CF Happens

First, let me just say that the EMG was NO fun what so ever! Having your nerves and muscles zapped over and over is no fun!

Results…NO neuropathy, good news, but the study was abnormal. The EMG showed past damage in my L4-5 which may be from when I was having a lot of sciatic nerve pain a few years ago. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body that runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. There’s nothing that can be done about the damage.

The doctor believes my burning pain and numbness in my left thigh is from the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) being “pinched” or “irritated” or “inflamed.” A nerve conduction study on that specific nerve is not really an option because it wouldn’t show what needs to be seen. The LFCN is the sensory nerve that provides sensation to the front and sides of the thigh to the knee. It is located in the crease of the front of the hip. An ultrasound can be done on the hip area to evaluate the status of the LFCN, there was not an ultrasound in the office for him to do it. I could possibly get an injection in the nerve to decrease the pain. I would most likely have to go back to ortho to get the injection.

Common causes of the LFCN causing burning pain and numbness is weight gain (haven’t had any recent weight gain) and/or wearing tight clothing in the hip area that compresses that nerve. I don’t really wear tight clothing in general so unsure why the nerve is not playing nice.

The doctor sent his notes from the EMG and his recommendation to my primary doctor so she can refer me where I need to go for the ultrasound and the injection. One step closer to hopefully decreasing the thigh pain.

UPDATE on my CF doctor sending my MRI and clinic notes to be read by a consulting neurologist: The neurologist spoke with my CF doctor and looked over all the scans and notes. His findings are…there is nothing to be concerned about. I’ll stay the course on lowering my blood pressure with meds. That’s the latest news!

Until next time…