My neuro just ordered PT again and to be fitted for a brace for my drop foot.
I have not scheduled it yet and while part of the reason was the holidays, the
other reason was I didn't want to wear a brace or the stigma associated with
it. I probably need to rethink it.
At this time, I take no medications for the TM. I have in the past tried
Gabapentine, Baclofen and Lyrica (not at the same time). This was about 2
years ago when I was working and I just couldn't seem to adjust to them and
work at the same time. I don't consider the pins and needles sensation that I
have to be very bad. I can tolerate it. It's the feeling that I am walking
on tree stumps that bothers me more. Cold temperatures also make my legs very
uncomfortable. Maybe 2 or 3 times per month I have to take Hydrocodone, but
that is for some bulging disks that I have. I am getting a steroid injection
in the morning for a pinched nerve. I'm sure walking cockeyed with the cane
does not help my disk problems. My right knee and hip has also been bothering
me. My knee is clicking but both just ache. Sometimes I think, "what NEXT",
but I am so thankful that I am as good as I am.
Carol
CC: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected];
[email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TMIC] Extent of your TM? Pins and Needles
Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2012 13:36:24 -0700
To: [email protected]
Betty:I have many residual affects as you do.I wear an orthopedic brace on one
leg.Helps with my drop foot.wear orthhodics in all my shoes.My Neuro meds are:
Baclofen, Gabapentine, Savella,Zoloft.I also rely on IbprophenI also have:daily
nausea (I take Zophran daily)band painelbow and hand pain(carpal tunnel surgery
on one hand next week)Leg weaknesspopping knees and a large Baker's Cyst on the
back of one because my knees are bone on bone from walking funny for 20
years!and I know how lucky I am to have what I do.I miss my old life.Best of
luck to all of us!Susan - Phx, AZOn Jan 6, 2012, at 1:22 PM, Elizabeth Clark
wrote:Patti & Carol…My case is also very similar to the two of you… woke up
with a numb arm and within 36 hrs., was paralyzed in the ER, given massive
steroids for four days and spent a month at a re-hab facility in aggressive
physical and occupational therapy learning to walk and use my hands again. I
went from using a cane (and wheelchair or scooter when needed), to hiking
sticks, to now only a cane when on long walks (like the mall) or wearing a
light-weight “TrueLife” brace on my left leg to help with my balance – it
prevents tripping due to a “drop foot” condition. I also wear a compression
stocking with the brace to help keep my left ankle from swelling. My question
to you is, are either of you on any pain or nerve medication? I don’t seem to
get the pins and needles sensation or hot/cold feeling unless I am at the very
end of my medication cycle (I take Hydrocodone and Gabapentin every 6 hrs.).
I’ve taken to wearing one pair of regular socks and adding a pair of “ankle”
socks on top which keeps my feet feeling relatively normal. Maybe I have just
adapted to the feeling after nearly six years with TM. Actually my knees bother
me more than my feet. I get “twinges” at times and if I torque my body in any
way or have to climb my stairs too many times a day, they get really painful.
Given the extremes that many TM’rs suffer, I too feel very fortunate my
condition is no worse than it is. If this is what I deal with for the rest of
my life, then so be it – I can do it. My only wish is that they find either
some way to prevent it or at least some way to treat it effectively for all so
no one ever has to suffer – especially the children! It’s hard for anyone, but
my heart goes out to the little ones! Bless you all,Betty(in Northern
California) From: pat cooley [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2012 10:57 AM
To: Carol E
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [TMIC] Extent of your TM? Pins and Needles Carol your story sounds
just like mine. I too now get around the house without cane/walker but I do
use a cane when I gol out. I am able to walk around most stores hangingj on to
the cart but if I go to stores where I have to do a lot of walking I take my
electric scooter and then I can power shop with the best of them. I still have
the pins & needles and the burning/freezing in my feet and up to my knees. I
know this is the way it will always be since it has been almost 4 yrs, but I
see that I am not suffering as much as so many of us TMers. Patti in
WisconsinOn Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 5:27 PM, Carol E <[email protected]>
wrote:Jim,
June 2005, I went to bed with severe pins and needles feeling in my right leg.
When I woke up, it was as limp as a noodle. I was admitted through the ER and
received IV steroids, I think it was 9 hours. During my 5 week stay in the
hospital, I received intensive PT. About 3 weeks into my physical therapy, I
remember the therapist told me to try to wiggle my toes. I looked her like she
was seriously crazy. I tried....and they moved (very little, but they moved).
Brought both of us to tears. Before my discharge, I was walking small
distances with a walker and I know use a cane. I continued with out patient
physical therapy for about 2 months. My power shopping days are over, LOL! but
I can walk in, get what I need, and leave. On bad days, I don't even try it.
Both legs feel very heavy, but my right leg is worse. I too have pins and
needles torture from my toes up to my waist.
Carol Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2012 11:55:22 -1000
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [TMIC] Extent of your TM? Pins and NeedlesFrom the discussion of Pins
and Needles it seems that most of you are able to get around and have some use
of your legs. I have pins and needles from my feet to my belly and no use of
my legs at all. And they weigh a ton. Been like this since day one. Did any
of you lose the use of your legs and then get them back? If so, how long did
it take and how did you do it? Jim
