Peripheral Neuropathy: When the Numbness, Weakness and Pain Won't Stop (American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guides) Paperback – November 8, 2006

GREAT!!!!!!

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.

But didnt tell me everything i wanted to know. I dont have a neurologist i can ask questions of importance.

The book helped explain a few things but offered no real solutions to the pain.

My husband has polyneurothapy and is in constant pain, has trouble walking and keeping balance. He has been to several doctors without much relief over the last few years - there doesn't seem to be any one solution that works for all. This book provided us both with two things: (1) a better understanding of the disease & possible food/medication triggers and (2) case stories that somehow legitimized his version of what's going on with him. Like other non-obvious disabilities, it's difficult for those that aren't suffering to understand the struggle. This book helps with that and made my husband feel as though, someone gets this - it is real. I wish we would have found this book a couple of years ago. Reccomend.

I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy after having an EMG a few months ago. When I am presented with a diagnosis, I like to have an understanding of what it is I am dealing with. I first got this book out of the library and found it to be very useful. Through it, I have learned about the various types of peripheral neuropathy, the various causes, what the work-up to define the type of peripheral neuropathy an individual has might entail. Since the cause can be elusive, unless you are diabetic (which I am not), it has helped me direct my thoughts to focusing on the manifestations (and how they can fluctuate) and understanding that the underlying pathology in my situation as an important goal from the work-up. There is a very small section on exercise, under the heading of physical and occupational therapy, which basically indicates the importance of the right type of exercise and the aids one might need as the disorder progresses. Since I had been swimming and taking a cardio-core class, I questioned whether what I was doing was helping or harming. This question led me to research exercise and peripheral neuropathy on pub med, which then helped me to determine what I should be doing and to modify my activities accordingly. And it has helped. Dr. Latov appears to be a well-respected authority on pn and reading his book has given me a sense of empowerment while I wait for my work-up appointment. Having read this book will also help me in communicating with the neurologist who will be determining the direction of the work-up.

This book examines in great detail all possible causes of Peripheral Neuropathy, but is short on information about cures. This is a great resource if you are having trouble understanding what has happened to you. For those who are more interested in how to deal with, and cure, it, there here is another book with more information about those things: REVERSING PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY Dr. Cory Alpin.