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Question about my sx, anyone else with the same?

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Posted 4/24/2008 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
OK, this may sound goofy, but I'm a great one for trying to dx myself..lol The lower back pain from a 4 yrs ago accident and subsequent surgery, I understand. Nerve damage from scar tissue and so forth and also DDD lower spine and 3 hern cervical discs of several yrs duration, I understand.

The sx I'm going to describe are relatively new, about 6 mths duration, except the prolonged bleeding time and very easy briusing a yr and a 1/2 duration(had hemo workup with no findings of why I bleed like a stuck pig when cut and bruise like an over-ripe melon at the slights bump. Have a normal PT, so it's not from NASAIDS)

Started wtih slight tingling feet and hands, progressed to intense tingling of both, esp feet, which turned into burning and redness. It's constant now and at times quite painful in both. I was brought down low all winter with mono and was recently told that I have a sl enlarged(3cm) abd aorta. Sooooooo, I was just wondering if anyone here has the same or similar sx. My PM doc looked at them once an said"Oh, u have Reynauds" but I don't know if it's primary or perhaps secondary to something else. I know that Rey. by itself is not a biggie and I don't think twice about it, it's quite common. But my concern is that it could be secondary to a disease process. Saw my PCP about it and he put me on a low doseage of Lyrica a mth ago which has done very little to alleviate the burning and beet-redness.He also ref me to a neuro for nerve conduct. tests. If anyone else has these sx, I'd appreciate any input on what u did about it.

Posted 4/24/2008 5:40 AM (GMT 0)

Muzz, Yeah I too have raynards and it's secondary to an auto-immune disease. They gave me blood pressure meds for mine, first pro-cardia which worked well, but then I started getting headaches from it so he changed it to diltiazem-er.  My feet were better for awhile without anything, but now it's back and I am in the middle of a flaire.  I would definately try to find out why you have it, I went to a zillion of doctor appointments and was sitting there with purple feet and the doctors would ask me why my feet looked like that!  I just shrugged and said I'm not up on them as much as I used to be.  If one of them would have known something I might have got diagnosed sooner.  Unbelievable, I have learned to be my own doctor, you have to be today. Sometimes I think they have no idea what they are doing.  They see too many patients. I went to one guy 6 times within 5 or 6 months and when he came in he always introduced himself like it was my first visit, DUH!  Anyway, sorry to get off topic, find out why you have it.

Take care

Melissa

Posted 4/24/2008 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
TY Melissa, yes I sure do feel like I have to dx myself....isn't that a shame? My PCP was at least concerned enough to ref me to a neuro. That stinks that it took u so long to get a dx. I'm on Lyrica per PCP but it's not helping much.
Posted 4/24/2008 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Muzz, Reynaud's can retrict the blood flow into your legs and cause the symptoms that you're describing. Many have found great relief from a procedre called a Lumbar Sympathectomy. This is done by injecting and essentially "numbing" the sympathetic nerves that run along the arteries into the legs to release the spams which are restricting the arteries. Many have been frightened off by the name and assume that it's done like an epidural. It is not and in fact does not involve the actual spinal column. The injection is done through the lower back, near the spine, but goes deep into the pelvis. My Mom has this done every fall to compensate for the lower blood flow through the winter.

Another issue to consider is whether some of your problems are related to peripheral neuropathy. Both Mom and I suffer from that and we've both had great success using Cymbalta for it. In addition, I take Neurontin and Mom takes Lyrica. Another great med for neuropathy pain is Tramadol (Ultram or Ultram ER).

Neither Mom or I had much luck relieving the nerve pain with opiates alone. I hope that your Doc will be able to help you find the relief you seek.
Posted 4/25/2008 4:57 AM (GMT 0)
I think many agree that we are diagnosing ourselves. Pretty common now considering the type of care we are getting. Sad huh?
Posted 4/27/2008 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
TY Keah, i appreciate the info. I never gave the Reynaud's much thought, just figured it was no biggie. I assume that my doc thinks it's per. neuroopathy, he put me on Lyrica 25 tid but it doesn't seem to be helping much. Maybe when I see the neuro in June, he can shed some light on wassup with me:)

Yes, it is ashame, C, that we have to try to dx ourselves... eyes I know that I don't feel right and something is wrong with me, maybe the neuro can help but I don't have much faith in docs anymore.

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