Questions About How Is Neoropathy Diagnosed

dgrilli · #1 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 08:41 AM

My GP has told me that I have Diabetic Neuropathy and I'm being sent to a neurologist.

My problems are mainly in both legs and feet. I have also injured my back some 15 years ago and had 2 operations on my back. My legs and feet hurt like someone busted every bone in feet and legs and feels like at times scalding water being poured on them.

The pain has been less but I'm left with very week legs and they occasionally just go out from under me at a moments notice.

My question is what does the neurologist do to check for neuropathy?

notme · #2 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 08:46 AM

I had an EMG done on my arms. The EMG showed neuropathy in the radial nerves in my arms. There was a small electrode that was put into the muscle and then electrical activity was recorded.

Penny · #3 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notme

I had an EMG done on my arms. The EMG showed neuropathy in the radial nerves in my arms. There was a small electrode that was put into the muscle and then electrical activity was recorded.

I had that done on my legs and feet, recently. It showed neuropathy, but the doctor is not doing anything about it right now. Now I think I have it in my right arm too, it feels the same. It sounds like I just have to endure as he does not want to give me any more medication, and I am also reluctant to take anymore. I have been trying some exercises, so far not much luck.

Psycho Penguin · #4 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notme

I had an EMG done on my arms. The EMG showed neuropathy in the radial nerves in my arms. There was a small electrode that was put into the muscle and then electrical activity was recorded.

This is what I came to say. I got the same thing done in my legs and it showed nerve damage so I was diagnosed right then and there.

fgummett · #5 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 09:56 AM

Is there any truth that the red-pepper Capsaicin (?) can help... rubbed on the legs/arms and/or taken with food?

notme · #6 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 10:02 AM

I have heard that Capsaicin can help with neuropathy symptoms in cream form especially if it is added to lidocaine. Never heard that supplements would help with neuropathy symptoms. There are lots of claims to health benefits (like all supplements), but I would think if you had ulcers or other stomach issues, it could be a bit like eating spicy food.

Real4 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notme

Never heard that supplements would help with neuropathy symptoms. .

Alpha lipoic Acid definitely helps prevent neuropathy. How useful it is when the neuropathy is already developed I don't know.

Whether ALA is technically considered a medicine or a supplement is also unknown to me.

sable_032592 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 04:27 PM

i was diagnosed with neuropathy in my legs and feet, and for some reason, in my stomach (gastroparysis i think it's called)... this was over 6 years ago... i had these little pads and pins put all over my legs, arms, fingers, feet... they checked everything, i was told they were sending an electrical signal to the muscles and nerves to see how the muscles/nerves reacted... i suppose if they were slow, didn't react or didn't react enough, it was diagnosed as neuropathy... it doesn't really hurt, just a mild little "zing" but nothing painful...

Psycho Penguin · #9 (**permalink**) 12-04-2008, 04:51 PM

Yeah, neuropathy can effect any systems in your body, including digestive. Digestive neuropathy is scary stuff. They toldme when my colitis got real bad, that I had to get my sugars under control so my colon would not move so slowly any more.

dgrilli · #10 (**permalink**) 01-30-2009, 09:42 PM

I guess I failed to mention that also I have at varied times legs that are so stiff that I can hardly walk.

My Muscles in my legs thighs, stomach, arms and face jump and roll, you can actually see the lumps rolling in my thighs and stomach. If you put your hand on when it's doing their thing it will move your hand.

These also happen in my face.

I will see the Neurologist this 5th of February.

The stiffness has prevented me from walking normally and if I bend my knees as to get in and out of my truck it hurts very bad that it takes my breath away at the pain.

I heard no one comment on the severity of the pain, other than call it pain. I have had pain in the past and I can truly tell you that it feels like someone had busted every bone in the legs and feet with a hammer. This busted bone feeling almost but left but like I said my Legs are left very week and have hardly any balance.

My GP gave a medicine that is used to treat epilepsy called Tegratol. Didn't do much but did mess with my mood and mental state.

Just wondering other than Lyrica or Cymbalta what treatments are there?

Thanks