Small Fiber Neuropathy and genetic testing?

Hi everyone, it was great to find this forum and all of you wonderful members on it. This is my first post.

I was diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy earlier this year. I was wondering if anyone has undergone genetic testing for this condition (specifically the SCN9A and SCN10A genes)? I have an appointment with a geneticist next month. I think I'd find it helpful to look for answers as to the cause of my condition, and if they found any linked genetic mutations it would affect my reproductive choices as well.

Backstory if it's helpful to anyone: I'm a 27 year-old woman, previously active and relatively healthy but then I started having constant pain in my hands and feet last year. At first my doctor thought it could be RA but then they did nerve conduction studies and QSART test to diagnose SFN. I've seen multiple rheumatologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, etc. I also have some joint hypermobility (I think a 5/9 on the Beighton), especially in my limbs and upper body... I might consider genetic testing for EDS as well. I was diagnosed with PTSD years ago, so I have definitely put my nervous system through a lot. I couldn't find any research linking it to SFN specifically though.

It's been really challenging to go from being healthy and active to having chronic pain, and to know that I am only 27 with 50 years ahead of me with this condition and no treatment available. The pain is worst in my hands and wrists so it makes work and everyday tasks painful -- I recently quit my job partly because of this. I used to teach yoga part-time and enjoy activities like rock climbing, cycling, even the occasional run for fitness but I've had to give up on those things. I've also lost almost 10% of my body weight in the past year from this and related stress (I was already borderline underweight to begin with).

Things that I've tried: I've been receiving acupuncture for about 6 months, most of the time it helps keep the pain to a manageable level although when I get pain attacks (like last month when I decided to go for a run it triggered two weeks of severe pain) even acupuncture is ineffective. For some reason I've found that the TCM herbs the doctor prescribes have been more helpful than the acupuncture itself. Lyrica helps me to sleep but doesn't actually reduce the pain -- I can't tolerate anything more than 50mg due to side effects. Tramadol gave effective pain relief but made me too drowsy and gave me flu-like symptoms even after just once dose. And when I can manage it, very gentle yoga and meditation is helpful.

My doctor prescribed a low dose of amitriptyline but I have yet to try it. It's more of a "last resort" for me because I'm very sensitive to medications and speaking from experience I have a very hard time with drug withdrawals, even on supposedly low and unproblematic doses. I will likely start taking it next year if my acupuncture shows no further progress.

I would love to hear from anyone who's had similar experiences! Sending thoughts and good vibes to everyone here 🙂