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Nerve biopsy test: Is it done by a neurologist or rheumatologist?
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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@total99 here is a discussion where members are sharing their experiences --
CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy): https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cidp-chronic-inflammatory-demylinating-polyneuropathy/
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1 ReactionI went to Duke neurology in Durham,NC - long derive with overnight stay traveling from way out in western North Carolina mountains. My chief complaint was the onset of peripheral neuropathy over the past months. They did the "EMG" and said "Yes, you have small fiber neuropathy. We don't treat that. You need to find a rheumatologist. Good bye."
The "EMG" is an electromyogram, which measures conductivity of the nerves - in this case the arms and legs. My neuropathy symptoms came up quickly earlier this year: tingling and pain in the arms and legs accompanied by muscle pain in the arms and legs.
This was a long, all day drive across the state of North Carolina for a thirty minute test. Overnight hotel was needed. I did not do my research in advance. I wrongly thought neurologists treat neuropathy. I was wrong. They do not.
I went to top neurologist at Duke specializing in neuropathy. I have neuropathy. She had a Neurology fellow do the "EMI". The she called me in to say " I do not treat small fiber neuropathy. You need to find a rheumatologist. Good bye." I mistakenly thought a neurologist treats neurological problems. I am wondering if the
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I will pray for God to comfort and strengthen you.
I feel sad for you. I hope he comes to you healthy in your dreams.
I have small nerve fiber. I had the EMG done by neurologist. I also had my biopsy done by the neurologist also. They are seeing me for my SNF. That sounded rude the way the Dr handled it. My Dr sent me to neuro. I have heard of people going to the rheumatologist but I go to neuro. They do treat people with neuropathy. Mine came in March this year I woke up with full blown pin pricks. I would have been very angry to do what you did then get blown off like that. I have a lot of patience I really do but that one thing would have made me lose it.
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1 ReactionDid you receive the vaccine in March?
No I had both of them in January at the hospital I worked at. After numerous lab draws and visits so far its idiopathic.I retired from nursing and two days after I stopped working I woke up with full blown pin pricks all over and in my eyes. I have seen a neuro-opthalmologist and he confirms that it is related to SNF. This has blown me away. I said to the Neuro doc that it seems rare that it started like that and he said it is. I have read that people get the vaccine and then have issues. I asked the neuro doc if my cholesterol med could have done it and he said no. But I have read otherwise. I also started having a burning pain in my left hand which is odd. It starts at my left wrist and goes down between my little finger and ring finger and it goes off and on all day long. I don't know that it could be the vaccines. I know that I don't have issues as bad as other people but as I sit here writing this the pricks are doing their thing. It is more annoying than anything.
After my Covid shots about five weeks later developed numbness and a slight burning in my feet. My right hand goes numb the most especially at rest.
My rheumatologist did my SFN biopsy but does not know how to help me. So should I be seeing a neurologist or rheumatologist?