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.

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sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @jesfactsmon "@jimhd so was your apnea corrected by the surgery? If not, I just wanted to say..." + (show)
@jesfactsmon

@jimhd so was your apnea corrected by the surgery? If not, I just wanted to say that Linda had sleep apnea for the first 39 years we were married. We tried a number of things such as breathe-rite srips and other tricks (escape my memory at the moment) but she always resisted a cpap. Finally about 3 years ago she tried a foam wedge which elevated her upper body (see Amazon link below) and her apnea was gone immediately and has not returned. Just thought I would pass that on if you still have apnea and have not tried this. Hank
https://smile.amazon.com/Wedge-Pillow-Memory-Cushy-Form/dp/B07CG8H7GT/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=wedge+cushion+for+sleeping&qid=1598463270&sr=8-5

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Hi Guys, just wanted to say something you probably already know but just in case you do not, I feel compelled to say that sleep apnea is a comorbid disease. It is very serious and MUST be treated. For those who may not know, the diagnostic is an overnight sleep study where you are wired up like you can't imagine and monitored . Sleep apnea is usually taken care of buy a pulmonologist. I care, Sunny

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @sunnyflower "Oh Chris!!! I am so very sorry to hear about and see what you're going through!..." + (show)
@sunnyflower

Oh Chris!!! I am so very sorry to hear about and see what you're going through! Have you been to see a Dermatologist for this? If not, I definitely would ASAP. Definitely bring these pictures with you. They will need access to labs, meds, etc. which I 'm sure you already know. If you can't get in to be seen soon, just tell them you' re suffering and can't take it anymore and are at risk for infection. Tho are usually the magic words to get in sooner.

I wish you all the best and will be praying for you. Hang in there! Warmest regards, Sunny 😊🙏

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@sunnyflower, thank you. I know that all of us cope with so much from a condition that has no cure. It seems like every time we think we might have found a way to pain free comfort......we get shot down once again. Hang in there. I need your support just as you are gratefull for the support from Connect.

Be healthy and whole.......
Chris

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @jimhd "@artscaping I'm fortunate to be spared the itching. Sometimes that can be as unrelenting as burning..." + (show)
@jimhd

@artscaping

I'm fortunate to be spared the itching. Sometimes that can be as unrelenting as burning pain. Have you found any low tech solutions for scratching? I remember when the sleep doctor told me I had sleep apnea, he said I have two options - a cpap machine or a tennis ball sewn into the back of a t-shirt. Most of my events happen when I'm lying on my back. Marilyn, my wife, gives me a poke when I'm on my back with my mouth open and air blowing out, waking her up. I was a mouth breather the first 50 years of my life, until I had surgery to correct a deviated septum. All of a sudden I could breathe through my nose! It was an amazing feeling.

Sorry. I digress, as usual.

I hope you have a peaceful rest tonight, with no unconscious self harm.

Jim

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Hi @jimhd, yes, I am working with a dermatologist. And.....the FDA has a couple of products in testing just for neuropathy itch. I am practicing mindfulness in an attempt to ignore the itching. Tough job. I wish I knew what set off the itching that is related to neuropathy. I do know that the itching is inside my body where I can’t reach. I still try though as you can see. I do use anti-itch and benedryl and a cannabis balm. It is a struggle.

Thanks for your caring response.
Chris

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2 replies
Hank | @jesfactsmon | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @sunnyflower "Hi Guys, just wanted to say something you probably already know but just in case you..." + (show)
@sunnyflower

Hi Guys, just wanted to say something you probably already know but just in case you do not, I feel compelled to say that sleep apnea is a comorbid disease. It is very serious and MUST be treated. For those who may not know, the diagnostic is an overnight sleep study where you are wired up like you can't imagine and monitored . Sleep apnea is usually taken care of buy a pulmonologist. I care, Sunny

Jump to this post

@sunnyflower
Sunny you are very right, it is a serious condition, and we knew that for a long time, but I guess did not realize actually HOW serious it was. My wife's family all had it and many of them died of strokes. I am so glad she no longer has it. It was so amazing how simple it was to stop, merely by adding an incline to her sleeping situation. Wonder of wonders! Best, Hank

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1 reply
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @artscaping "Hi @jimhd, yes, I am working with a dermatologist. And.....the FDA has a couple of products..." + (show)
@artscaping

Hi @jimhd, yes, I am working with a dermatologist. And.....the FDA has a couple of products in testing just for neuropathy itch. I am practicing mindfulness in an attempt to ignore the itching. Tough job. I wish I knew what set off the itching that is related to neuropathy. I do know that the itching is inside my body where I can’t reach. I still try though as you can see. I do use anti-itch and benedryl and a cannabis balm. It is a struggle.

Thanks for your caring response.
Chris

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@artscaping Oh Chris, I just lived 3 months with the Chilblains itch, blister type sores, swelling and discoloration, and wanted to chop off my toes. I cant imagine this neuropathic itch and wanting to dig at it under the skin. Dreadful stuff. Tell your Dermatologist to work faster! Ughh. My best to your poor legs.
Peace and comfort is wished for you.
Rachel

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1 reply
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @rwinney "@artscaping Oh Chris, I just lived 3 months with the Chilblains itch, blister type sores, swelling..." + (show)
@rwinney

@artscaping Oh Chris, I just lived 3 months with the Chilblains itch, blister type sores, swelling and discoloration, and wanted to chop off my toes. I cant imagine this neuropathic itch and wanting to dig at it under the skin. Dreadful stuff. Tell your Dermatologist to work faster! Ughh. My best to your poor legs.
Peace and comfort is wished for you.
Rachel

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PS: Cant remember if ice helps your itch, that deep or not?

REPLY
1 reply
sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @jesfactsmon "@sunnyflower Sunny you are very right, it is a serious condition, and we knew that for..." + (show)
@jesfactsmon

@sunnyflower
Sunny you are very right, it is a serious condition, and we knew that for a long time, but I guess did not realize actually HOW serious it was. My wife's family all had it and many of them died of strokes. I am so glad she no longer has it. It was so amazing how simple it was to stop, merely by adding an incline to her sleeping situation. Wonder of wonders! Best, Hank

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Hi Hank, I pray so. All the best, Sunny

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sunnyflower | @sunnyflower | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @artscaping "Hi @jimhd, yes, I am working with a dermatologist. And.....the FDA has a couple of products..." + (show)
@artscaping

Hi @jimhd, yes, I am working with a dermatologist. And.....the FDA has a couple of products in testing just for neuropathy itch. I am practicing mindfulness in an attempt to ignore the itching. Tough job. I wish I knew what set off the itching that is related to neuropathy. I do know that the itching is inside my body where I can’t reach. I still try though as you can see. I do use anti-itch and benedryl and a cannabis balm. It is a struggle.

Thanks for your caring response.
Chris

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I pray you get relief very, very quickly!!! Sunny. 😊🙏

REPLY
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @rwinney "PS: Cant remember if ice helps your itch, that deep or not?" + (show)
@rwinney

PS: Cant remember if ice helps your itch, that deep or not?

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Hi Rachel, @rwinney, I don't think ice helps. Maybe heat. I just try to numb it all up. And you are definitely a big part of my cheering section. My toes do listen to you, you know. My best, Chris

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Aug 26, 2020
In reply to @artscaping "Hi Rachel, @rwinney, I don't think ice helps. Maybe heat. I just try to numb it..." + (show)
@artscaping

Hi Rachel, @rwinney, I don't think ice helps. Maybe heat. I just try to numb it all up. And you are definitely a big part of my cheering section. My toes do listen to you, you know. My best, Chris

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👍🏻

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