Peripheral Neuropahty, Anyone?

[Cruinthe]

Ok, I finally saw a VA endocrinologist today after a year+ wait. I now have serious pain in my feet and ankles, and burning & tingling in the lower extremities. The endo doc said if my nerve conductivity test came back clean, there is no possible way I have peripheral neuropathy. But when she checked my feet and saw all the discoloration, she immediately scheduled a consult with the foot doctor. So whats up with that? Anyone else here have neuropathy that cant be seen in a conductivity test? Thanks in advance!

[retiredat44]

what's up with the pins, tuning fork, etc, during these tests? I do understand they ask if you can feel it.. but I don't understand what good it does if you can see them place it there, anyone can say they don't feel it..

also, I have edema with leg and feet swelling (long with tons of pain..) of course they never see when the muscles twist my toes like pretzels... that is very painful and can last up to 15 minutes of twisting,, but that doesn't happen when I am in their office.. but they have seen most of the other stuff happen because I was an in patient for that 6 months and had a long period of physical therapy.. and serious blood pressure problems too..

anayways, back tot he pins/ needles, and tuning fork.. what's up with that stuff?

also they bend my toes and ask me which way they are bending.. but you can look down and see them beind it.. I can't remember if they say look forward..

Edited August 5, 2010 by retiredat44

[Pete53]

Ok the PN Test is uncomfortable but I have had blood work or iv's that hurt worse. We just have to sort of take it. The PN test is supposed to be administered by a couple of Doc's which usually means interns. That said its usually something they have done quite a few times.

The test only tells them how much conductivity you never has on several measured places. It will let them know pretty well if PN is present.

I have had several done and the last one they told me my nerves on my legs were done. My original diagnosis n one done at VA was Tarpel Tunnel Syndrome I also have a small nueroma on my left foot and right leg about the size of a small pea. And I have diabetes and flat feet and as of yesterday moderate arthritis in both feet.

My opinion and it is pretty much just an opinion is take the test it makes them feel like they are doing something and by al means see the vascular Docs.

Good Luck

If you have PAD you probably can take meds to help

[john999]

Get a CT scan of your legs. I got one and it showed calcification in the leg veins. I have PN mild in both feet, but the reason I got the CT scan was due to a bump on my leg. The CT scan led to a DX of vascular artery disease which led to a DX of CAD of 60%. A little string that is pulled can led to a big problem. Please don't wait a year for tests at the VA if you have some serious problem. If you have the means to get tested then get tested by private doctors. I can get a test in a few days or weeks that you waited a year to get. I think many vets are rotting in the ground that waited for the VA to get around to testing them. The tests I got for my heart at the VA were of awful quality. The doctor did not speak English and the test itself could have kille me.