Peripheral Neuropathy vs. Erythromelalgia

@jlander, From what I've read Erythromelalgia is considered to be a form of peripheral neuropathy. Both can have similar pain and burning symptoms.

"Erythromelalgia is often considered a form of peripheral neuropathy because it affects the peripheral nervous system, which connects the brain and spinal cord to muscles and to cells that detect sensations such as touch, smell, and pain." - Erythromelalgia: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/erythromelalgia/

More resources on Erythromelalgia:
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - Erythromelalgia: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/erythromelalgia/
The Erythromelalgia Association - FAQs: https://erythromelalgia.org/resources/faqs/

You may also be interested in these discussions to read what other members have shared:
– Erythromelalgia: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/erythromelalgia/
– Burning Feet syndrome https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/burning-feet-syndrome/

Thank you John. You are so helpful to everyone. I've read a lot and have compiled a file of all kinds of notes on EM but like others, I find it very confusing.
I am not diabetic, nor do I drink alcohol or eat spicy foods. I've read it can be hereditary, but don't know if that is my case. My father always complained of his feet but never described his symptoms as being like Erythromelalgia, they never looked red. He did have gout from time to time. I, too, am trying to get an appointment confirmed at Mayo as I really need help in understanding my situation and how best to handle it. I've talked to doctors in my area but they have little to no knowledge, and several said I am the only one they have come into contact that has EM which makes me feel very isolated.

I’d like more information too. I have both also. Very frustrating. The change in weather is really difficult to cope with,

Where do you live,John? I am in a suburb of Baltimore MD called Towson. Have you consulted a rheumatologist or a neurologist?

@drolker, I live in Southern Minnesota near Rochester. My small fiber PN was diagnosed by a Mayo neurologist and my polymyalgia rheumatica was diagnosed by a Mayo rheumatologist.

I read in one of the threads that Gabapentin can affect your vision. Can someone tell me about this side affect?

@drolker here's some information on gabapentin side effects that mentions vision problems.

"Gabapentin may cause vision changes, clumsiness, unsteadiness, dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or trouble with thinking. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, or able to think or see well. Feb 1, 2021" - Gabapentin (Oral Route) Precautions - Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/gabapentin-oral-route/precautions/drg-20064011#:~:text=Gabapentin%20may%20cause%20vision%20changes,to%20think%20or%20see%20well.

I was diagnosed by Mayo's in Rochester with EM in 2006. They now what it is but no cure. Then 2 Years ago I developed neuropathy and my EM which has gotten better came back with a vengeance. I also have Raynauds My feet get very red and hot a night and in the morning after I am up for a while my toes turn blue and purple and cold. By mid afternoon my feet will turn fire red and swell and burn and also my ears. I am taking 650 mg. Alpha Lipoic acid since it supposed to be good for both the EM and Raynauds and 600 mg. Gababentine at bedtime to help my sleep (does not help to much). I am watching what I eat. Fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and for sweets mainly extra dark chocolate. My neurologist has no good answer and neither does my Rheumatologist. Is anyone dealing with all of these conditions and if so, what do you do?

Hi @dipperlip1, I'm wondering if the feet going from cold to hot and changing colors is caused by Raynaud's since it's one of the symptoms. There is a discussion you might find helpful:
-- Raynaud's Syndrome: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/raynauds-syndrome/.

I did find some suggestions that might help your condition listed in the following article -- What you need to know about Raynaud's disease: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176713

@gardeningjunkie, @degarden_girl and others may have some suggestions or information for you also.

My Reynauld's would cause color change, from natural to red to white/clear when exposed to cold and this was a painful process. When heat was applied to reverse the symtoms I could watch the red color return to the clear translucent extremities., then the natural color returned.
At night I needed a heating pad to warm my feet, but once warm I could turn off the pad and here's the difference between my symtoms and yours, my feet never turned fire red and swell when they were hot.
As I have brought up, my lifetime of dealing with Reynauld's is almost forgotton. I've been taking CQ 10 for about 4 years. About 2 years ago I noticed I no longer needed to wear gloves just to handle cold wet produce in the grocery store or require my heating pad for my feet at night. I can wear flip flops most of the year. CQ 10 is only reported to work if you have had Renauld's all your life, it doesn't help if it is a side affect of a disease.
Also 3 years ago I cut out processed sugar, that lowered my internal inflamation and perhaps that helped too.