what's next

[lorigacc]

   I have just started having episodes of what I think must be neuropathy.  I am waking at night with shocking pain and tingling in the front of my feet (toe area) and i cannot move the foot or touch the area without causing even worse pain.  I would not be aware of neuropathy without having read these boards, but I am pretty certain that is what's happening. My question is, where do I go from here?  I will definitely tell my rheumatologist when I see him in June. Do they treat the symptoms at this point?  How do they treat it, and what in general do I have ahead of me?  Little by little, this RA and Sjogrens has affected every part of my body (it seems).  I find all this very discouraging.   

[Lesley L]

Boy, oh boy, do I ever understand your frustration and discouragement. When diagnosed, I had never heard of Sjogren's and felt I could tackle this as every other challenge in life. Sadly, it has overtaken nearly every aspect of my life. However, I am very encouraged to have found this forum where people understand what crazy things we are dealing with on a daily basis. I have yet to meet another person with Sjogren's, so I am hoping that this will help make feel more a part of the community.

[lorigacc]

Thank you Lesley. I appreciate your time and positive words.  No one around me understands what I am dealing with, including some of the doctors I see.   Seeing that symptoms seem to change from day to day, I guess I have to appreciate and make the most of every good day I'm given.  Thanks again.

[quietdynamics]

The Rheum may consider Gout. My mother and brother both were Dx'd with Gout.
Definition
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Gout is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.

Gout — a complex form of arthritis — can affect anyone. Men are more likely to get gout, but women become increasingly susceptible to gout after menopause.

An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem intolerable.

Fortunately, gout is treatable, and there are ways to reduce the risk that gout will recur.  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/basics/definition/con-20019400

Hoping after your appt you will be closer to an answer.

[lorigacc]

Thanks QuietDynamics, appreciate your input   Not really sure what it could be. No swelling or redness though.  Just know the pain is electrifying to say the least.  It is sudden and the whole top part of my foot and all my toes are affected. Can't move it or touch it while its happening, just go for the ride. Episodes seem short (so far). Never happens during the day either. I hope it is something treatable.  I will mention the possibility of gout when I see my doctor.

[susanep]

My dad, brother, and one sister all had gout.

susanep

[irish]

It is very strange that your pain is just at nite. I am wondering if when you lie down at nite there is some pressure in the spine in a place that causes pressure on the nerve that goes to your foot.

I wonder if you should see your family doctor to find out what he thinks. I would hate for you to have this pain while waiting for the appointment in June. If there would be pressure on the spinal cord there could be an increase in the symptoms and long term damage.

I have neuropathy off and on but I have never had it be so selective. Normally this type of pain occurs all the time during the day also. Good luck. Irish

[lorigacc]

Hi Irish, I actually have 7 vertebral fractures, with a couple of them severe enough that a nerve could be affected.  I had never even thought of that, but it certainly makes sense that it could be the issue. I am guessing they would do an MRI to be able to figure that out.  Most of the time, with these health issues, I have to do a whole lot of figuring things out before I even head to doctor.  I do not have a family doctor, just a PA and he is great on the simple things, but that's about all.  My rheumatologist is ok, but not outstanding.  I probably would benefit from having better doctors, but I think I would need to go out of the area for that.  I have been trying to get by, just sick of doctors right now.  Thanks for your input.