I'm confused but happy , I think!

purpleowl
purpleowl Member Posts: 231
edited 1. Nov 2013, 15:58 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi guys,

many thanks for all your support for my consultation yesterday!

I'm very confused, I saw a lovely man, he was a neuro surgeon, he started from scratch with me. After examining me he said that the nerve pain I was getting in my legs wasn't coming from problems with my spine! He then found my 2012 MRI scan and after giving it a good look over said that I had normal wear and tear in my spine for my age and no problems he could see which would cause me problems. I asked him if he was sure it was my scan!! :shock:

The previous consultant told me I was very young to have the spine problems I have....

He says I have Diabetes Neuropathy. He could see the disbelief so I am booked in for another MRI scan next month(I'm still not totally convinced).

I am totally shocked as I have been told for 6 years that my spine is the problem. I can't tell you the relief I feel this morning although I now have to look at my new diagnosis.

I only wish some of you could have some good news too (I feel kinda guilty).

I wish you all well,

Trish xx

Comments

  • thistlegirl
    thistlegirl Member Posts: 229
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    :P
    Don't feel guilty you silly lady. Grab good news with both hands and run with it.

    I am very happy for you and hope your new diagnosis is easier to work with- I don't know muxh abour diabetes, is it effecting your sensation in your legs?

    Jenny
  • Dakky
    Dakky Member Posts: 53
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You must be made up purpleowl! Though you're still looking for answers, I too would admit I'd be happy at finding there were no spinal problems had I thought that was the issue for six years.

    Conrgrats!
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    No wonder you are confused,these consultants seem to read these MRIs in a different light... :roll: I am glad to hear you dont have spinal probs, and hopefully you will get some answers very soon..you take care xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • Toots
    Toots Member Posts: 483
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry I wasn't there for you yesterday Trish, but hey, home run! I hope that they arrange the repeat mri for you quickly so that you can get confirmation of the new diagnosis! x
    Toots x
  • Boomer13
    Boomer13 Member Posts: 1,931
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's great news! Wonderful if it's not your spine.

    If it's diabetic neuropathy, is it because your diabetes is not well-controlled? Put another way, will it go away with better control of diabetes? I hope so.

    Take care, xxAnna
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Gosh, what a turn-up for the books. I too am pleased for you, this is good news, no? I am aware that diabetes can cause a number of troubles and hopefully this chap is on the money.

    One of the problems we all face is that we are at the mercy of individual opinions; I maintain that if you showed the same set of blood results for a possible auto-immune arthritis to three different rheumatologists you would receive three different opinions. :) That does not help the patient. :lol:

    I too have had some good news today but entirely due to my late parents' making so it doesn't count. I wish you well, Parpliuwl (still my favourite word from the Great Vowel Shift :wink: ), this is very good news because hopefully it can remedied - I hope so. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • purpleowl
    purpleowl Member Posts: 231
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've had type 2 diabetes for ten years and I think probably a lot longer. The consultant said that neuropathy was highly likely after that amount of time even though my sugar levels are under control. I've lost 3 stone this year so my levels have been brilliant.

    I'm not sure I can do much to remedy the nerve problem it may slow up. Course had I have known 6 years ago it probably would have been much less of a problem!

    I've yet to talk to my GP. Apparently the blood vessels which supply the nerves get damaged by the high glucose levels this in turn causes tingling, numbness and pain.

    I'm so glad that the previous consultant has moved away or I would still be having treatment for OA and having that nasty caudal injection! :cry:

    In our area we have the choose and book system for appointments, you get offered 3 or 4 different hospitals to go for treatment. I don't know if that's the general rule of thumb for the whole country. I chose to go to a private hospital using the NHS and so got my consultant appointment within a month and after I had seen him someone arranged for me to have an MRI scan in 2 weeks time. I have to say that I've always had brilliant treatment on the NHS(apart from the wrong diagnosis :roll: ).

    I think I've answered everything, :D

    Thank you all for your good wishes,

    Trish xx

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