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

Hello Lori and everyone else who struggles with these issues in the context of affliction.

In 1981, I attended a two-day seminar taught by Joni Eareckson and Friends. Their Ministry was to equip the church how to minister to the handicapped/suffering/afflicted.

Joni became a quadriplegic after a diving accident as a teen. She is an author, singer and painter. She said three things that have stuck with me all these years. One is that people tend to distance themselves from the afflicted because they fear more will be required in that relationship. She said that being around afflicted people, reminds people of their own mortality. Thirdly, Joni said that 80% of people in the room were only TEMPORARILY well and healthy. There were an awful lot of people in that room!

So all of those things became true in my life. Almost every friend but a very, very faithful few, have distanced themselves from me because I became quite ill. It really hurts.

I'm the kind of friend who always used to put forth a lot of effort into initiating and cultivating relationships and makes sure that I put others before myself and keep a lot of laughter in the relationship :-). Now I have become so ill, and am in so much pain, I don't have the physical strength to put as much of myself into relationships anymore but make myself available when there is a need and there are a lot of them!

For many, many years I have had a lot of people come to me for counsel. I am an encourager and love to help. I am able to help people see they have options and to offer strategies, resources, comfort, validation, prayer, etc. Almost 100% of the people that come to me for counsel, do not have physical afflictions rather mental health issues and problems in life.

This blog is such a wonderful thing and I am very grateful for it! Thanks to all of you. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you! Many blessings, Sunnyflower

@sunnyflower Just speaking for myself I just want to say that you are a joy to hear from. I am learning something about you in each of your posts and my admiration for you and your way of living your life with your many afflictions grows with each one. I hope you keep up with this forum as you add A LOT. Thank-you! Hank

@sunnyflower So very grateful for you sharing your insight and wisdom. Thank you. What a special person you are! 🤗 😇
Well wishes for a content, peaceful day.
Rachel

Mary, I understand, as I am 89. household and garde duties be minimised. As an example I have a beautiful and colourful garde normally, but I have not weter or weeded any part of it for 3 years. It is a jungle, and I don't give a damn. Recovery from Peripheral-neuropathy is my compelling objective. Let the house be untidy, who cares, but hygiene must be kept. Just attck your situation Mary, and take it on as a challenge. The result is what counts. Best wishes.

@user_che214927 Hi Barry, Can you share any specific neuroplasticity techniques that you find particularly effective in controlling your Neuropathy? I think many people here would be interested to know specific techniques. Thanks, Lori Renee

Hi Lori, I tried some but to no avail. Touching one side of my face and top of my thighs, then the other and keep repeating. Some humming mudical notes as well. Sure, that can distract from pain while doing it but no lasting results for me. There are more techniques than that as well. I will be watching for Barry snd other's experiences. Blessings, Sunnyflower

@sunnyflower I think the trick with neuroplasticity is constancy. I think whatever is done must be done all of the time. My pain can be so bad; who can do this all day long? I am going to read Barry's books, and try to learn more. I have done "tapping," and you can learn it on you tube. It is a distraction/neuro plastic technique, but it does not help me for long. It does help, though. Sometimes I sing a lot in my head, when the pain is bad, and this does help me. What we do, just to survive, is beyond belief. I get so weary in this fight against pain, like all of us do. Blessings to you as well, Lori Renee

Thanks @sunnyflower you really do have some rare conditions. Scary is right. I will not pretend that I have any idea what living with these disorders is like. But thank-you for enumerating them, it's hard to comprehend that everything that afflicts you is all happening to just one single person. You are definitely a trooper to face all of this while you seem to maintain such a good attitude toward life. As I have mentioned to you before, you are very fortunate to have the Faith that you have, which I remember you discussing when I first read a post of yours early this year. That is something that is irreplaceable and can give strength like nothing else in life. My well wishes go out to you and I wish you best of luck on your upcoming doctor visits. Hank

@sunnyflower Thank you and no worries. I actually never received a copy of my biopsy report however, I met with my neurologist Friday and have finally requested one. My neurologist dispelled my notion that a biopsy report tells the amount of neuropathy one has. Hmmm...not sure I'll know what I'm looking at but, I will report back and let you know what I see.
Be well,
Rachel

Sounds good. You have the right to all test results. Hope you get some answers that will help you understand your situation better. 🙏💕