1. < Neuropathy

Small fiber neuropathy?

Posted by Nemo1 @nemo1, Feb 16, 2024

I never had a biopsy to dx it. I’m wondering if I have the biopsy does it make a difference in the therapies? A year ago I was dx’d with severe chronic nerve damage in lumbar and cspine: polyradiculopathy.

I have severe pain and spasms in lumbosacral back, legs and feet since 2021.

In the summer of 2023 I started (an continue having) get spasms in the trapezeous muscles on the right.

I’m currently flaring with bad pains to both shoulder that is crippling then after a long while it disappears. I developed lightning like pains to the bottoms of my feet and toes. The only thing that seemingly helps the surface pain is the lidocaine cream I apply. So far…

The neuromuscular doctor said last year no long fiber neuropathy per the nerve conduction study. She said I’d need a biopsy to determine if i have sfn.

An old nerve doctor said I had demyelination in left leg she thought secondary to diabetes. WEll, the diabetes hasnt climbed to damaging enough numbers to put me in flair much less cause the demyelination.

The foot dr last week gave referral for feet, for neuropathy and balance. So this confuses me. It all does.

I’d like to know if SNF can move around the body and cause the tingling in forarms and fingers and can the pain in SNF affect the very surface of the skin?

If someone can make sense of what Ive written I’d appreciate any help insight or feedback.

I have not received a diagnosis regarding the polyradiculopathy. I’m going to press the doctors for answers now because it’s really out of control.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 20 8:18am
In reply to @rivermaya34 "1) Does anyone with SFN have it really bad where the pain is also in your..." + (show)
@rivermaya34

1) Does anyone with SFN have it really bad where the pain is also in your abdomen/pelvis? And, 2) Does anyone with SFN also have Gastroparesis? If so, would love to hear your experiences. My Dr recently put me on Lamictal to try and quiet down the raging pain (and it worked), but sadly had to give it up due to a nasty skin rash. 🙁 Sad day. He said it's really hard to "prove" nerve pain in those regions, but it can definitely happen if the condition is severe enough. Asking bc my current Dr's are stumped re: plan moving forward & how to help me. An individual on another board mentioned "a mental shrug" and I'd say that's appropriate here in my case also. Thanks y'all.

Jump to this post

Hi @rivermaya34, I haven't been diagnosed with Gastroparesis but do have some of the symptoms - constipation which seemed to get worse following a painful colonoscopy 3 or 4 years ago and bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery a couple of years ago. I don't have the pain but sometimes cramping and some gas. I use some teas I found on Heather's Tummy Care site along with her fiber that have helped some. There is also some treatment information that you may find interesting if not helpful - https://www.helpforibs.com/footer/treatments.asp.

I had my annual checkup in January and told my PCP I would schedule a colonoscopy in April but I'm in the process of re-thinking whether I really want to go through it again at 82.

REPLY
1 reply
rivermaya34 | @rivermaya34 | Mar 22 8:37am
In reply to @johnbishop "Hi @rivermaya34, I haven't been diagnosed with Gastroparesis but do have some of the symptoms -..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hi @rivermaya34, I haven't been diagnosed with Gastroparesis but do have some of the symptoms - constipation which seemed to get worse following a painful colonoscopy 3 or 4 years ago and bi-lateral inguinal hernia surgery a couple of years ago. I don't have the pain but sometimes cramping and some gas. I use some teas I found on Heather's Tummy Care site along with her fiber that have helped some. There is also some treatment information that you may find interesting if not helpful - https://www.helpforibs.com/footer/treatments.asp.

I had my annual checkup in January and told my PCP I would schedule a colonoscopy in April but I'm in the process of re-thinking whether I really want to go through it again at 82.

Jump to this post

@johnbishop Ouchie!! 🙁 That sounds very painful and unpleasant...so sorry to hear this, friend. I had one of those done 1.5 yrs ago also and, looking back, glad that I did, but don't enjoy the thought of having to go every 5 years. I don't blame you for reconsidering that decision, seriously. Ooh I love tea! Thanks for the info - I'll have to check those out!

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