Nerve Conduction Study
I had a urinary tract infection in mid-July 2025 and was prescribed nitrofurantoin antibiotic (also known as Macrobid). Four days into the 5-day antibiotic course, I developed sudden numbness, tingling, and pain from my toes to my knees, in my hands, and in my lips. The pain at night was unbearable (felt like frostbite), and I fell twice. That was when I made a new neurologist appointment, but of course it takes several months to get in as a new patient. I started taking high dose methyl B12 and adenosyl B12. I have since also started taking monthly B12 injections. My levels are now around 1100. I expect I was probably low in B12 when the PN first started though. I was also anemic (ferritin was only 5). I had a 6-hour iron infusion In Feb 2026 to restore my levels.
The peripheral neuropathy has improved some in 2026, but I still feel pain everyday. It feels like I have sand in my socks. I still get what feels like electrical shocks in my feet and legs-especially at night. But, the main issue I have now is that I have weakness in my legs, and that is really concerning. Climbing or descending stairs and standing up is challenging. My dance classes have been difficult, and I can tell my balance is worse. I believe I have also developed orthostatic hypotension, as I get dizzy when I get up from standing or sitting and I have to transition slowly. From what I've read, peripheral neuropathy is a rare, but well documented adverse side effect of nitrofurantoin, and it can be slow to recover from. My uncle was allergic to it, but I don't recall ever taking that particular antibiotic before I did in July. Below are the results of my NCS and EMG in Jan 2026. EMG was normal but the NCS was abnormal. I had absent SNAP (sensory nerve action potential) in both my sural and peroneal nerves.