Ray - you caught my attention on the “pain” (not that you don’t usually catch my attention). I have severe Idiopathic Axonal Sensorimotor Peripheral Neuropathy (i.e. large). Unfortunately, along with balance, gait, numbness & tingling, mine comes with nerve pain & temperature sensitivity in my extremities, both of which are kept pretty well maintained with Gabapentin. My Large diagnosis was confirmed by EMG - have you had one of these? Since my initial test, I’ve had about 4 more, as new doctors wanted their own tests done. (@chapanddrew8 - like you, all blood tests over the years, including diabetes, have been negative, so I am officially under the Idiopathic label for now, which like Ray, if anyone ever comes across a reason in my lifetime, I’ll give them a hug then keep working on my physical therapy and enjoying life)
I have often wondered if it’s possible for me to ALSO have SFN, as it seems like my normal symptoms identify with both groups. I have asked for the biopsy in the past so we could see, but 2 different Neurologists shot down the idea because they tell me that my EMG clearly tells us the Axonal Sensorimotor and eliminates SFN. I’m the type of person that wants them to do it anyway, just like I’d like to have a diagnostic MRI as well, just to put closure on me knowing we’ve done every test, but the Neurologists have refused to order them because of them saying my EMG is conclusive. So I finally accepted that and have shifted focus to recovery and maintenance.