,
I've started the Neurotin and feel like it helps with my overall pain. But I went in for help with the tremors. One of the side effects is tremors and I am shaking so bad today. But I can feel a difference with Neurotin.
He didn't do any tests. He just looked at all my list of diseases: RA, FM, OA, Vasculitis, Sjogren's and said several of them could be causing the problems. I am being scheduled for a neck MRI through the pain specialist. But it seems strange to me that he isn't running any of the other tests.
But then the Vasculitis is very active right now. I have skin lesions all over. Maybe he just decided to skip to trying at least some kind of treatment.
I also will be going to PT for tremors and gait assessment/correction.
I can't tell if he thinks it's neuropathy or MS.
I just want to stop the shakes. However, I am still increasing the dose of the Neurotin and it really seems to be doing something.
Does anyone else get tremors like this?
Hugs Deanna.
Tremors scare the S*** out of me. I am so glad that the Neurotin is working without turning you into a zombie.
Is neuropathy and peripheral artery disease one and the same? I do know that PAD can cause heart attacks and strokes. Yikes! So what happens if you have neuropathy, and it's not treated?Early treatment and diagnosis is important because you are less likely to have long term pain. Nerves can heal themselves but their not working right can short circuit your body in various ways.
Anyone with diabetes, Sjogren's, RA and Vascuilitis is vulnerable.
Several people have mentioned being very sensitive touch, as in it is painful. This is one of the symtoms as is numbness, tingling and pain.
If they don't treat it, you can have uncontrollable pain that might require surgery.
Deanna, since I don't have insurance, if this *IS* what my problem has been, would they help me if I went to the ER? Or do you think I'd be just as well off to wait until March, when open enrollment is at work, and start my insurance, and seeing someone then?[QUOTE=now & then]Is neuropathy and peripheral artery disease one and the same? I do know that PAD can cause heart attacks and strokes. Yikes! [/QUOTE]
They are not the same. Neuropathy affects the nerves. PAD is constriction of the arteries and doesn't usually occur until one is older, say in your 70s.
N & T - I just want to give you courage and peace. I don't know anything about neuropathy but you deserve to feel good. I hope that is the case very very soon.I use a walker at home and my scooter when I go very far. Even to the drugstore, etc. They really help. I didn't want them at first, just too embarrassed and they made me feel sicker. But I figure it's better than falling and breaking something. Actually, my sweet PCP decided that for me
Anyway, just wanted to add balance as another symptom.
Oh! By the way, if the bottom sheets hurt your feet at night, as can happen with neuropathy, a sheepskin under your feet can make a world of difference. I even take mine if we travel.
Hope everyone feels better!
Nini