1. < Neuropathy

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Sep 8, 2020
In reply to @jesfactsmon "@catcando @rwinney @jimhd Wow, here I've been over in other discussions the past couple hours doing..." + (show)
@jesfactsmon

@catcando @rwinney @jimhd Wow, here I've been over in other discussions the past couple hours doing my usual catch-up on the Daily Neuropathy News, when the real action was happening over here. Rachel, you are never up now. Wow!

My deepest most earnest sympathy and sorrow for you guys and what you are describing about your lives, both with your pain and with family who just can't seem to "get there" when it comes to the deepest understanding of what you are going through. I have none of what you go through. As much as I try to "be there" for you guys, and, of course, for my wonderful spouse, I can't sustain it. I forget. I do. I am solicitous as I can be, like Kevin Rachel, I'm like "do you need this?" "can I do that for you?" etc. But I am one who likes to keep it light, wanting to be humorous, I just can't keep the pain you all are experiencing in the forefront of my mind all the time, but yet you are experiencing it all the time. It must be a rare person that can be there ALL the time. I just try to be available. I am always ready to pour it out as Linda indicates a need, but it sure is easy to forget if she' not giving me the cues.

I feel very deeply when I feel. But that too gets exhausting. Ugh, nothing about neuropathy is GOOD. I'm sick to death of having to know how bad it is for you guys and I can't do a damn thing. Sorry.

@catcando, you seem like a really great person and I am sad for your pain also. The only thing I'd say about your post (besides thinking how nice you sound, and caring) is just go and read a few of Jim's recent (last couple weeks) posts to get a sense of his experiences with depression. You can see them by clicking here @jimhd ; he has been through it, this man has, and then some. I have fallen head over heals in love with him and with Rachel and with all of the people here. It came unexpectedly right out of the blue since January when I joined.

OK, sorry you guys. I'll go take a walk and try to stabilize. Best to you, Hank

PS: I just proofread this. It's not saying enough. It will have to do.

Jump to this post

@jesfactsmon

Hank, you don't know how much you're appreciated and loved by all of us in your club. Thank you x100 isn't enough.

Jim

REPLY
1 reply
Hank | @jesfactsmon | Sep 8, 2020
In reply to @jimhd "@jesfactsmon Hank, you don't know how much you're appreciated and loved by all of us in..." + (show)
@jimhd

@jesfactsmon

Hank, you don't know how much you're appreciated and loved by all of us in your club. Thank you x100 isn't enough.

Jim

Jump to this post

@jimhd
Thank-you Jim. As I am starting to say more and more here on Connect, it is a true honor to be here among you all. Hank

REPLY
hearttoheart1 | @hearttoheart1 | Nov 1, 2021

Hi all
Hearttoheart here
I have benn keeping you updated on Michael’s pro dress noe that he has been diagnosed with stage 1V oesophageal cancer
He is due to start his chemo next week
So unfortunate is he that he has developed a pressure sore on his bottom
He is wheelchair bound, .and in his 35 years of taking the greatest care of himself ,this has happened now
The nurse calls daily to change the dressing
I am trying to provide the best nutrients for him,but due to his lack of mobility, lack of appetite and weight loss ,the healing is proving so slow and he is more upset about this that the cancer treatment that lies ahead
All so sad
Keep him in your thoughts and prayers🙏😔

REPLY
3 replies
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Nov 3, 2021
In reply to @hearttoheart1 "Hi all Hearttoheart here I have benn keeping you updated on Michael’s pro dress noe that..." + (show)
@hearttoheart1

Hi all
Hearttoheart here
I have benn keeping you updated on Michael’s pro dress noe that he has been diagnosed with stage 1V oesophageal cancer
He is due to start his chemo next week
So unfortunate is he that he has developed a pressure sore on his bottom
He is wheelchair bound, .and in his 35 years of taking the greatest care of himself ,this has happened now
The nurse calls daily to change the dressing
I am trying to provide the best nutrients for him,but due to his lack of mobility, lack of appetite and weight loss ,the healing is proving so slow and he is more upset about this that the cancer treatment that lies ahead
All so sad
Keep him in your thoughts and prayers🙏😔

Jump to this post

Good morning, Heart. Pressure sores are nasty things. No matter how cautious and attentive we were, my mom would occasionally get them too. I’m sorry Michael is going through that along with facing everything else. It’s good there’s a nurse coming daily to change the dressing and keeping an eye on the area.

Are there special pads or anything he’s tried, like sheep’s wool or the foam egg crate padding? I know he’s been wheelchair bound for 35 years since his accident, so he’s probably had a lot of experience with what works best. He isn’t as mobile as he once was and I’m sure this is creating a new challenge.

What is he able to eat? It has to be really difficult for you to find foods he can swallow and also sound palatable to him. Can he tolerate protein shakes? When undergoing my cancer treatments the hospital dietician gave me protein powder that could be stirred into almost anything. Even mashed potatoes to give me more protein. I couldn’t really taste anything. I know you’re trying to make sure the foods are nutritional. But from experience, when I couldn’t eat much and nothing sounded appetizing my nutritionist told me to eat ANYTHING just for the calorie content. She didn’t care what it was. Just get calories in! Of course protein was encouraged. But if he can eat ice cream, or smoothies with veg and protein…then do it. 🙂

When Michael starts chemo, he may further lose his appetite and feel nauseated. His oncology team should be giving him anti nausea a drugs with this. At home, ginger candy works, also there are hard candies on the market for pregnant women. Queasy Drops work fairly well.
There are great cook books and videos online about cooking for chemo patients. Sometimes little tricks can make food tasty during chemo.

Keep us posted! We’re all pulling for Michael…and you! Prayers and lots of positive thoughts for both of you. Sending love and hugs. 🙏

REPLY
1 reply
Barry Sheales | @user_che214927 | Nov 4, 2021

Definitely a Neurologist and Ortho Neurologist, This will provide an accurate diagnosis. Good luck. I am practicing Neuroplasticity and getting slow , but measurable results lleading ,I believe to a permanent cure. See my previous comments on Neuroplasticity

REPLY
2 replies
jetsetter | @jetsetter | Nov 5, 2021
In reply to @user_che214927 "Definitely a Neurologist and Ortho Neurologist, This will provide an accurate diagnosis. Good luck. I am..." + (show)
@user_che214927

Definitely a Neurologist and Ortho Neurologist, This will provide an accurate diagnosis. Good luck. I am practicing Neuroplasticity and getting slow , but measurable results lleading ,I believe to a permanent cure. See my previous comments on Neuroplasticity

Jump to this post

Can you provide a link to what you are doing with neuroplasticity? I’m very interested in this idea. Another approach to dealing with pain.

REPLY
jetsetter | @jetsetter | Nov 5, 2021
In reply to @user_che214927 "Definitely a Neurologist and Ortho Neurologist, This will provide an accurate diagnosis. Good luck. I am..." + (show)
@user_che214927

Definitely a Neurologist and Ortho Neurologist, This will provide an accurate diagnosis. Good luck. I am practicing Neuroplasticity and getting slow , but measurable results lleading ,I believe to a permanent cure. See my previous comments on Neuroplasticity

Jump to this post

I found the conversation you mentioned about neuroplasticity.

REPLY
1 reply
bwin11 | @bwin11 | Nov 5, 2021
In reply to @jetsetter "I found the conversation you mentioned about neuroplasticity." + (show)
@jetsetter

I found the conversation you mentioned about neuroplasticity.

Jump to this post

Where did you find it?

REPLY
jetsetter | @jetsetter | Nov 5, 2021

Click on Barry Sheales name in the post above and go to his profile. His posts are there.

REPLY
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Nov 8, 2021
In reply to @hearttoheart1 "Hi all Hearttoheart here I have benn keeping you updated on Michael’s pro dress noe that..." + (show)
@hearttoheart1

Hi all
Hearttoheart here
I have benn keeping you updated on Michael’s pro dress noe that he has been diagnosed with stage 1V oesophageal cancer
He is due to start his chemo next week
So unfortunate is he that he has developed a pressure sore on his bottom
He is wheelchair bound, .and in his 35 years of taking the greatest care of himself ,this has happened now
The nurse calls daily to change the dressing
I am trying to provide the best nutrients for him,but due to his lack of mobility, lack of appetite and weight loss ,the healing is proving so slow and he is more upset about this that the cancer treatment that lies ahead
All so sad
Keep him in your thoughts and prayers🙏😔

Jump to this post

Hi @hearttohear1, You and Michael are on my mind this morning. This is the week he’ll be starting chemo I think? Will he be in the hospital for these treatments or is chemo done as an outpatient?
Has there been any positive improvement with his pressure sores?

And how are you coping? I’m sure this has to feel pretty overwhelming some days. But I’ve seen how strong and capable you are with your battle against anxiety this past year. You’ve made such remarkable progress. I think that’s given you some extra tools for handling this new set of challenges. But I also know being the caregiver takes its toll on health, both mentally and physically. Are you still able to get out on your daily walk. It’s been vital for your recovery. Please make sure you take time for yourself daily.

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for you and your family. 💕🙏

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.