Peripheral Neuropathy: When the Numbness, Weakness, And Pain Won't Stop (American Academy of Neurology: Quality Of Life Guides)

Description

"Peripheral neuropathy affects 10 to 20 million people in the U.S, including ten per cent of all people who have diabetes. This condition has numerous causes, but can be associated with diseases such as HIV, alcoholism, and lupus, and may result from treatments for other medical conditions, such as cancer chemotherapy. Symptoms include pain, numbness, loss of balance, and tingling in the extremities. Although a widespread condition, most people don't know about it, and when diagnosed find it difficult to obtain information. Peripheral Neuropathy , by Norman Latov, Professor of Neurology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, explains what we know about neuropathy, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it. Topics covered include: The causes of peripheral neuropathy Drug therapy for the condition itself and for managing symptoms such as pain Interventional therapy Caring for your feet Personal accounts of people living with neuropathy Alternative medicines, and much more This indispensable guide will help millions of people understand this condition so that they can take control of their lives and make informed decisions. In addition, it will be a useful resource for their families, caregivers, and health care providers." Review: Informative - Informative Review: CRITICAL AND RELIABLE INFORMATION - Beware of doctors who under treat and downplay the seriousness of Neuropathy. I have been struggling with the pain and tingling of feet and hands for several years. My primary doctor (of eight years) just shrugged it off and said "It's probably just Neuropathy, nothing serious." He recommended Alive for the pain. On my last visit with my physician I again complained that my nerve, joint, and muscle pain was getting worse. I had trouble sleeping even four hours a night. I was having difficultly walking straight. As I spoke a sharp and intense pain struck the back of my left hand. I couldn't help but react. Then he said, with a smile: "Nobody should live past 75." (I'm 73.) After I fired him I found another primary care Physician who prescribed a better medication for my pain. His initial examination was the most through I have ever experienced. He also refereed me to a Neurologist. The Neurologist used a machine to administer jolts of electricity at various places on my feet, legs, arms, and hands. When he was finished he said that I had Moderate Polyneuropathy. He agreed with me that my former physician should have ordered this test, but he couldn't say anything about my prognosis. With this information I started a search on the Internet. I found that one of the medications my former doctor had me on had the possible side effect of Neuropathy. I conveyed this information to my new primary care physician. The next day his nurse telephoned to tell me that my blood pressure medication WAS the cause of my Neuropathy. My new doctor had reviewed all my lab tests and was certain of this finding. Naturally he changed my medication. With what I have learned, I expect either a halt of increasing symptom intensity or maybe even the reversal of my symptoms. I have written so much about my own case because I want readers to know that doctors are just people. "Trust but confirm" is always good policy for important complex interactions. A patient should share the responsibility of having good health with his/her physician(s). And if you can't trust your physician, fire him/her and get another. Your health is a life and death matter. Don't feel guilty. Don't feel regret. There are lots of reasons that exist for this to actually be what your doctor wants. Your doctor may already have too many Medicare or Medicaid patients. Maybe he/she thinks your queer. Maybe the doctor just doesn't like old people. That doctors have a better than average intelligence may be an understatement, but they are just people and not gods. I give this book 5-STARS because it TRULY is a splendid source to start learning about the various forms and causes of Neuropathy. While the book may warrant an update, it is an easy read and it comes from reliable sources. I ordered the Kindle edition and read it in an afternoon. Anyone suffering with these kinds of symptoms should consult a doctor AND learn as much about Neuropathy as possible - or as much as one thinks appropriate.