Peripheral Neuropathy Questions

[LindsayCohen7]

So the doc says there's a tiny bit of peripheral neuropathy at the very end of 2 of my toes. Actually I think it's getting better but I never can tell. He tested my reflexes etc., but said there was nothing that caused him concern. SO - this peripheral neuropathy thing (which basically is just sensation changes at the tip of my toe) - does that matter? And will I always have it? He didn't know what was causing it but didn't seem worried.Here's the kicker - he's "uncomfortable" with my BFS. I'm a new patient b/c we moved recently. He says that he's not that familiar with BFS, but if I've had all the tests and gotten the all clear from a neuro that it's fine. How come docs don't know about it? I think some of the medical professionals on this board should publish a quick 1 pager to educate general practicioners. Because this is the 3rd one I've had that hadn't heard of it and didn't know what to do with the info I was giving them. The first 2 docs I had scared the heck out of me because they thought I had some awful disease because they didn't know any better. The 2nd even tried to convince me to go to a specialist in NYC who dealt only with myclonous. UGH!THanks!

 

[BarbiePetals]

Was this a general practicioner who never heard of BFS or was it a neurologist? GP's don't know much about alot of things. They are there for the basic stuff. When I brought up the babinski reflex to my GP she told me it was used for people in a coma. Now come on!

 

[LindsayCohen7]

This was a general practicioner. Really good guy, and he told me that he's just there for the basic stuff, and that's why he doesn't know about BFS, but if the neuro said I'm fine then I'm fine.Basically said the toe stuff was no biggie and didn't concern him at this point. But of course he didn't know what was causing it or what could fix it.Used to be I could go to a doc and get a diagnosis and a treatment! BFS is such a treat!

 

[twinTwosome]

First of all, I don't think you should be worried about the peripheral neuropathy in the tips of your toes. If your doc is unconcerned, be the same.Secondly, both my GP and gastro had never heard of twitching as an ongoing problem. They were baffled. My neuro never heard of the term BFS, but said her husband experiences benign twitches from time to time since medical school (he's a GP.) Like many have said, doctors who have heard of it don't worry themselves with finding causes or cures because it won't kill you.

 

[paucek.sheldon1]

Peripheral neuropathy in the feet could be a bunch of stuff.This is usually caused by some type of nerve blockage which may still be occuring or may have occured and the nerve is in the process of healing itself. This could be lumbar, where lots of people seem to have herniated disks or could be in the ankle. Or it could be something like frostbite.The EMG will show if there is some blockage in the back or ankle. Although the MRI is not super sensitive so if it is a small blockage or the pinch has gone away I am not sure it will show. Of course the MRI will show herniated disks.If you had both of those and no results I agree I wouldn't worry about this. Your feet take a lot of beatings. -43RichyThe43rd

 

[MeaganGranger]

I had some mild frost bite in my feet/toes about 6-7 years ago. They assured me that it wasn't serious, but that I probably did as much damage as a really serious sunburn causes. My circulation to my feet has never been the same since then, and I frequently still get numb toes and heels. Its gotten better, but it definitely still happens, and now I sometimes wonder if it has more to do with the BFS than the mild frost-bite I experienced.