You're kidding? It hurts?
#267926 - 06/06/06 01:19 PM
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BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
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I had a nerve conduction test (very painful!) done on my feet/back this morning and an MRI (on my back). My orthopedist wanted my back doctor to rule out nerve damage before doing surgery for plantar fascitis on my feet.
Well, the test showed that I do have nerve entrapment (called tarsal tunnel syndrome) in my right foot. (It's similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in your wrist.) The nerves in the foot are trapped or kinked like a garden hose sometimes does.
The doctor said he hasn't tested anyone for this in the past 4 years since it is pretty rare. He said the chances of me having this would be about 2 percent. So I think he was surprised at the results. He just shook his head and said if anyone would have this, it would be me! (Nothing that I've experienced the past several years has been the norm.)
I'm not surprised. I have been experiencing this pain for about 7 years, and I kept telling doctors that even when I was resting my foot (watching tv, driving), that I felt a hot, burning pain that was so awful I wanted to scream. I don't think they believed me!
This probably explains why my $450 custom-made orthodics cause an incredible hot burning pain when I wear them----instead of the relief most people experience.
I am thrilled that I have found two excellent doctors (foot and back) who are finally getting to the bottom of this. But I could kick myself for sticking with other doctors for years, who insisted the pain could not be this bad.
The back doctor (who did the tests today) said the orthopedist can hopefully repair some of these nerves when he does the plantar fascitis surgery. He also mentioned me taking a medication, Neurontin, for the nerve pain. I think this is used for bipolar disorder too (which I also have), so that's weird.
I was hoping to avoid surgery if my insurance company approved the shock wave therapy for my foot, but I don't think that's an option anymore.
I have mixed feelings. I'm glad they found a reason for the pain, but scared because this is more serious. I've been told that nerve pain is hard to treat.
My orthodedic surgeon is out of town this week, so now I'm playing the waiting---and worrying---game!
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Oh I'm so glad that you know what it is now.... sorry it has been so painful and that the tests are as well. Keep us posted.....hope you have some relief soon.
-------------------- www.facebook.com/shell.marr
www.myspace.com/shellmarr
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Hi, BL:
I'm sorry that the news wasn't good, but I'm glad that you have found doctors who believe you and are focused on fixing things! If surgery will bring relief, it's worth it!
-------------------- Christine
Those who can do; those who want it done better teach.
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That'a great that you got a diagnosis and can work at treating it BL
-------------------- S.
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I remember my foot doctor saying that I better hope the pain is not nerve-related because there's not a lot that can be done about that.
I am so-o-o-o anxious to talk to him (he's out of the country this week).
If he tells me there's nothing he can do about it, and that I will have to just live with this pain for the rest of my life, I am really going to be depressed.
I was reading online about people who've had surgery to attempt to "fix" this. The recovery is very painful and takes about a YEAR---with a very low success rate.
Why do I always have this things that can't be fixed? (my IBS, my disc problem in my back, and now maybe this).
I just wanna get on with my life!!!!!!!!!! I feel so out of control.
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I know what you mean. how annoying, frustrating and even depressing. My asthma hasbeen and will be with me for life. the IBS. The allergies. The reflux, even though it comes and goes. And the arthritis. hang in there, love.
-------------------- Keep on keepin' on...
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Have you talked to a chiropractor yet? You'd be surprised what proper treatment can do.
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BL,
I am so sorry that you are in such pain and you don't know if they can fix it.
I'm sending you lots of hugs and I'll keep you in my prayers.
-------------------- Janey
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