I also was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists. I have chronic lower back pain, stemming from a lifting accident at age 20 when I threw out both hips. At age 14 I slipped off the Rings and fell 7 feet headfirst onto a thin gym mat. The Chiropractor worked 1.5 hours to get circulation back into my hands and feet. I am moderately arthritic in hands and wrists.

My feet have been extremely ticklish, since early childhood, to a point where I could not wash them without cringing. Anyone approaching me while I was barefooted was very apt to get a foot in the face.

All of that came to a head Thanksgiving, 1996, when my wife and I were on a Camping Trip. In jocularity, she decided that she would scrape her nails across the soles of my bare feet. I DID NOT FEEL ANYTHING!

This was the beginning of what I doubt will be the end.

Upon returning to work, I went to see the Company HMO. He checked out the feet and made arrangements with a Hospital Associated Diagnostic Center.

Jan 20, 1997 - Age 61+: schedule follows:

Initial examination and appointments set up for: MRI; L-Spine; R/O Disc; Complete Blood Work-up including Glucose Tolerance Test; CAT Scan; Nerve Conduction Test.

Results as follows: (Toes to Ball numb)

Initial Examination: Decreased pin prick sensation in a stocking/glove distribution with decreased vibratory sense in lower extremity and in right upper extremity, but not in left upper extremity. Position sense is poor in lower extremities. Finger to nose is accurate bilaterally.

Nerve Conduction Test: Mild decrease in conduction velocity in right tibial nerve and in the sural nerve bilaterally, as well as prolonged F-wave latency consistent with a mild sensory motor PN. Possibly secondary to focal demyelination.

Blood Work: Mildly elevated glucose at 129 and a 1 hour glucose tolerance test of 218 but hemoglobin A1C was only 5.6. MCV was elevated at 105.6; B12 and folate were normal. RPR, FTA, and balance of tests were negative. Minor Glucose Intolerance.

MRI of Lumbar Spine: Very mild Posterior Bulging of L5/S1 Disc. No apparent Disc Herniations. Disc spaces are well maintained.

However, after all of these tests, Dr. could not put finger on cause. Said that it "might" have to do with drinking history.

July, 1997: Age 62: Contacted a Military Medical Installation for a second opinion. A duplicate set of tests were administered. In the process of relocating my residence to another State, my records were misplaced. Medication Rx at that time was changed.

September, 1999: Age 64+: Finally got records relocated and assigned to another Military Medical Center.

In the period between January, 1997, and September, 1999, I went to a Private Dr. The numbness had spread. Complete soles of both feet lacked feeling. The numbness extended to my knees. Chiropractic treatment (since age 14) to reposition spine and establish posture. Basic Blood work was taken and all appeared to be normal.

Medications: Rx and OTC:

Lisinopril - 10MG Tab - 1 x day
Allopurinol - 100 MG tab - 1 x day
Phenytoin NA - 100 MG SA Cap - 2 x day
Naproxin - 250 MG Tab - 2 x day
Vitamin A (Night Vision) - 10000 - 1 x day
Vitamin E - 400 - 1 x day
Super Multi-Seniors - 1 x day
Ginseng - 900 - 1 x day
Aspirin (child) - 81 mg - 2 x day
Glucosamine/Chondroitin - 1500mg & 1200mg-1 x day
(for Rotator cup)
Present:

Height: 5'9" - Weight: 215 - Build: Medium

Have dropped heavy objects on both feet causing Big Toe Nail to come off. Did not feel a thing!

Tingling in lower legs and feet. Unable to sleep comfortably. Hands becoming highly sensitive. Walking barefooted is like stepping on Bubble Wrap Packing.

Stepping onto Tub/shower mat highly sensative. Unable to run hand-held shower stream on top of feet. Perhaps unusual combination of Rx is working!

Sense of Balance: Fair

Walking: Sprattled footed. Duck Walk!
(In order to maintain Balance).

Feet: I wear heavy cotton socks Inside out so that the smooth side is to the foot. Otherwise it feels like walking on sand!

Headache: Occasional

Stomach: Tums helps

Well Being: I am Breathing!

General Outlook: So So!

Prognosis:

It has been suggested that this might be Diabetic as I had 2 cousins and an Aunt (Mother's side of family) pass away with diabetes. No testing done to date.

It has also been suggested that this is caused by my previous drinking habits.

All I can say, if there is a remedy, may it soon come!

Respectfully submitted,

Charlie 0);-)+[{{{{{}}}}}___/_/

CharlieBadEye@webtv.net


Winston:

I reread my Story Line and it seems that I left out items that may be relative:

In 1978, I had a severe Gout attack, big toe, right foot. I was on medication for 15+ years. Was taken off probenecid when tests showed no signs of Uric acid.

In December,1999, a reoccurrence, not diagnosed, as I was unable to get to the Medical Center while it was in effect. My right foot and lower leg swelled out of proportion. I was unable to step on right foot or put on shoes. Blood work later showed no signs of Uric Acid.

For the past 3 years when I remove my shoes and socks, both lower legs will show signs of swelling. I do not wear tight fitting socks. I do wear walking shoes.

There is brown pigmentation on the top of both feet and the lower legs. MC Dr. says there is evidence of busted blood vessels.

My hands have turned rough and red, and appear to be lightly blistered. Whenever I touch something cold, fire races through them. I am apt to drop something as I have lost some feeling. My fingers are slick, and feel as if they are covered with oil. Hands and fingers show signs of swelling. I cannot make a closed fist.

I used to smoke a pipe, cigarettes and cigars. I have dipped Skol and chewed tobacco. For 6 years I swallowed the juice from chewing tobacco as I was unable to spit in Public. The tobacco chewing stopped in January, 1997, when the Dr. said that my sugar was high due to the molasses in the Chewing Tobacco. I no longer touch tobacco! I now raise cane with Juicy Fruit Gum!

No beer, no booze, no tobacco; what vices are left? I do drink coffee by the pot!

Otherwise I am alive and kicking!

I am a walking, talking breathing individual with human problems!

Cheers!

Charlie


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