So....About My Nerves

I wrote a little more than a week ago about pain in my upper extremities.  Within the last four or five days much of the pain on my right side has eased up a bit.  The pain on my left has increased substantially.  In fact, since Saturday, on a scale of 1 to 10 my left is consistently at a 10, while my right is at a 4.

The pain isn't limited to only my arms and legs, but my entire body at this point.  When in the shower, it feels like I'm being stabbed in the stomach hundreds of times, but only on my left side.

I had an EMG yesterday afternoon at my surgeon's office.  It tests the electrical current passing through your muscles.  By taking a look at the electrical activity, they can determine if there is an issue with your nerves in a particular area of your body.

The EMG took about an hour, and tested both ankles, calves and thighs.  The doctor also tested my left wrist, hand and forearm.  Just from preliminary results, the doctor was able to determine three things.

First, it appears that I have some residual nerve damage from the herniated disc that was removed six weeks ago.  The damage travels all the way down the length of my left leg.  While the doctor said that it shouldn't be causing any weakness, it is likely causing enough pain that I'm hardly able to put any weight on it.

Secondly, I have neuropathy, caused by diabetes, in both my hands and my feet.  This is causing my pain, numbness and weakness.

Third, the doctor is attributing the pain in my left arm to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.  I'm not sure if I agree with her on the diagnosis or not.  It wouldn't explain the pain that I have had ever since surgery in my upper arm, or the pain on the left side of my torso.  Again, these results are only preliminary.  I have to return in two weeks when she has had a chance to review all of the numbers and develop a full report.  At that time, they'll recommend a treatment plan.

In the meantime, I have been in contact with my neurologist to get his opinion on the nerve issues on my left side.  My personal opinion is that something happened in surgery 6 weeks ago that has caused asymmetrical nerve damage.  I would like to get his take on the situation.

I am still finding it difficult to type with the level of pain that I'm currently in.  I am unable to hold a pen or a phone in my left hand.  I am hoping for some relief soon, as it is my dominant hand.  I miss writing, but I tend to be long winded at times (no, you don't say) and it probably isn't a wise idea to continue with the site at this time.

If you're interested, you can still keep up with me on Facebook and Twitter.  I'm at:

www.facebook.com/thetwitchonline

I have recently changed my Twitter address.  I am now @thetwitchonline.

Meanwhile, Rufus will be taking over the site temporarily.  You can direct any questions to him.

He types really slow.  And, unless you're asking about bacon or kittens he doesn't show much interest.  Rufus and I tend to disagree often as to what "relevant content" means.

Be that as it may, I'm leaving things in his capable hands paws, temporarily.

I'll be back soon.  I promise.