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I've had various threads here about my health issues and loss of balance. Finally I have a diagnosis
Type II diabetes and diabetic neuropathy--sensory, not motor
Ok, that came after almost 6 months of seeing specialists, etc. Its incredible how much time and effort went into the diagnosis, but finally got it.
so, what to do now? They recomend controling the diabetes, of course, along with physical therapy to strengthen the lost muscle tone and regain balance. I need someone who concentrates on the neurological aspects of balance, not strength training. Doesn't help we live in a relatively small town.
At least the neuropathy is not motor. That's what made me wonder, why could I do fairly complex balance and strengthening exercises, but can't walk around the house? Because balance depends on input from our senses, sight, hearing, and the sensory feedback we get from muscles, joints, bones, etc. Ok, well, if that feedback from the nerves is comprimised, then balance is off. So, it wasn't just psychological!
I feel I've come to the end of one journey---diagnosis, and the begining of another journey---recovery. See, I don't take NO for an answer. I've lived 30 years with rheumatoid arthritis and was told I would be in a wheelchair by the time I reached 30. I had other ideas what they could do with that wheelchair! Still do!
We just came back from Houston---a 4-hour drive. I endured 2.5 days of testing, including spinal taps, other tests, but at least I have an answer. Now I go to bed, get up tomorrow, and start the battle to get my health and independence back!
I thought I'd start this thread so we could all chime in with whatever positive steps we took on a daily basis to improve our health.
I had a similar thread on the moving forum, entitled What Did You do Today to Get Ready to Move? It is still an ongoing thread, I found it helpful te see my progress towards that goal and get ideas from others.
I was recently diagnosed with Type II diabetes and neuropathy, resulting in balance issues.
So, here's what I'm doing today----
make appts with primary care physician (the diabetes diagnosis was made by a neurologist)
start reading everything I can about Type II diabetes
Well Merry Christmas! This has to be a relief to you! Finally having an answer.
I just started seeing a local chiropractor- most know I am anti-chiro.. I went there originally because my teen popped ligaments in her ribs- he seemed very knowledgeable with a lot of stuff; muscles; bones; etc- that I decided to bring my films one day- he told me to come in almost 2 weeks ago & is the 1st person that really measured my muscle function in my butt & legs- he's the 1st one that told me that my muscle function is very low. He's putting what equals 12 pounds of pressure on my muscles; then is working my legs while I'm on my back & stomach. It's painful but what isn't? He's not adjusting me because I'm fused with rods from my sacrum to L5S1.
Anyway- maybe you have a chiro by you that in knowledgeable in muscles. My guy also does physical therapy so he's got one up on some.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaryleeII
I've had various threads here about my health issues and loss of balance. Finally I have a diagnosis
Type II diabetes and diabetic neuropathy--sensory, not motor
Ok, that came after almost 6 months of seeing specialists, etc. Its incredible how much time and effort went into the diagnosis, but finally got it.
so, what to do now? They recomend controling the diabetes, of course, along with physical therapy to strengthen the lost muscle tone and regain balance. I need someone who concentrates on the neurological aspects of balance, not strength training. Doesn't help we live in a relatively small town.
At least the neuropathy is not motor. That's what made me wonder, why could I do fairly complex balance and strengthening exercises, but can't walk around the house? Because balance depends on input from our senses, sight, hearing, and the sensory feedback we get from muscles, joints, bones, etc. Ok, well, if that feedback from the nerves is comprimised, then balance is off. So, it wasn't just psychological!
I feel I've come to the end of one journey---diagnosis, and the begining of another journey---recovery. See, I don't take NO for an answer. I've lived 30 years with rheumatoid arthritis and was told I would be in a wheelchair by the time I reached 30. I had other ideas what they could do with that wheelchair! Still do!
We just came back from Houston---a 4-hour drive. I endured 2.5 days of testing, including spinal taps, other tests, but at least I have an answer. Now I go to bed, get up tomorrow, and start the battle to get my health and independence back!
I've had various threads here about my health issues and loss of balance. Finally I have a diagnosis
Type II diabetes and diabetic neuropathy--sensory, not motor
Ok, that came after almost 6 months of seeing specialists, etc. Its incredible how much time and effort went into the diagnosis, but finally got it.
so, what to do now? They recomend controling the diabetes, of course, along with physical therapy to strengthen the lost muscle tone and regain balance. I need someone who concentrates on the neurological aspects of balance, not strength training. Doesn't help we live in a relatively small town.
At least the neuropathy is not motor. That's what made me wonder, why could I do fairly complex balance and strengthening exercises, but can't walk around the house? Because balance depends on input from our senses, sight, hearing, and the sensory feedback we get from muscles, joints, bones, etc. Ok, well, if that feedback from the nerves is comprimised, then balance is off. So, it wasn't just psychological!
I feel I've come to the end of one journey---diagnosis, and the begining of another journey---recovery. See, I don't take NO for an answer. I've lived 30 years with rheumatoid arthritis and was told I would be in a wheelchair by the time I reached 30. I had other ideas what they could do with that wheelchair! Still do!
We just came back from Houston---a 4-hour drive. I endured 2.5 days of testing, including spinal taps, other tests, but at least I have an answer. Now I go to bed, get up tomorrow, and start the battle to get my health and independence back!
I didn't mean to put down anyone who uses a wheelchair, I have one and we sometimes use it if I'm not feeling well and there's long distances involved. Hey, do whatever makes sense! I just meant I don't intent to live in one on a permanent basis, I want my independence back!
I am so happy for you MaryleeII! At least you have a starting point for your recovery. First and most important is "educate! educate! educate! educate!". Learn as much as you can about II diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Look up that dreaded "D" word (diet) see what to eat and what to avoid. Look up exercises for diabetic neuropathy on the internet and see what you can find. Education is key here so do your homework!
I get my test results a week from today, I can't wait.. Like you this has taken a long time for me to just get this far. If that dizzy/balance neuro doctor don't have any answers I know I will have a meltdown right there in his office.
Why does the journey to diagnosis take so long? why can't we go to a doctor and get something? I've been searching for almost 6 months for an answer.
Its all so convoluted nowdays. Just to navigate the health care system is a full-time job. Ok, I'm on the road to recovery. Today was a bad day, I'm so off balance I can't walk around the house, but at least I know what direction to spin my wheels in.
to think I have diabetes so bad it shows up in a spinal tap, I have glucose spilling over into my nervous system. They took two spinal taps to confirm that. Normally there is some glucose in the spinal fluid, buy mine exceeded normal limits. To think its gotten that bad!
Why does the journey to diagnosis take so long? why can't we go to a doctor and get something? I've been searching for almost 6 months for an answer.
Its all so convoluted nowdays. Just to navigate the health care system is a full-time job. Ok, I'm on the road to recovery. Today was a bad day, I'm so off balance I can't walk around the house, but at least I know what direction to spin my wheels in.
to think I have diabetes so bad it shows up in a spinal tap, I have glucose spilling over into my nervous system. They took two spinal taps to confirm that. Normally there is some glucose in the spinal fluid, buy mine exceeded normal limits. To think its gotten that bad!
Well, from your previous posts on this subject, I would say the time might have been cut down significantly if you had revealed the lesion on the bottom of your foot to your physician. You have to give your physicians all available information! Your inability to be completely forthcoming with your physician(s) may have played a role in how long it took to diagnose you.
I'm glad to hear you've finally reached a diagnosis! It's validating to know that it's not all inside your head! I'm sorry I can't offer any specific advice but hope you get the help you need.
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What did you do today to improve your health?
