Domihah, your analysis of your situation is impressive. I too have small fiber PN, proven by skin biopsy. I also have hyperlipidemia, and have taken statins for a long time. I stopped about a year ago, because at my age (79), their benefit may be less than the risk, although I know that the risk of causing PN is unproven. One poster's statement that all statins cause PN is untrue and dangerous, in that it may frighten a patient away from taking a drug that is beneficial and with very low or no risk.
Here is a quote from a recent, reputable journal on this subject:
"Various pharmacologic agents are available for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly referred to as statins, which offer favorable lipid-lowering effects and reductions in morbidity and mortality. Statins are usually better tolerated than other lipid-lowering agents and therefore have become a mainstay of treatment for hypercholesterolemia. However, recent case reports of peripheral neuropathy in patients treated with statins may have gone unnoticed by health care professionals. To evaluate the possible link between statins and peripheral neuropathy, literature searches using MEDLINE (January 1993–November 2003) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (January 1970–June 2002) were performed. Key search terms were statin, neuropathy, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Based on epidemiologic studies as well as case reports, a risk of peripheral neuropathy associated with statin use may exist; however, the risk appears to be minimal. On the other hand, the benefits of statins are firmly established. These findings should alert prescribers to a potential risk of peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving any of the statins; that is, statins should be considered the cause of peripheral neuropathy when other etiologies have been excluded. "
I understand that you have had trouble seeing a neurologist. Have you tried your closest university, and have you contacted your county medical society?
I would question using a podiatrist for treating PN. Their area of expertise is the foot and ankle, not the neurological system. Also, Metanx is an expensive and unproven treatment for lipedemia, and may have caused vitamin B6 toxicity. A suggestion for he poster who is getting B12 injections: methyl B12 is an oral form that is easily absorbed and much cheaper than the injections. High levels of B12 are to be expected in those taking supplements, and are of no concern.
A problem exists in the medical system when the patient is seeing many providers for the same illness. It is very difficult to coordinate care. This should ideally be done by your primary care provider, but he/she may not have the time to see all the records. I applaud your efforts to intervene on your own behalf.