Re: Re: Anyone know what this is?

[Guest guest]

? I work with this type situation at work.....it might be a good idea to see a pain management specialist before you look at spinal surgery? There are other procedures that are much less invasive. Good luck!!! Sandy

From: ""

Reply-Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Anyone know what this is? Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2003 03:43:38 -0000

Hi, I have the same problem but I also have a burning sensation on my feet. With the location of my original RA started to be noticed, my Doctor said that my nerve endings are being compromised on the lower protion of my spine. At this time not treatment is advised. Down the road I may have to look into fusion of several vertebra. At this time i prefer not to mess with my spine. Only lead to more problems with housework. My husband does a lot of it already. "Plus I won't be able to tend my gardening as I would like anymore".

> I was wondering if anyone else experienced a similar sensation with RA. I > don't really know quite how to describe it; the sensation is like what happens > when you bang the funny bone in your elbow, but with me, it's in my legs. > > All I have to do is tap the front of my thighs, and the sensation > reverberates down my legs like a tuning fork. This is on both legs, equally, goes through > my knees, and extends into my feet (which always feel like they're pins and > needles, or asleep.) > > Has anyone experienced anything like this? I'd appreciate any response, > because no one seems to know what I'm talking about, and I don't think I'm nuts > (not yet, anyway. > > Debby > > >

[Guest guest]

, The health insurance company I work for specifically excludes "pain management programs" as well. Pain management programs are inpatient long-term programs in hospitals. This is not the same as the outpatient visits to a pain management physician. Our company DOES cover those. Pain management physicians perform individual services, often injections to block nerves, or permanently blocking the nerves by radiofrequency lesioning, or placing spinal cord stimulators for certain types of pain. That is different than the pain management programs which are geared toward psychological and physical training to readjust life. I hope this helps. Good luck to you!

Sandy

From: ""

Reply-Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Anyone know what this is? Date: Wed, 04 Jun 2003 12:09:37 -0000

Sandy, I would try pain management but my health insurance doesn't cover that (can you believe that!) They would rather pain for the remecade infusions but not pain management! My major concern at this time is that the numbness is spreading. My hips and knees are giving me more trouble and I don't think remecade is doing enough. Don't get me wrong, it's helping but it's not enough to function properly with day to day tasks.

(I am sorry that no one knows me well, but I had just started this group and posted only once a few months ago. I lost my mother just last month unexpectedly. I am now trying to help my step-father get through this loss.) I just did start reading group post this past week. So forgive me if you don't know me well.