I think I have Peripheral Neuropathy ...

[AnastasiaSAT]

I'm 26 and new month (DD is now 16months) I've had bas sciatica since the age of 19 but the issue was seemingly fixed by surgery almost 6 years ago. However since having my daughter i have had the worst pains in my leg and foot. I'd rather give birth again than go through this. The skin burns to touch, it feels like the bones are being crushed, i have stabbing, burning and tingling almost constantly. I can't take it anymore, the docotrs cant seem to come up with a diagnosis but after a days research myself even i can see that it has all the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. I'm going to lose my job, im missing out on so many things with my daughter, my husband had to leave his job to help me look after our daughter ( although its more like him caring full time for me and out daughter). I'm constantly in agony, i can barely sleep, and the doctors just dont seem interested. I'm seeing pain management and am waiting to go get qutenza patches which im not looking forward to but i will try anything. I've had Nerve block injections that only make it worse and have been on so much medication but the Pain Management consultant told me to stop the gabapentin because it isnt working but hasnt given me anything in its place. I have spent most of my day writhing and actually screaming in pain. I dont know what to do or who to turn to, please, any advice is welcome!

[Amazonian_Dancing]

Hi there, I'm sorry you are in so much pain! I'm not a practitioner but have had nerve/back pain for decades due to compressed discs etc. I'm going through the usual medical appointments/tests now more to go towards benefits rather than anything that will make me 'better'. The medical system, I find, doesn't reach far enough for people like us. So the most relief (and there has been an incredible amount) is through very good, generally private, physical practitioners who are best found through recommendations or trial and error after a lot of research into them and the therapies they offer and finding what works for you.

So I've had physio, osteo, acupuncture, deep tissue/sports massage, cranial and many more. These work for me. So maybe try out some local good and fully qualified practitioners, so basically do some research. There are a few places near me that do a range of therapies so can have an initial consultation and talk through which therapy is best for the individual.

I have had NHS physio and it isn't enough for me so yes of course, I've had to pay for the treatments but the 'management' of pain is so much easier.

I've also found some charities that can give funding if you're on the full amount of government benefits. They are very good organisations but obviously you have to go through a lengthy process so that they can see if you fit the criteria.

I had a fall when I was a child that affected my spine later in life and then in a car accident and the 'alternative' therapy worked much better for me than the medication. Like I said I only see practitioners who are fully qualified specialists but I'm guessing you'd rather things change and I felt that if I had to pay for it and it reduced the pain then why not?

Also have a think about getting professional help with posture and exercises to assist your body to manage it all. Plus mindfulness training is key to manage the body!

Like I said I'm not a medical practitioner but that's the way I've gone about it.

Hope you get some relief!

[Hobbledehoy]

Good morning Anastasia. I have only just come across your post. I do hope that things have now improved for you. Amazonian Dancing gave you a good reply, which I trust you found helpful. Your doctors seem to have gone some way to helping you, but an MRI scan would clearly show the state of affairs.

I had one last year, limped along on medication & determination, acquired a walker ("rollator") to v g effect. Then this year's MRI showed further deterioration and it looks like I'm nearing a surgical option. However, spinal surgery isn't to be taken lightly, it's not a magic quick-fix. I have another scan Jan, to be followed by a further conversation with neurology consultants.

I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes.