Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

FOOT DROP I cant balance HELP PLEASE



Recommended Posts

***** I AM DESPERATE FOR ADVICE I HAVE SUFFERED to long now I AM SO OVER THIS ISSUE IT'S BEEN A SLOW 2 YEAR PROCESS OF DOCTORS BEING CLUELESS AS TO MY PROBLEM 6 MONTHS AFTER gastric sleeve SURGERY IT STARTED WITH A DULL PAIN in my LEFT HIP WHICH LEAD TO LEFT FOOT DROP AND STANDING BALANCE ISSUES I HAVE TO HOLD ON TO EVERYTHING IT FEELS LIKE I'M GONNA FALL NOW DUE TO BEING SEDENTARY I'M WEAK AND MY UPPER THIGH MUSCLES ARE WEAK I AM 55 yrs old USING A WALKER NOW I FEEL HELPLESS AND SOME DAYS NOT SURE HOW LONG I CAN GO ON. i LOST WEIGHT REALLY FAST 1ST YEAR 100LBS. AFTER 6 MRI'S THEY FOUND L4 L5 COMPRESSION BUT NOT SURGERY WORTHY AND THEY SAID ITS' ON THE RIGHT SIDE WHICH IS WHERE I SHOULD BE HAVING PAIN AND I DON'T i HAVE NO PAIN ANOTHER REASON THE DOCTORS ARE CONFUSED

AND PLUS THE FOOT DROP IS ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE COMPRESSION AS WELL. ANY ADVICE FROM ANYONE WOULD BE A BLESSING THANK YOU 😩😴😴😴

Edited by need help to walk again

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

that doesn't sound like it would be anything related to your VSG surgery. Did you injure it somehow? I had that issue (foot drop and balancing issues) for several months after I sprained an ankle because the fall damaged my peroneal nerve (the main nerve that goes down through your leg). It did eventually work itself out, though - I had physical therapy for it which I think helped. I'm not sure what's going on in your case, though. If you didn't injure it somehow, I'm not sure what type of condition would cause that. If it IS due to injury, the injury could have been in your hip because that nerve goes all the way down your leg. My leg was pretty numb because of the nerve damage, and that's what was causing the foot drop and balance problems. Hopefully you'll be able to find an answer. I'm sorry you're going through this.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It could be related if a nerve was damaged during surgery. I have back issues and I can tell you that nerves are weird. You don’t always feel the pain exactly where the issue is.

I went through a hard time being diagnosed years ago. The key is finding the right dr from my experience. I know how horrible it is to deal with and I hope that you find help soon.

Edited by Losingit2018

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Losingit2018 said:

It could be related if a nerve was damaged during surgery. I have back issues and I can tell you that nerves are weird. You don’t always feel the pain exactly where the issue is.

hmmm....I don't have the background to comment much more on this. I honestly don't know if a nerve in or near the stomach could affect the leg. Maybe one of the medical people on this forum will know..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

by the way - have you had labwork done lately? Vitamin B deficiencies can cause nerve issues. Just grabbing at straws here. I'm assuming if they sent you in for an MRI, they've done blood tests too, though.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It is unlikely that your foot drop is directly related to your VSG. I strongly encourage you to continue to follow up with your medical team. If you aren't getting the answers you need from your current team, consider getting a second opinion.

From my encounters with patients who have it, foot drop is a musculoskeletal manifestation of a neurological problem. From a little digging, I found this link Spine-Health Foot Drop I consider Sine Health a reputable source and use them a lot in my work.

You say it started after a dull ache in your hip. On the above link, I see that it could be a result of trauma to the hip or pelvis. Any falls in your remote past? Also, look at the peroneal nerve cause: "EXCESSIVE WEIGHT LOSS" or even something simple like an ankle sprain.

Based on my understanding of foot drop, it is MANAGED and not CURED. So, you'll likely have some degree of residual foot drop forever. While we're all quarantined, there's not much in terms of aggressive treatment. But, here's what I would do:

1. I'd make sure I had supportive footwear and definitely something supporting my ankle. An ankle splint is best (behind the foot to hold the foot in position and keep from dropping). If you don't have that, I'd put an ace wrap or similar on it to help support the joint.

2. I would immediately begin some sort of range of motion and strength exercises of the ankle and foot. Ankle rolls (clockwise, counterclockwise, up/down). If you have thera-bands or something similar, I'd use those too. *YouTube is a wealth of knowledge and I'm sure you could find some easy-to-do exercises for home.

Disclaimer: my input is not meant to be taken in lieu of your personal medical team's advice. As a nurse, I cannot diagnose or prescribe, but I can tell you what I've seen and what I'd do if it were me. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Neuropathy after weightloss is pretty common. Some doctor's think it's related to crossing legs while sitting (which is why it's more common in women).

My sister had it pretty bad and her PCP thought it might be MS. He referred her to a neurologist, who quickly calmed her fears and diagnosed her with "slimmer's paralysis" and told her it was a temporary condition that would go away on it's own...which it did after a few months!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, catwoman7 said:

yes lots of lab work even lyme disease any lab suggestions out of the nrmal welcome maybe there's one I havent had but the usual ones are all ok

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have had problems with foot drop in the past. I spent about a year in physical therapy and it was super helpful. now I only drop my foot if I'm barefoot or exhausted.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Did they verify your disc issue wasn't also a tear? I had horrid nerve issues when a disc bulged and tore at L4/L5. Took a year to diagnose (finally with a discogram and follow up scan) after I kept complaining of repeated series of pain that didn't follow a pattern they expected. It still opens up and releases tissues into my spinal column occasionally and I'm crippled a few days to weeks. The only thing that works is my inversion table 2x a day to release the pressure on my disc and the tear. I also can not live without my TENS unit.

I'm sorry you are living in chronic pain with mobility issues. I know how frustrating it is. Keep pushing for an answer, though, because you deserve a better life.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you this is good info. What do you use the Tens unit on which brand did you buy. I have heard of the inversion tables I am a bit afraid of them

Also below did this mean you had pain in a area that wasn't expected my MRI show right side but pain is in my hip left side not my back.

You: Repeated series of pain that didn't follow a pattern they expected

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes. So when my disc bulged originally, it tore, but they couldn't see that. Then I'd recover for the most part and all of a sudden the pain would come back and be down the other side without a visible disc bulge. That was because the tear would open up and irritate the nerves on the other side. They were puzzled because it wasn't predictable or staying the same each time, like a bulged disc would. My disc wasn't repeatedly bulging and impinging on the nerves, it was opening up and releasing the Fluid and that was irritating different nerves.

As far as the TENS unit, mine isn't an over-the-counter version, it is a medical grade one that was ordered by my physical therapist. I had an older one previously in 2000 after I shattered my right femur and had a hip and knee joint repair from a car accident so I could get off oxy (also prescribed by a PT) so I knew I wanted one for my back pain as well. It's by RS Medical, which just so happens to be local to me anyway. However, the $40-50 ones with different types of digital programs that connect with leads to electrical Patches on Amazon are basically comparable.

Inversion tables SEEM scary. However, most of them are not. You don't have to go all the way upside down, either. I have a $150 Ironman Inversion Table and it has a strap so you can keep inverting from going too far. It's also variable in height, from 5'2 to 6'6 and up to 350 pounds, so my whole family uses it when our backs hurt. The hardest part is just stepping up onto the foot rests when my back hurts, honestly. Inverting and getting back up is easy. I spent THOUSANDS of dollars diagnosing my back issues all for a surgeon tell me I wasn't a good candidate for any surgery and get the table, which I thought was a total cop out and wouldn't help. But within 2 weeks of actually trying it, my back stopped hurting, my leg stopped hurting (not my arthritis issues, that's lifelong, but the nerve pain), and I wasn't living in excruciating pain anymore.

I won't say this will solve your pain or back issues, but I know that any options that are economically and physically feasible when you are living with unrelenting agony and limited mobility are usually worth trying.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Have your doctors performed a nerve conduction test?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×