I need your help - PLEASE!!!

Good morning everyone! 

Several weeks ago, I read either on the main board or this plastic surgery board, about a woman who was going through a problem with numbness in her leg or legs.  She mentioned that her physician said something about a nerve that was causing her this problem.  If memory serves me right, she also mentioned that she may have gone through physical therapy, but it would take some time for the problem to correct itself.  Do any of you remember this issue being mentioned, and/or the person who mentioned it?  Is it possible that the person who wrote the blog is reading my post at this time?  Is so, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE respond to my post ASAP!!!

About a month ago, I developed numbness in my right foot.  It is still there to this day.  I do and have always had a severe problem with both my left and right hip sciatic nerves - with my right being the worse.  I went to my chiropractor and he's done several measures of therapy, but to no avail.  I went and had a CAT scan done yesterday.  I understand that my physicians are now looking into the fact that I might have a pinched nerved in my lower spine.  Not good!  I haven't been able to exercise in over a month now - and just when I had started and LOVED ZUMBA!!!  Rats!!!

How I continue to try and have a good attitude, is to know that, had I not had wls and was still carrying all those extra 156 + pounds that I "wore" prior to this wonderful blessing, I would REALLY be in trouble right about now! 

Well OH family, if anyone of you can provide information regarding this problem, or knows the member of whom I'm speaking of, I'd appreciate your feed-back more than you know!  You all are the BEST source of information and help anywhere!    Love you much!

Rose

When last time did you have blood work? some vitamins deficiencies may cause permanent nerve damage - numbness. i.e. B12, B1.. etc,
A lot of labs quote B12 to be OK over 350 when in fact some people may develop nerves problem at levels below 500...   Just make sure that this is not the case. 

I like my B12 to be close to 1000 or above that 1000-2000. But my body has problem storing any B12. I get now weekly B12 injections.  With that my levels stay close to 800-1200 

Wow...Thanks Hala.  I didn't know that.  I always have my labs done regularly - even prior to wls.  I worked in the medical for about 20 years, so I know how important it is to keep our levels in the right place.

Now I didn't realize that nerve damage can be done by a vitamin defiency.  That is sad.  I will see my physician in regards to my test results later this week, and I intend to take your response with me and ask her about this information.

At this time, I do take a daily sublingual B12 tablet along with my other vitamins.  I can't wait to go back and read my lab report.  I always get a copy of them for my records.  Perhaps I need the injections as well. 

Thank You SO much for your input.  I am so desperate to find out what is going on here.  I do not like it at all.  I just had my 7th year surgiversary, and I've done awesome and this is my first speed bump.  I know that I'm blessed to not have had any other problems before this, but I don't want this one either!!!  LOL!!!

Thanks again,
Rose

http://www.suite101.com/content/numb-hands-and-feet-a114662

add vit D to the mix?
http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/question/1 9065/41433

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz =1T4GGLL_enUS326&q=vitamin+deficiencies+numbness

Hi Rose,

You wrote you always had problems with sciatica? If so, consider consulting a spine specialist in conjunction with taking nutritional supplements if needed. It may not be related to WLS side effects. I also don't know if vitamin deficiencies could aggravate it.

I had an MRI which revealed L4-5 nerve compression. The "dermatome" (area innervated by the L4-5 corresponded to the portion of my leg numbness) indicated a problem in my lumbar spine, the MRI and EMG/NCS confirmed it. PT failed and I had 2 epidural injections, they were successful. Look up the dermatome innervated by the sciatic nerve and/or ask a doc to explain it. Find out if you have 
anything going on in your lumbar spine too. Then, get a 2nd opinion. 

Knowledge is power...

Thanks so much for your response.  I just had a CAT scan yesterday.  Unfortunately I can no longer get MRI's.  I have a pacemaker.  They did take to picture of my lumbar spine. 

When I wrote this post this morning, I was looking for the person who had written about a similar issue a few weeks ago.  I don't think she's responded, but I sure have had some wonderful and VERY informational responses.  I do feel empowered now and can go into my appointment on Friday with more information to ask my physician about.  My numbness of more prominent in my right foot, and while it doesn't keep me from walking or moving any differently that I always have (no weakness or stumbling), it just feel so weird to not be able to feel my toes on the carpet, tile, etc.  So it's a constant reminder that something is not right and it needs to be resolved - NOW!  :o)

Thanks again, and I will definitely make a note of what you mentioned here today.

God bless,
Rose

I just got a refill for my B12 injections and there is alot of very interesting information.


B12 deficiency that is allowed to progress for longer than 3 months may produce permanent degnerative lesions on the spinal cord.  Doses of folic acid greater than .1 mg per day may improve hematologic  remission in patients with B12 deficiency but neurologic manifestations will not be prevented with folic acid and if not treated with vitamin B12, irreversible damage will occur.  Patients with pernicious anemia will need monthly injections for the rest of there lives and failure to do so will result in the return of the anemia and in developemnt of incapacitating and irriversable  damage to the nerves of the spinal cord.

Wow...that's amazing information.  My labwork shows that my B12 is good, and I still take a sublingual tablet of B12 every morning.  I think it's 2000 or 5000 mc - or something like that.  I don't have the bottle with me.  I'll check it when I get home.  I'll also check my latest lab work reports when I get home.  I get a copy of all my results for myself to keep an eye on my vitals.  I've done that for years now - even prior to wls.  I also remember that my labwork didn't show me having any anemia.  But again, you've got me wondering what the exact numbers were. :o)  Since my wls, I don't eat a lot of red meat - I just don't tolerate it well - so I know that any protein I get in is coming mostly from supplements.  I don't drink milk or ingest too many milk products.  I'm lactose intolerant so dairy tears me up on the inside.  :o/

I'm so grateful for all of this wonderful information that I've recieved.  I've printed out and made notes and will definitely discuss all of this with my physician this Friday!

Take care and have a great day!
Rose

I have the same problem you have.... I am still pre-op so i haven't been taken off my meds yet.... BUT I see a spine doctor for my lumbar spine. I have 3 disc bulges and hypersensativity in the lumbar region of my back. Which sucks because I cant get a massage without wanting to slap someone due to the pain. lol

My spine doc had me get a MRI (i know you said you can't have them now) but see what your CT scans show.... before i got treated, I'd sit with tingles down my right leg and when i'd drive my foot would go numb. I am now on Lyrica for my nerves. My back is not bad enough for surgery. Hopefully, when i have WLS the pressure on my spine will be relieved to some degree and I can get off of Lyrica.

I think they have injectable meds that does the same thing. I've been on Neurontin and Topamax for this problem.... and now Lyrica.

Dunno if this helps any but best of luck... i know what you're going through!

Thank you So much for responding, my friend!  I just returned from one of my doctors, and I recieved the report.  SO - I have my problems stemming from the L-3, L-4, and L-5.  In addition to the bulging discs, one of them is also "slightly" shifted.  Another area shows some "narrowing" which is also "pinching" on some nerves. 

While I was told that there is definitely NO impending surgeries in sight at all or at least in my near future, I do need to have some pain management treatment - YES...the good old epidural injections to reduce the inflammation and pain.  I'm sure that one of the medications that you've mentioned, will be something that I will get.  Oh my!  He also added that he strongly thinks that will help relieve the numbness in my right foot and calf.  In all honesty, with the exception of thinking about that long needle being inserted into my back, I ok with it all.  The main thing is to be out of pain and not walking hunched over.  :o)

Well, that's the report!  My brain is still trying to process all this stuff!  Lol......

Best regards,
Rose

Oh yes...I'm so praying that you will recieve the desire of your heart - in the form of WLS very soon!  ;o)