I used to think our healthcare system was pretty good.

Not so much anymore. My doctor doesn't care. For six years now, every appointment I tell her my nerves are dying. I can't feel my feet or lower legs anymore. Years ago I felt them a lot, shooting pains and burning pains. Kept me awake a lot of nights. The doctor gave me a sleeping pill - zopiclone. Now there's just nothing. My hands are going now. I hold a fork like a child to swirl spaghetti. She referred me to a neurologist last May. Haven't heard from the neurologist.

She checks my blood pressure, that's all she does. Then listens and nods sympathetically and sends me on my way.

I think I have a bad doctor, and I think I'm going to die or be permanently disabled because I have a bad doctor.

Oh, gosh - that's too long of a wait to see a specialist.

Get to another doctor - even if you need to go to a mediclinic.
Or just go to emergency - you'll get through to a specialist more quickly.

Hoping you can get help soon.

I agree with Natalka on this Dave. You shouldn't let this loss of feeling in the legs go on much longer without getting a real explanation and diagnosis. Good luck!!

I think you need to find someone else. Even if you have to go to a walk in clinic I think you need to seek out another medical professional and keep going to the next until you get someone that will listen to you and get you the help you need and deserve. No matter what your Dr. is like you ALWAYS have to be your own advocate! You and only you know your body and you know when things just aren't right. Please don't give up just move along to another Dr.

@DaveP

Sorry to hear this. Neuropathy is nothing to take lightly. I agree with the other posters, get yourself to another doctor (walk-in clinic, emergency, etc). You have a referral to a neurologist? Call them. Things get lost, appointments get missed. The secretary at the transplant clinic where I go has forgotten to tell me about specialist appointments more times than I can remember. Be pushy. If the neurologist has a very long waiting list, try a podiatrist (once they see you, they can get you through to a specialist faster).

In the meantime, there are a few things you should be doing. Practice "good feet health". Sounds like a silly new age-y slogan, it simply means you have to check your feet over daily. With neuropathy, depending on its level, you can't feel your feet, so if you have a splinter, it can get infected and lead to something really really bad. Soak your feet in a basin of lukewarm water with epsom salts. Dry them thoroughly and check them over carefully. Make note of any discolouration, cracks, cuts, bruises. Keep a diary (for when you get to the neurologist). When cutting toenails, don't cut too close to the skin or you can end up with ingrown nails (can lead to more issues). Wear slippers inside (no bare feet), as something as simple as stubbing your toe can lead to issues.

In terms of diagnosis, lots of things can lead to neuropathy. Most common is diabetes. Have you ever had bloodwork done wrt A1C? It shows the average sugar levels over a longer period of time (days/weeks/months). Another cause might be longterm effects of frostbite (I know you used to live in the north). Other potential causes as well, just listing the first 2 that come to mind.

I have mild neuropathy in my toes, so the tips above are what I have to do as a matter of course (I'd rather be a barefoot at home kinda gal, but I have to be careful of silly doggies that like to step on my feet - ouch!).

Good luck! And keep us posted. :flowers:

Hi Dave,

I have come to really like and respect you over the years, so hearing the news of your illness saddens me much. Truly, I am so sorry you are going through such things.

You will be in my prayers.

Love,

Maggie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DaveP

Not so much anymore. My doctor doesn't care. For six years now, every appointment I tell her my nerves are dying. I can't feel my feet or lower legs anymore. Years ago I felt them a lot, shooting pains and burning pains. Kept me awake a lot of nights. The doctor gave me a sleeping pill - zopiclone. Now there's just nothing. My hands are going now. I hold a fork like a child to swirl spaghetti. She referred me to a neurologist last May. Haven't heard from the neurologist.

She checks my blood pressure, that's all she does. Then listens and nods sympathetically and sends me on my way.

I think I have a bad doctor, and I think I'm going to die or be permanently disabled because I have a bad doctor.

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i understand how it can be frustrating to be in waiting for a specialist.......

here in qc where we are told '' having the best healtcare system in canada'' we have to wait up to 2 years to see some specialist' , the same for some surgeries..... and that is when we have a family dr....

and contrary to what they say, the reform our prov. govrn . is doing does not make things easyer....as they concentrate some cares and analysis , some people have to wait and/or travel longer to have care
on the news latety a man said with the changes, he now has to travel 2-21/2 hours from his home to have dyalisis (sp) 3 times a week.....and that is in the summer when the weather is good.....how would it be in the winter, this is only one case.....and that is only the tip of the iceberg... imho

..that said, i really think you must try to find a family dr that will really take your healt in charge.....but , are there some availables in your area?...

wish you find a better dr.....please keep us posted ....we care for you :)

P..S . by experence, i've learned some Dr have more ''weight'' when they refer you to a specialist..... like maybe, they are from the same promotion ...or something

Its really serious issue. First you need to change the doctor and follow that instruction as early as possible..Its may be help you a lot!