decompression of peripheral nerves

[Guest guest]

Chuck,

A while ago you asked about decompression surgery on peripheral nerves.

Just found this below, while it is not CMT specific, nor has any of my

research turned up information on CMT persons who have had this, I feel

this is still revalent. I have written to Dr. Dellon inquiring about

this. ~ Gretchen

Abstract from Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004 Aug;114(2):478-83. Related

Articles, Links

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: treatment by decompression of

peripheral nerves.

Dellon AL, Swier P, Maloney CT Jr, Livengood MS, Werter S.

Baltimore, Md.; Tucson, Ariz.; Greensboro, N.C.; and Myrtle Beach, S.C.;

From the Divisions of Plastic Surgery and Neurosurgery, s Hopkins

University; Department of Surgery, University of Arizona; Guilford Foot

Center; and Coastal Podiatry.

No matter how hard I tried, I could not stay on my feet long enough to

prepare and serve a meal. My doctors had done all they could to keep me

comfortable. They were kind but saw me as a lucky patient unwilling to

accept the cure after my cancer surgery and chemotherapy. Despite the

Neurontin, the pain was still there, and I could not take care of the

normal tasks of living. Another drug was added, but this caused a severe

side reaction. I stopped seeing the neurologist. I tried exercising at

the gym and walking on the beach, but this was too painful. I began

feeling helpless and depressed. Even traveling " to keep my mind

occupied " was painful. The depression became worse. My family, friends,

and faith kept me fighting for relief. I went to an acupuncture clinic

for several weeks. This, too, was not the answer to my problem. I sat on

the beach and prayed. The search began. There must be an answer to this

widespread problem. All I learned was that my condition was " progressive

and permanent. " At this point my feet were burning and freezing and

aching all at the same time. My legs tingled from the knees down, and my

toes hurt. The soles of my feet were numb and I had to be careful

walking on the beach. I was never suicidal, but looked at death as my

only relief. I wondered why I had survived a really bad cancer to be

left with this kind of life. Then one day, at the beach, I read an

article about Dr. Werter and Dr. Dellon and the procedure that " cured

neuropathy. " I got an appointment to see Dr. Werter. I told him I was 69

and did not care to see 70. My miracle was beginning. I just knew it. My

first surgery was done on my left leg on September 19, 2002. The surgery

was a success. My life was coming back. Now I had hope. On December 5,

2002, the surgery was done on my right leg. This, too, was a successful

surgery. My pain is less every day, and I cannot thank these men enough

for the new life I have. This is my miracle. I am ready to live again,

love my patient husband, and cherish my children and

grandchildren.-Patient 9, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, February of 2003