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Suggest Treatment For Symptoms Of Peripheral Neuropathy When Diagnosed With Severe Fibromyalgia

Posted on Tue, 27 Jan 2015

Question: I have had progressively worsening neuropathy in the outer aspect of each leg for over 5 years now. it has spread. My toes are almost totally numb now, though I am only pre diabetic. I am also noticing some numbness in my fingertips and facial area. I do also have sciatic pain and burning in my left leg. what could be causing these things? I also have some severe fibromyalgia. I am a 60 year old female.

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is likely peripheral neuropathy (Diabetes/Vitamins deficiency)

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being on Healthcaremagic.com.

I am Dr.Ajay Panwar, a neurologist, here to answer your query.

Your clinical history of numbness starting in legs and then with progression of time, appearing in hands is very suggestive of a length dependent peripheral neuropathy(of which Diabetes can be a cause).
Diabetic radiculo-neuropathy complications can also result in sciatica like pain and burning feet.
Vitamins deficiency is another very common cause of length dependent peripheral neuropathy.

Though 'Fibromyalgia' can cause tingling and numbness but your current symptomatically does not appear to fit into Fibromyalgia syndrome.

Please get your Blood sugar (fasting and post prandial) and Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) done. Meanwhile, you can start taking Tablet Neurobion forte once a day (TAKE MEDICINES UNDER YOUR PHYSICIAN'S SUPERVISION ONLY).

Preferably, get examined by a neurologist and get 'Nerve conduction studies' done to establish your diagnosis.

Hope, I have answered your question. If you have follow-up questions, I shall be glad to answer else, you can close the thread-rate it and write a review.

Dr.Ajay Panwar,
MD,DM(Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Ajay Panwar (24 hours later)

the clinic I've been going to for years has recently referred all of their pain patients to pain management clinics. My regimen for the fibromyalgia included the Fentanyl Transdermal pain patch 50 mcg which blessedly gave almost overnight relief and has almost eradicated my fibromyalgia pain, which was intense and grinding and caused daily symptoms of varying intensity. I was also taking two 10 mg Percocet for back pain due to degenerative arthritis of lumbar spine, DJD of knee,and bone soreness.
I know nothing of pain clinics. Are they likely to continue the treatment that I am used to and which works for me? I am not interested in having needles in my back.
if they do not follow my regimen how do I find a doctor that will?

Answered by Dr. Ajay Panwar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
They are likely to continue your drugs if you are symptom free with them.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for being in follow-up.
You are welcome for the day.

Pain clinics are just the specialised clinics run by doctors who are experts in 'pain management'. This is nothing out of this world and the general principles of treating a patient apply here as well. That means, that if you are pain free on your current treatment regimen, then they are likely to continue with the same medicines. Just ensure them that your medicines are working well.

Hope, I have answered your query. If you have follow-up questions, I shall be glad to answer them else, please close the thread-rate it and write a review.

Dr. Ajay Panwar,
MD, DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj