Foot Drop???

So, it would seem that some medical issues have come up again.  Sooo... back several weeks ago I had pains going up my  left leg.  I went to the ER given my prior blood clot history.  Long story short they said it was a strained muscle even though I knew I hadn't done anything to cause it.  But, I did what they said and it kept hurting.  Then I went back to my PCP to be told pinched nerve.  Went on a round of steroids.  Next thing I knew, my right leg went numb from the knee down and it felt weird to walk.  I was tripping over myself.  Sooo, I went back in to the PCP and then sent to a specialist.

I was told by the specialist that it was foot drop which I had heard of before but associated with bed ridden people who get muscle atrophy.  Of course, that didn't apply to me but the "specialist" didn't have much information to provide other than a diagnosis.  But, he sent me to a neurologist for an EMG.  So, last Thursday I had the EMG done which was very painful by the way.

But, here's why I am telling you all about this.  The doctor performing the EMG said as soon as he came in the room that he has seen many cases of this in gastric bypass patients.  Has anyone here experienced or heard of this?  I'm very interested in feedback.

Just an FYI... I've lost a little over 200 lbs.  I'm now in a size 12 or Large or Juniors 15/17... down from a plus 30/32.  Wow... amazing!  Miss you all and hope everyone is doing well.  If there will be a meeting soon close to Lavergne, I would love to come see everyone!

Well I have not heard of it either.  I had my VSG surgery Aug 29 2008--I have lost 202 to date and have not had anything close to that.  Is it something you have to do PT for?  or what is the treatment?  Heck one would think now that we are 200 pounds smaller those are not the kind of pain we would suffer.  You must be taller than I am.....I was at 30/32 as well and am now 18/20 on top and 22/24 on bottom.  Can't wait till I lose my remaining 70---Definitely looking forward to having this stomach, arse and arm wings dramatically reduced.  I am sending positive thoughts for recovery your way. 

I am not sure about meetings in Lavergne.  I go to a GREAT support group meeting in Hermitage the 3 thursday of every month.  Let me know if you want the details.  It is a small group usually so some really great conversations about challenges, concerns and successes.

O/

that's me raising my hand.  Yes ma'am I have had foot drop (aka slimmer's paralysis).  It happened over two years ago, and I still have problems...  its not dropping like it was, I'm not tripping or dragging my foot.  However, I too have blogged about it and posted on this very board...  and anytime I see that term "foot drop" I make sure to add my two cents. 

I also started to experience numbness/tingling in my right leg... at that time Dr. Houston said to add a b complex.  So I did...  but from what I have read, if any damage has been done (neuropathy), it can be permanent (all the more reason to catch it in its early stages and treat with B Complex).  From what I can tell and have read, its caused by deficiencies in the B vitamins, specifically a thiamine deficiency.  and if left untreated, it can cause a person to collapse, not be able to walk, and also cause them to be in a wheelchair.  If you do a search on OH, there are other members who have discussed the same thing.  Last year or so, there was a thread on one of the boards on this very subject... 

On another msg board, someone posted about this a few months ago, and I shared that I had started to feel numbness and a funny sensation in my left leg, on the left side.  I noticed it a few months back (May or June) when I was shaving my leg.  Then members started saying you get that from not taking vitamins and supplements, and incenuated that I must have been skipping my vitamin regime!!  (THAT PISSED ME OFF)   I beg to differ on that because I take my supplements faithfully, religiously... 

Upon further research, a doctor who studies at Mayo Clinic and others are finding that bypass patients are experiencing these types of problems EVEN WHEN THEY TAKE THEIR VITAMINS/SUPPLEMENTS!  Just another problem to chalk up to malabsorption...  but, if it can happen in someone who faithfully takes vitamins, I feel sorry for someone who doesn't take vitamins at all post wls...  (we'll save that rant for antoher day however)....

I did see a neurologist at the suggestion of my PCP (to rule out MS).  The neuro said that I had small sensory neuropathy.  It occurs in 20% of wls patients.  He said it may or may not be permanent, and basically "live with it".  I have added a b complex to my diet again.  Some symptoms have subsided....  As you can tell, I wasn't happy with the neuro appt and won't ever return there again.  If you want more info on what I have found in research, or the details of the neuro visit, feel free to pm me... 

Here are links to my blog where I had posted just a few months ago:
Say A Prayer For Me, K?
I Feel Unvalidated
It still makes me upset to think it.

I have had trouble with foot drop for about 6 months or more now. It started with pains in my left leg which the doctor told me was caused maybe by  a disc in my back hitting my siotic nerve. it went away then came back again but worse   the numbness went all the way down to my foot the second time causing foot drop.  I was refered to a back specialist had an MRI and they discovered I had a ruptured disc in my back that was causing it.. you may want to get an MRI just to rule out a disc problem in your back. I wound up having back surgery and the problem with my foot is better not 100 % but the doctor said it may take a while since the nerve had been distressed for some time.

OMG!!! I thought I was getting MS!  Yes this started about May and my DH was getting worried that I would fall and kill myself.  I knew about the shift in center of gravity causing me to fall, but my shins and ankes were numb also.  It has slowly gotten better, and I REFUSED to bring it up with my PCP, because I was doing so well with everything else--don't worry I have a BS in nursing, so I would know if I REALLY needed to talk to PCP.  I scoured the web, but came up with nothing--whewww! I'm not going crazy!

Hi, Erika,
I'm posting this for Melinda. She has a response to your post but is having server problems and cant post here. She asked me to have you email her at [email protected]. She has some information for you.
Blessings,
Karen

PS--I do calf stretches, and tense the shin muscles and that seems to help more than anything...And I take my vits!