Help asking doctor if this is small fiber neuropathy or something else

It certainly is hard not to obsess about this. Not only is it painful, it's also unpredictable. Plus, it's common to worry about what the future will bring.
There are a number of medications, primarily anti-depressants, that are commonly prescribed for PN. They not only address issues of anxiety and depression, but also seem to reduce the pain independently of their psychological effects. It may take some experimenting to find the right one. Your PCP can prescribe these, although seeing a psychiatrist or therapist certainly wouldn't be a bad idea.
Don't try to direct your own treatment too much. Let your PCP be the one to decide who to go to next.
Staying active and socially engaged is also helpful, as are techniques such as meditation. Many are discussed on this forum.
Be as positive as you can be. Worrying and questioning why this happened to you will never be helpful. With the passage of time, you will likely get better at dealing with it.

For me, talking and writing about it here on this forum, and with friends and family, helps. Im hoping just by communicating your fears and concerns has helped some. The worse thing we can do is allow ourselves to be trapped in our feelings. We're already trapped in our bodies. I occasionally make that mistake and it backfires on both myself and my family. This is a huge learning curve for most so try not to be too hard on yourself. You are not alone and you are justified in your feelings.
Rachel

I have not heard of that medication. I get flares of vibrations/buzzing. Have been in hands, feet and behind thigh. I honestly feel...when they come, they come, regardless of any of the meds I am on. Sadly.

@albiet

I've been taking 1mg of Klonopin for nearly 13 years, which, I suppose, is a low dose than many take. I take enough other meds for depression, tachycardia, arthritis and neuropathy that it would be a challenge to figure out which was doing what.

Before my MRI yesterday I took Klonopin and a muscle relaxer, then they gave me a miniscule dose of Xanax. It might have helped me relax but it didn't alter my thinking.

The one thing I think about is the cumulative effects of meds. Many of them warn about cns suppression, and several warn of the possibility of serotonin syndrome. So, I keep a close eye on the signs of those things.

Jim

@albiet, @jeffrapp, @johnbishop, @rwinney Good evening group.....Oh my goodness, we all struggle. The small task of responding to your inquiry is a building block for my positive emotional condition and level of acceptance of my physical condition. Discover others to help, find a way to contribute. Acknowledge and accept the incurability of neuropathy. And then build upon that foundation with a focus on quality of life.

I practice mindful meditation, daily yoga and will do anything BUT miss my MFR (myofascial release) treatment every week. Knowing that you are loved is so enriching. I am going to jump out to the end of the diving board here and attach a photo of Amelia (age - 3 1/2 months) and me, (age 77 and 8 months). Notice how important a month or even a 1/2 month is when we begin this journey and how little it means at this end. Find a bit of joy every day. Chris

Our daughter is coming for Thanksgiving, and we're looking forward to seeing our 3 month old granddaughter and her two year old sister. It'll be nice to see our daughter and her husband, too, but I suspect that the baby will have lots of attention.

Jim

@jmhday Those little ones melt your heart so quickly. Enjoy the moments. Be happy, be safe. Chris

Oh Chris, you steal my heart every chance you get! Beautiful.
Rachel

Hi John!

A couple of thoughts for you this morning...

I'm curious your take on the FB Protocol 525 plan. How long have they been touting "this plan is coming" and how do they plan on achieving such consolidation of vitamins, minerals and supplements? They are not pharmacists or Drs, correct? Who recreates for them? This has been on my mind a while now and because I'm not on FB, I may be limited in my knowledge.

Last and most important thought... your new photo is hannnndsome!!!
I read along the way of your weight loss. Congratulations to you sir!

Rachel

Hi Rachel - Good question. The 525 has been in the works for awhile. They are working with a pharmacy company on putting it together and getting it approved. Not sure of all the details. I am looking forward to taking fewer pills and the cost should be about the same.

Aw...thanks for the kind words on the photo Rachel. Our marketing manager made me come into the office to take a current photo which I'm guessing is for a newsletter to let customers know that I am retiring at the end of the year. Fortunate to have had 2 careers and retiring for the second time after 21 years with this company at the ripe young age of 76. I am still working on the weight loss as I need to get down another 20 lbs or so to get to the weight I was at when my wife and I were married in 1966.