I have a severe axonal lesion of the peroneal nerve in my lower left leg and foot. I am interested in gaining more info on my condition.

[Coventryfootdrop]

In November 2019 it is presumed that I had some sort of fall and lay unconscious for at least 48 hours before being discovered by family members. I have no recollection of any of this.

I awoke in hospital to find that my foot felt incredibly heavy and I was immobile and bedridden. In addition I was put on kidney dialysis because I had damaged my kidneys.

My blood count returned to normal and with the help of physiotherapists I was able to mobilise on a Zimmer frame. After having an EMG examination the consultant diagnosed that I had a severe axonal lesion of the peroneal nerve in my lower left leg and foot.

I progressed from the Zimmer frame to a mobility walker. For short distances I can use a walking stick. I was fitted with a below knee leg caliper and socketed shoes to deal with the manifest foot drop I am now rather stuck with. I am in constant pain and have been prescribed duloxetine and gabapentine. Apart from that I have had no help or sympathy from my GP.

I would be very interested in getting in touch with anyone who has had a similar experience or who might be able to cast further light on my condition.

[Rhyl1 Partner Moderator ICUsteps]

It’s difficult to find information about this injury but there is some good information at mountsinai.org/health-libra.... It sounds like there must have been prolonged pressure on that nerve in particular when you lay unconscious at home. The renal failure you describe was probably precipitated by something called Rhabdomyolysis, again this is when muscle is damaged by very prolonged pressure such as being unconscious at home. I hope someone on here has had a similar experience and can get in touch with you.

[Coventryfootdrop in reply to Rhyl1]

Thank you so much for your informative reply. I rather suspect that I have exhausted what I can find out on the web about the links between my fall, long lie, rhabdomylosis and foot drop. What happened to me remains in large part a mystery but as you say I lay for maybe three days and did indeed present with rhabdo. I was in kidney dialysis. I too am hoping that that there is someone with a similar history so that I can have some hope as to know how to progress. Many thanks again!

[Gooddaysunshine]

Hi, sorry to hear you have been in the wars so much. My right leg from the shin down was kaput after severe covid, and a month in coma, three months in hospital.

The neural pathways had shut down while I was asleep, also I had a seizure which caused nerve damage.

They told me I only had a “nerve flicker” in my shin muscles and that there was a danger it may not fire up again.

I worried that life in that ankle and foot would not ever come back, but it is slowly reawakening.

I have had 3 different ankle braces, and have slowly changed them from rigid to more flexible versions.

Also I bought an electro-stimulation machine with pads on the leg and zapped the lower leg muscles.

It actually helped twitch my toes for the first time in months.

Hopefully you will get the GP etc attention needed.