Nerve biopsy test: Is it done by a neurologist or rheumatologist?

Posted by maryflorida @maryflorida, Aug 4, 2020

What kind of doctor do I see for the nerve biopsy test? My PCP sent me to a rheumatologist for a diagnosis. She feels it is fibromyalgia but prior doctor in Wash. state said it is neuropathy. She won't arrange for the biopsy. Which kind of doctor can finally give me a diagnosis or is she right? All she is offering is amitriptyline for pain. I do take norco too, but my PCP would like me to get off that. I need advice.

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@jesfactsmon Hi Hank I'm Linda Lioness You didn't ask but I will tell you a flre from fibro last a day when I have one I ache all over my nerves are all on fire especially in my arms in particular ,neck and shoulder Nothing I do or take helps I just have to ride it out .

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@lioness

@jesfactsmon Hi Hank I'm Linda Lioness You didn't ask but I will tell you a flre from fibro last a day when I have one I ache all over my nerves are all on fire especially in my arms in particular ,neck and shoulder Nothing I do or take helps I just have to ride it out .

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Yep, Linda, that is my Linda as well. She will have dire pain in her entire body, like every muscle in her body. Not a burn but a deep soreness, like every muscle is bruised. So she describes being very stiff like the muscles have contracted and a deep deep soreness.

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@jesfactsmon

Yep, Linda, that is my Linda as well. She will have dire pain in her entire body, like every muscle in her body. Not a burn but a deep soreness, like every muscle is bruised. So she describes being very stiff like the muscles have contracted and a deep deep soreness.

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@jesfactsmon Yep that fibro but my neuropathy is the burning pain I have in arms legs today I have both so going to bed

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@jesfactsmon

When you set "oldest to newest" it will be the one at the top of the page you are on. Hope you are feeling not too badly these days @sunnyflower. I remember you had been in some terrible pain. How are you doing lately? Hank

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Hello. It must be my phone, but I don't see oldest to newest or anything to get me to the beginning of the biopsy discussion. I clicked on the 3 lines of options, and there were a lot, but not what I need. Ug. I am pretty ill. A lot of diseases and conditions, several are painful. My SFPN is heat to toe and has affected organs. Thx for asking. Sunnyflower

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@sunnyflower

Hello. It must be my phone, but I don't see oldest to newest or anything to get me to the beginning of the biopsy discussion. I clicked on the 3 lines of options, and there were a lot, but not what I need. Ug. I am pretty ill. A lot of diseases and conditions, several are painful. My SFPN is heat to toe and has affected organs. Thx for asking. Sunnyflower

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Hi, I always use my computer when I am on the Connect forum. However, I just brought it up on my phone. Firstly, ignore the 3 lines of options. Just below those 3 lines of options you will see the heading of this discussion, i.e. "Nerve biopsy test: Is it done by a neurologist or rheumatologist?" Under that you will see maryflorida's original question in a faint blue tint. Scroll down to just below that, to just above the first post, do you see where it says "oldest to newest?" Anyway, that is where I see it on the phone.

Oh, @sunnyflower I am so sorry for your suffering. I remember being mind boggled by some of your posts back in the spring, at just how bad your overall situation was (and still is it sounds). I do remember you kept God very close and that He is your rock. You can't do any better than that. This world is a mixed bag, great for some, less so for others, horrendous for many as well. Hold tight to your spirituality, it will get you through better, much better than anything. Please feel free to elaborate further about your present situation. Sometimes it helps to talk about what you are facing. All my best to you my dear, Hank

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@lioness

@jesfactsmon Hi Hank I'm Linda Lioness You didn't ask but I will tell you a flre from fibro last a day when I have one I ache all over my nerves are all on fire especially in my arms in particular ,neck and shoulder Nothing I do or take helps I just have to ride it out .

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@lioness @jesfactsmon My heart breaks as I read how much pain both of you Lindas are enduring. God in heaven. I also had a history of fibromyalgia, but about 15 years ago, it seemed to vanish. I was just starting an OCD med at the time, but I never really equated this med with helping fibromyalgia. It just seemed to vanish, and never came back. I used to say that I felt like I was run over by a truck. Just so sorry for what Hank's wife and you, Linda, are enduring. I am clueless what to even say....... Lori Renee

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@lorirenee1

@lioness @jesfactsmon My heart breaks as I read how much pain both of you Lindas are enduring. God in heaven. I also had a history of fibromyalgia, but about 15 years ago, it seemed to vanish. I was just starting an OCD med at the time, but I never really equated this med with helping fibromyalgia. It just seemed to vanish, and never came back. I used to say that I felt like I was run over by a truck. Just so sorry for what Hank's wife and you, Linda, are enduring. I am clueless what to even say....... Lori Renee

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Wow, are you ever lucky to have it vanish like that. I would say that is not typical. But I'm glad it went away. You had enough going on with your feet! How is your pain level in recent days? Still a significant reduction to what went before? I really pray for you to have a very good outcome with this drg thing. Love to you, Hank

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@jesfactsmon

Hi @sunnyflower nice to hear from you again! I remember you from a few months ago. Firstly, you ask about how to get to the beginning of the discussion. There is a handy button you can click on just above the first post that says "oldest to newest". That puts the very first post of the discussion right on the same page you are on. If you change it to "newest to oldest" it will change so the most recent post (the newest post) is right on the page you are on. It seems like that is what you are asking, forgive me if I have misunderstood. I hope you are well and hope you get your questions answered. Best to you, Hank

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Thank you Hank but how do I find the "first post"??? I receive many, many emails a day. I get so behind b/c of limited time I feel good enough to read them. Once I can find the "first post", I can then, find the most recent. Thanks, Sunnyflower

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Hank, I spoke too soon. I'm on my table now and it does show the first post. Yay!!!!!! Sunnyflower

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@johnbishop

Hello @maryflorida, Did your prior doctor who said it was neuropathy do any testing or did they just think it was neuropathy? Sometimes doctors are not in agreement and I can understand how you must feel since you are the one with the pain. Here are some articles on the topic that may help you in a discussion with your doctor.

Fibromyalgia as a Neuropathic Pain Disorder: The Link to Small Fiber Neuropathy: https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/pain/myofascial/fibromyalgia-neuropathic-pain-disorder-link-small-fiber-neuropathy

Mayo Clnic News Network – Mayo Clinic Q and A: Understanding myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-understanding-myofascial-pain-syndrome-and-fibromyalgia/

Mayo Clinic Newsfeed – Understanding myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/adult-pain-medicine/newsfeed-post/health-answers-understanding-myofascial-pain-syndrome-and-fibromyalgia/

Have you considered getting a second opinion for your diagnosis?

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HI John, Thank you so much for all you do for all of us! You are a warm, vast resource and greatly appreciated! Many blessings for serving us, Sunnyflower

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