[lenjan]

I haven't seen one since I was 17. I'm not even completely sure what neurologists do. I saw mine for a seizure disorder I had as a kid that I eventually outgrew.

It's going to be an unpaid day off work, and a 2-hour drive one way. I've had pain and tingling and swelling in my right calf (and now foot) for the better part of a year. I have a clotting disorder, but no DVTs have turned up. My hematologist actually decided to send me to the neuro. He said he could think of 3 tests he would ask for right off the top of his head, but since he's a blood guy instead, wouldn't elaborate.

I've had nerve issues elsewhere, but before I developed the clotting disorder, so no matter even if he finds nerve damage, there won't be any operations to fix it. So I'm kind of wondering what the point is, and what I should be asking this guy to look for.

ty

CB

[wisewoman]

searching for many related health issues. Short reply here. Hang in, in, just do it,it might be helpful.

[kimmydawn]

((((((((((((((((((( candy ))))))))))))))))))))))

I just got back from my neurologist visit right at this moment. He/she will know what to ask you. Outside of that, please write down all your comments and symptoms so you don't walk out mad at yourself because you forgot to mention something, ok? I do that because I only see mine every 3-4 months.

Some things are VERY treatable. The first thing he'll try to do is look for a diagnosis and may order tests. Then he should want to work on managing your symptoms...which can be difficult with nerve pain, but there are some wonderful meds out there...in fact, several that help (i.e. topamax) can also help with mood disorders, etc.

Make sure to tell him about an dx's you have as well.

Seeing the neurologist was the BEST thing I ever did for myself. I got a dx that no other dr. understood, understanding and pain control.

Let us know, OK? I'll keep you in my thoughts.

KD

[lenjan]

Interesting...I found something online that I just kind of skimmed, but said that neurology is closely related to psychiatry, in that "neurological" diseases often stem from psych stuff....I already have a pdoc. I don't need another dr. telling me I'm a crazy freak. I figured that out for myself a long time ago.

[kimmydawn]

(((((((( candy ))))))))))

it might've just been the site you were on. i personally believe that the mind and body (spirit as well) are closely related.

however, my neurologist doesn't care about my mind excepting to know if i'm getting too depressed with the pain, etc. promise my heart on that one. i kinda wish he did have more of an interest.

i've seen two - three neurologists now and they only cared about my body/pain/reaction there.

KD

[(JD)]

Oh, I can't possibly talk about all I think about neuros But I think your MD would feel better if a neuro evaluated you, and even if he/she suggested possible meds you might want to take. An MD feels like they are shooting in the dark (imo) without such a consult.

And who knows? The neuro just might be a good one who cares!

tc

[Perna]

Interesting Web essay on the differences between neurology and psychiatry. The neurologist isn't going to declare you "crazy" because he doesn't think in those terms, he thinks in more scientific/literal anatomy nervous system terms :-)

http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/cg.../full/17/3/304

a neurologist deals with your nervous system.....not your mind.......

[lenjan]

There's a whole specialty called "neuropsychiatry" -- they look at the connections between mental and physical illnesses. As many of us here demonstrate, one often can be caused by the other.

i know that, candybear......but a neurologist who is practicing neurology is going to be checking your nervous system, most likely, perhaps to find pain origins and such.

[January]

Candy,

I have a neuro. He is very kind. He can run tests to see if your nerves in your legs are working right. He could be able to help you so that your legs don't hurt so much.

My nuero has really helped me a lot. Please give yours a chance.

Hugs,

Jan

[Raynaadi]

I have a neurologist for my condition and I love him. I got lucky that I got a cool doctor. I told him everything that was going on with me. I also already had a diagnosis from the ER though. But....the BEST advice he gave me is to stay off the internet as far my condition is concerned. I was getting totally freaked ready message boards from other sufferers because they let it control their life and I didn't want that to happen to me. My neuro told me to keep my questions limited to the medical professionals who know. It's the best thing I could have done for myself at this time, since every case is different. So my only advice for you is to limit the searching you do online, because we can see ourselves in every disease out there if we're not careful. Let the neuro do the footwork to try and find a diagnosis. Just be honest with him/her. And if you don't like the doctor, get another one. It's so important to be comfortable with our physicians.

[lenjan]

Today I spent:

3 hours in the car (90 minute drive one way)

5.75 hours watching most of 3 soap operas,Dr. Phil and Oprah

.25 hours actually being seen and talked to by a medical professional

The upshot of the whole day is that there's nothing neurologically wrong with me, and the vascular study couldn't find anything wrong with me either -- so, I have a permanently painful, swollen right calf for no good reason, and now no hope of relief. (A clot was ruled out long ago.)

I had to take an unpaid day off to do this, because my vacation time doesn't kick in till March, so I lost a day's pay on top of it -- like I can afford that.



The mental health only came up in passing, btw.

[January]

Candy,

Nueropathy has those symptoms. I have to be tested for it Wed. Maybe you could talk to a Dr. about tests for that.

Hugs,

Jan

[lenjan]

How does one treat neuropathy? I have a very limited understanding of it, but what I know amounts to "you just have to live with it." I can't take anything but Tylenol because I'm on blood thinners. If I take enough Tylenol to handle the pain, I'll destroy my liver in nothing flat.

Let me know how it goes and what they do, ok Jan? ((((Jan))))

Candy

[wisewoman]

Candy, there are many ways and cocktails to help with neuropathy. Remember my little friend who had a new kidney only to get non Hodgkins cancer, diabetes and then neuropathy? She is kicking, no cancer, still fine with kidney and taking neurontin and other things to help with pain. I take neurontin for back nerve pain and it helps. I have a different cocktail. Honey if I were rich I would send us both to accupuncturists. I had one who helped me more then anyone else ever could. peace friend, it will come together.

[January]

(((((((( Candy )))))))))

I have my test tomorrow. In the meantime, my Dr. is giving me pain meds. I try very hard not to take it because I don't want to get used to using in case that's not the problem. (I don't know if that makes sense...)

I wore a special kind of knee brace for a while and it helped. Also, I had some surgery, (not related to the nueropathy), which put me basically off my feet for over a week and that helped, too. I spent the time in a recliner with both legs elevated.

I do know that some people with nueropathy of the feet wear a special kind of brace which keeps the feet in the right angle so walking is not difficult.

I realize this post is fragmented and I apologize for that. Hopefully I'll know more tomorrow.

Hugs,

Jan

[(JD)]

Let us know how it goes

What's the treatment for neuropathy?
Treatment of neuropathy is often directed at the symptoms, or when possible, at the underlying cause of the neuropathy. Symptomatic treatments include medical therapy for the painful paresthesias, physical and occupational therapy to help improve mobility and function, and supportive measures to maintain blood pressure and bowel and bladder function if the autonomic system is involved. Treatment for the causes of neuropathy include antibiotics or antiviral agents for infectious
neuropathies, immunomodulating agents for immune-mediated or paraneoplastic neuropathies, improved glycemic control for diabetic neuropathies, and surgery for compressive neuropathies, among others.