Ed - Oddly enough, I was able to get a nerve biopsy referral from my Neurologist to a Neurosurgeon who did it 2 years ago. His first question was “Why wouldn’t he do an MRI first, it’s less invasive?” But he did the biopsy - sent results to my Neurologist who always lost or misfiled things. After 2 weeks of not getting results from my Neuro, I had a wound follow up with the surgeon, the surgeon handed me a copy of the results, saying he couldn’t “review” it with me, but my Neurologist should follow up on the “inflammation” noted. A month later my Neurologist finally reviewed the biopsy with me and said it confirmed axonal PN no evidence of further degenerative something or other, and he said the “inflammation” found was insignificant.
So the biopsy confirmed axonal PN like nerve conduction tests, but left me with 2 pestering wonders.. (a) Why did neurosurgeon hint significance re: inflammation of something and my scattered Neurologist dismiss it? and (b) Why won’t they do a Neurological MRI on me?
Anyone who has followed me on here knows I’ve been at awe that I seem to be the only one on here that has not had an MRI, despite asking for it. My doctors have absolutely no clue as to what exactly I have or how I got it, but are absolutely 100% certain an MRI will tell us nothing!!! I think it’s become a conspiracy with doctors as I moved to different states that if the first doctor said No to MRI, they’re not going to disrespect his opinion. To me, it can’t be 100% deemed useless unless they had all or most of the medical questions answered about my PN.
Oh well, as much as I have focused on symptom management and quality of life maintenance and improvement, and try to accept the end of efforts in trying to diagnose me, can you still tell I’d like an MRI to help prove to me one way or another and help provide closure for me?? 😊

Good morning, Ed (@njed)

I envy you being on a first-name basis with your podiatrist! That suggests a kind of rapport I'd like to have with all of my docs. I may have my best chance with my podiatrist. His outside-podiatry passion is long-distance running, like ultra-marathons (phew!), as mine used to be (not ultra-marathons, though). His learning that I have a knee prosthesis that ended my running days made him extra-sympathetic. I know he'll feel even more that way when I tell him I now have PN.

I too would shy away from a foot nerve biopsy. I'll listen to what my podiatrist has to say, of course, but I'm hoping that instead of a biopsy, he'll suggest an improved pair of orthotics and a better brand of shoes. I used to think my present Nunbush shoes were about as comfortable as I could buy, but as my PN has progressed, I'm no longer so sure. (I've never gotten used to the cost of good shoes. In my earliest running days, they were Asics Tigers, then Nikes (can't recall the model), then Brooks Chariots, and others also––always pricey!) I trust that last August's EMG told me all I need to know (for now) about the state of my feet.

I plan to lobby my neurologist for another EMG this August (a year apart).

I like the idea of a regular get-together with your podiatrist. I'd like to ask mine if he'd be up for that. (If nothing else, we can waste each other's time talking about running. LOL)

And yes, of course, I'll tell you how this Tuesday's meeting goes.

Have a great weekend!
Ray (@ray666)