I wouldn't ask for a conductivity test, but for referral to a neurologist, who will have these tests and others to hand. Mine is really good and gave me the good news, on my 60th birthday, that I had diabetes, then hypothyroidism, arteriosclerosis, B12 deficiency and over half my spinal discs bulging with one touching my spinal cord and causing large spasms.
I took registrars almost a year, doing various tests, including lumbar puncture, to not find out what was wrong, but Dr Ellis was the only neurologist on call and doing consultation on Christmas Eve , so I saw him and he did the obvious (ordered an MRI; I've had lots since) and found that my arm and some left leg problems were caused by my spine.
Some years later, I had two bouts of sciatica, the second being worse and needing more meds, but the third, 3 years ago was pure agony, after a month's trial on increased meds, from a GP and I had to go to A&E after the paramedics jabbed me so they could move me . The surgeon at the hospital said surgery was too dangerous as Covid was at its height and the injections, being hospital based were also risky, so we would wait, as my 'slipped disc, shown on the MRI may be gone soon.
Long waits, many caused by admin staff errors, were followed by my allocated spinal surgeon finding I had spinal stenosis so needed major surgery, which I had last November. I was on 4 pain drugs and had to live upstairs, in order to reach the bathroom, for over 2 years.
The surgery was painless, but the surgeon discharged me after a checkup, saying it was good, because my severe pain was gone and I could walk, yet needed a wheelchair on my last outpatient visit. In fact I tottered a few steps into his office, as the only wheelchair available was a bariatric one, which would only go through double doors. He said I must use a frame or wheelchair, as I was too unsafe for crutches.
Dr Ellis ordered an MRI and a nerve path test (quite funny when your leg jumps up by itself). The physicist said the nerve test showed there was no longer any damage being done and Dr Ellis' MRI report (sent to me last week) said that the surgery done could be seen and that any changes since the pre-op MRI could not have caused the neurological symptoms, so the surgery worked.
However, I have very odd foot sensations, still have pain in various places, can walk only a few steps, supported , stand for about 2 minutes before real pain sets in, or sit correctly upright for more than half an hour. The surgeon removed the cause, but the damage is done and likely permanent.
None of this was diabetes related, but I have to admit that that has been neglected, especially as I am now nervously waiting for bilateral cataract surgery, very soon. However, the new GP surgery is very good, with lots of specialists and Dr Evans, who does diabetes care, now, has spotted me and wants to see me in 3 months, after doubling up on my Gliclazide , for the usual MOT. He's actually let me have a new meter and kit, as I suggested it may be a good idea to test.
The point of my waffle , is that you need to take action, before it's too late and be firm if refused, as a nurse told me that you can be walked over, nowadays, unless you stand up for yourself. (Pleasant, but firm and never rude)
I'm a member from way back, but unfortunately no longer Teddy's mum, as he, the last of 4 cavaliers died 2 years ago aged 17+.I'm actually Barbara, aged 74, with no dogs.
m actually Barbara
. I had to purposely stop mentioning it to avoid wasting their and my time.
