Morton's neuroma. :(

[beaton]

After sixteen years of pain and being told I had arthritis and had to live with it. Having seen two rheumatologists at two hospitals,I finally managed to get ultrasound on my feet. I was right I had Morton's on both feet. I saw my G.P. today hoping for surgery,a small ten minute operation. No got to have injections. Contacted the orthopedic surgeon at my local hospital but he's not interested. I feel gutted and close to tears. I'm in so much pain.

[allanah]

I bet you are disappointed but isn't it worth trying the injections , that might stop the nerve pain and if not then to onto potentially more painful surgery? It might just be worth a try. ? It is annoying though when you think you are going one way for this to be changed. But now you have a diagnosis that helps a lot , and I hope the injections really help x

[beaton in reply to allanah]

Thank you for replying Allanah,yes I am feeling gutted,knowing If I was a footballer with problem no questions would be asked. I'm totally fed up with the NHS. Every time they let me down. I don't have any chose but to have the injections,it's all that's on offer. I've just run out of hope (and spoons.)xx

[allanah in reply to beaton]

Well I'm sending you a dessert spoon full of happiness, 1st positive, they know ehTs wrong at last, 2 Nd positive you have a treatment 3 rd positive there are other options 4 th you don't have footballers legs. Sending hugs A xx ((( )))

[beaton in reply to allanah]

Thanks .

[Barrister]

I agree with Allanah, at least you know what it is and there is a treatment. When I was first suffering pain in my feet, I was convinced it was Mortons Neuroma. It was such a disappointment when I found out after the scan that it wasn't that but RA, then a few months later, discovered it was PsA. I thought that all the pain would be gone with injections into my feet. Try to stay positive, injections may well work for you. Clemmie

[beaton]

Thanks Clemmie, It's just so annoying,I've been telling them for years what it was,so was pleased to be proved right. I just don't think injections are going to do any good. I was diagnosed with PsA some years ago but couldn't take the meds. so dicharged. That was why I asked for a second opinion. I feel the NHS is ganging up on me.

[Hidden]

Sorry that happened to you. Been there recently. It's not right. I should have sought a 2nd opinion to be diagnosed with RA earlier. My main doctor was on leave during the time I needed her and saw a loser replacement doctor in her absence I'm really pissed but going to tough it out.

[beaton in reply to Hidden]

Please get that second opinion,you mustn't give up. I should have been more assertive years ago,if only I'd known.xx

[blue1950]

This is painfull and why they can't sort it I don't know,I had plantar fascists first then morten's ,now I also have RA and other problems, I was told the morten's would ease and it does at times guess I have just got used to it all, hope you get it sorted as it seems yours is so much worse than mine ...hugs.....

[beaton in reply to blue1950]

Thanks Blue,hugs and kisses to you for understanding.xx

[alicem0208]

Hi, I to have MN and have had injections in one foot t

I was pain free for about a Month then the pain returned with vengeance, the injection in my other foot did not work at all, even if I stand for more than a few min. I am in agony and to walk it's just as bad a horrid stabbing sharp pain. I have been told that there is an operation but no guarantees that it will work so I really don't know what to do, I hope you will have better luck than me x

[beaton in reply to alicem0208]

Hi Alice,I think this is the root of the problem. We know there are injections,we know they don't last and that we can only have a given number. I did the research and watched the videos on the internet. So if there is a proper solution out there why can't we have it. xx

[Footdoc]

Hi there

Sorry to hear about your Mortons' Neuromas. NICE guidelines (yet again), require that injections are tried first. Quite a number do resolve this way. If not, then surgical incision is needed. Entry is through the top of the foot to prevent callus forming if entry is tried through the bottom of the foot. The success rate is very good, the waiting however, with such a painful condition is terrible. It is placed quite low on the priority list, however, if some surgeons experienced this I feel sure, that resolution would be sought a lot quicker.I need to point out it is not a quick 10 minute procedure, it is an incredibly fiddly procedure. Push your GP, there is supposed to be patient choice, therefore insist it is tackled soon or request another referral to somebody else. These days you have to be quite firm and of course polite with your GP or Consultant. Otherwise you will be held back. Kick bums! Good luck.

[beaton in reply to Footdoc]

Hi Footdoc, Thanks for your very honest reply. I have learnt recently that I do have to be assertive,(if only I'd know that years ago.) This is the only way I managed to get the scans done.I almost walked out in tears.

Yes I realise I shall have to have the injections now. I just wish I'd been born with a silver spoon in my mouth that I could trade for private surgery. Or a footballer,that would get the job done.

[Footdoc in reply to beaton]

Hi beaton

That silver spoon has always seemed to be just out of reach. Chin up. Being a little more assertive when dealing with health professionals is honestly not too daunting. I was one myself till PsA wrecked my career. Sometimes it is just what we need and you need to get results. Go for it, I'm with you all the way.

[beaton in reply to Footdoc]

[beaton in reply to Footdoc]

Further to my last post:- As I said before my G.P. says I have to have the injections (he filled in the form on 3rd June )but I have not heard from my local hospital as yet. I did ring the Plymouth hospital,they were the one I was having issues with. I asked why I had heard nothing in the month following my scan. You couldn't make it up,the person on the phone said,"Well they're only part time perhaps they have a backlog." I left it with her but heard nothing so rang again. "Oh she's in today I'll get her to ring you." She did not ring so I rang again "she's going to write to you." Today (18th.) I rang my doctors surgery, They have a letter and the receptionist read it out. Yes the scan showed MN on both feet and swelling in feet. X rays showed nothing so they've discharged me with a appointment for injections.

This means the only chose I have is Plymouth or Cornwall. Plymouth don't want to see me again and Cornwall discharged me three years ago because I couldn't tolerate their meds.

I was under Cornwall with PsA. Do I ask to see a different rheumatologist or go without any help for the rest of my life?

[nomoreheels in reply to beaton]

Hiya Beaton. I've not been involved in your post as I have no knowledge about Morton's neuroma but have problematic feet as it's where RD first appeared. I do empathise with your situation. I would have a word with your GP & see how the land lies. Were you aware you have a choice as to which hospital you attend? When you've a mo take a quick look at this adviceguide.org.uk/england/...

Scroll down the table of contents & about half way down click on Seeing a Consultant. If you print this page off & go armed with it to your GP & calmy but assertively ask where you go from here as you've explained it to us. It would seem from a quick search injections are the first course of action so think you'll have no option there but if it was me I'd me avoiding an operation on my feet at all costs if an injection works!

Hope you get sorted one way or another as you've been messed about more than necessary it seems to me. Oh & as Footdoc says kick bums, but do it gently!!

[beaton in reply to nomoreheels]

Hi Nomoreheels,Nice to hear from you and thanks for the advice. I can see I have no choice but to have the injections I just hope they work. No one wants to have an operation if another procedure will give relief but what if the injections don't work? Perhaps then I will get to see a consultant then. The Morton's is only part of my feet problems.

It's was my G.P. who told me I had no choice and him that sent the form off. Talking to the receptionist today she said I may get an appointment through the post or I may get a phone call giving me a choice of venue.

[nomoreheels in reply to beaton]

As least if you give the injections a go & hope they work & have no further problems. I think it's a case of "try this first & if it doesn't work operate".NHS thinking. You GP is only referring to guidelines but sometimes the way some inform us can come over as a "no option" attitude.

I hope you're soon sorted, I hate feet when they hurt!!!

[beaton in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks Nomoreheels.

[Hidden]

Hi Beaton - I also had a Mortons Neuroma and had a large steroid injection (with ultrasound scan) a number of years ago. I can say that it was a total success. Although painful at the time I have no problems with it now. RA still makes my feet very painful but this is different from the Neuroma. Give it a go, I would certainly try it before going down the surgery route. I did see the surgeon privately, who has a fantastic reputation although not in bedside manner ! If you want I could recommend him. Good luck

[beaton in reply to Hidden]

Hi Walklands,thanks for the reply. I realise I shall have to have the injections and take it from there. Perhaps I'm becoming cynical but I think this is a money saving idea and living in Cornwall doesn't help as we only have one proper hospital. The rheumatologist there let me down so I asked for a second opinion,that meant a trip to devon to get this far.

[francherry]

Hello, I've had two steroid injections in different parts of my foot by guided ultrasound injection which alleviated the pain and swelling. I haven't had the op described but as someone who's had four foot ops starting on both feet age 9 for bunion removal and taking out a sixth toe (inside the right foot) - I wouldn't undertake foot surgery lightly. Personally I would try the injections first and see how it goes. I agree with others though about pushing for it if the injection is ineffective. Good luck with it.

[beaton in reply to francherry]

Thank you.x

[HevJ]

Hi

I too had a mortons neuroma diagnosed 14 months ago when I increased my mileage for a marathon. It was agony. I was seeing a chiropractor at the time who got me some insoles as well as putting support in my trainers. However normal shoes were agony to wear. GP referred me and I have been under local consultant. I was given the list of options, and have worked down the first 2! I have had a steroid injection into the foot which was fab as well as having special insoles made. I was able to run again. However before Christmas I was diagnosed with RA and running has been limited. During the past 6 months of no running and flat shoes with insoles it has been ok on a daily basis. However I now want to start back. The jab has worn off so I am worried it will flare up again. I have my follow up appt next week..... I know while it is ok like this surgery won't be offered- I need to run to see how I go. I want to wear heels again!!! Heehee....

Try the injection, it will give you some relief....

[cathyh]

Hi I had a neuroma removed 18 months ago the operation was a complete success I was in alot of pain with it...2 months after i could feel the same pain turns out I have 2 more 1 in each foot. So disappointing I was looking forward to wearing nice shoes again...anyway my first reaction was to get them both taken out but the surgeon made me realise that the operation carries alot of risks and my sjogrens was flaring badly at the time. I opted for the injections which only worked for a week and i have gone back to my comfy shoes good trainers and crocs. If the pain started to make me limp and put pressure on my hips I will go back and request the ops again. PS the operations were my choice the surgeon would have done it if i asked for them so if you really want them I would push for it. Cx

[beaton in reply to cathyh]

Thanks Cathyh, It's good to know you had the choice of the op. Anything that reduces pain must be a good thing and yes all ops. carry risks.Did you have a local anesthetic if so surely the risks less. Yes it's a balancing act. I suppose the phrase that comes to mind is. walk a mile in my shoes.