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6 Questions That Everybody Should Ask Their Doctor About Neuropathy

6 Questions That Everybody Should Ask Their Doctor About Neuropathy

Neuropathy may be taking over your life without you even knowing it. But if you know the right questions to ask your doctor, you can remain one step ahead of the pain at all times.

 

I recently reconnected with an old friend.

 

From the moment he walked into the diner where we agreed to meet, I immediately noticed that something was wrong.

 

He limped while he walked towards me and went on to complain about pins and needles in his legs from the moment he sat across from me.

 

I was really taken aback. I could not believe this was the same friend who used to drag the gang hiking every weekend and made fun of those of us who took frequent rest stops.

 

A common acquaintance had mentioned that this friend of ours had been diagnosed with diabetes, but I had no idea he was already suffering from diabetic neuropathy.

 

But you know what’s even more surprising?

 

Neither did he.

 

I asked him how long he had been experiencing nerve pain due to diabetic neuropathy. He responded by saying he had never heard of that phrase before.

 

He thought the burning and tingling sensation he regularly felt around the legs and feet were normal.

 

That’s when I realized that neuropathy remains to be a silent attacker. Many people still don’t fully understand it or its long-term effects on the body. Worse, patients very rarely get the answers they’re looking for when they visit their doctors complaining of pain.

 

In this article, we’ll list all the right questions to ask your doctor so you can receive a proper treatment plan for neuropathy.

 

The Questions You Need to Ask

 

  • What Tests Can I Take to Check for Neuropathy?

 

If you or your doctor suspect that you have neuropathy, there are tests to confirm or rule it out.

 

Apart from getting your full medical history and a comprehensive physical exam, you may be asked to sit for a neurological exam. Here, the doctor will check your reflexes, muscle strength, and response level to stimulus to check for possible nerve damage.

 

The doctor may also order blood tests, imaging tests like CT scans or MRI, and advanced nerve function tests to check if your nerve fibers are working properly.

 

  • What is the Most Likely Cause of My Neuropathy?

 

Once the diagnosis is made and you are confirmed to have neuropathy, the next logical question to ask is what caused it. 

 

The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes, but that is not the only cause. Other factors like previous surgery, trauma, or even vitamin deficiency can cause neuropathy. 

 

While it can be challenging to pinpoint what exactly caused your neuropathy, narrowing down the possible cause of your nerve damage will be critical to finding an appropriate treatment plan for you.

 

Keep in mind that the doctor may prescribe different treatments depending on the cause of your neuropathy, so it’s important that you are honest and transparent about your previous medical history and lifestyle.

 

  • Are There Any Lifestyle Changes I Can Make to Relieve My Symptoms?

 

Your doctor would also be the best person to ask about any lifestyle adjustments you can make to overcome the symptoms of neuropathy.

 

As you already know, neuropathy typically comes with a mountain of uncomfortable symptoms, including intense pain. Luckily, there are some things you can do to lessen or keep the pain under control.

 

Depending on your current lifestyle, your physician may ask you to quit smoking, limit your alcohol intake, switch to a healthier diet, or incorporate specific exercises into your daily routine.

 

Your job will be to listen well and implement the lifestyle changes prescribed to you. That’s how you keep the pain and discomfort to a minimum, so you can still continue living a full life.

 

  • What are the Side-Effects of the Medication You’re Suggesting I Take?

 

If your doctor prescribes medication on top of lifestyle changes, it is important that you ask about any potential side effects.

 

For instance, many doctors prescribe anti-seizure medications to temper the symptoms of neuropathy. Patients happily take it, thinking it would ease their pain. 

 

But to the disappointment of many, their pain is simply replaced with a host of side effects, like drowsiness, nausea, blurred vision, and confusion, among others.

 

It’s important not to get blindsided by these things. Knowing the possible side effects of your prescription drugs will allow you to make an informed decision about which medications you want to try — and which ones you’d like to avoid.

 

  • Can I Be Tested for a Vitamin Deficiency?

 

Another common cause of nerve damage is vitamin deficiency, particularly a lack of vitamin B12 in your system. This vitamin maintains a protective sheath around your nerves, preventing and repairing any damage.

 

If you lack this vitamin, your nerves are left vulnerable to damage, and your risk for neuropathy skyrockets. 

 

Say you don’t have any trauma, medical history, or lifestyle choices that may be linked to neuropathy; this is one angle you should discuss with your doctor. Vitamin deficiency may be contributing to the problem.

 

  • Can You Tell Me About Any Local Support Groups for Neuropathy?

 

Dealing with neuropathy is not just tough on your body — it is tough mentally and emotionally, too. It is important for you to talk to others who have the same condition as you.

 

Finding a support group will help you process things much easier, as you can gain first-hand insight into what treatments worked well for others who have the same condition as you.

 

Your neurologist might be able to point you in the right direction regarding support groups in your area.

 

Overcome the Symptoms of Neuropathy

 

Now that you know all the right questions to ask your doctor about neuropathy, you’re ready for your potentially life-altering check-up.

 

No matter how your consultation may go, keep in mind that having neuropathy is in no way a signal that you can no longer enjoy life as you know it.

 

As my friend learned after I successfully encouraged him to get checked, a few lifestyle changes could help you overcome the symptoms of neuropathy.

 

Our all-natural supplement, Nervitalize, can help a great deal with that, too.

 

To find out more about this, we suggest that you read up about Nervitalize on our website.




Resources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/diabetic-neuropathy#causes 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580 

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/diabetes-neuropathy.html 

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies/what-is-diabetic-neuropathy