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Old 01-31-2014, 04:17 PM
tarheel15 tarheel15 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
10 yr Member
tarheel15 tarheel15 is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
10 yr Member
Default Post-Flu Vaccine Neuropathy (Possible Small Fiber Neuropathy)

I have had 15 months of progressive burning pain all over my body (mostly in extremities) since having a flu vaccine in Oct 2012. Burning is worse with activity, and warm and cold extremes, tight clothing etc.. Also I have noticed recently that accupuncture makes it worse.

I have had extensive neurological workup, including multiple MRIs, EMGs, NCV, LP and Therapath skin biopsy. The biopsy was done 1 year ago and showed normal nerve fiber density and sweat glands.
A new symptom over the past 3 months has been severe fatigue and insomnia along with depressed mood. I have tried numerous medications and cannot tolerate much with exception of Neurontin. I have been on methyl-b12/folate since the beginning with a recent b12 level of 1400. I am also taking vitamin D3. I could not tolerate SSRIs and SNRI meds or Lyrica.
The fatigue and insomnia have gotten so bad that I've had to go on medical leave from work (I am a physician myself).

My integrative doc wants me to take a supplement called Nuvoxil (which has L-tryptophan, l-theanine, taurine) to help with sleep and mood. She also wants me to switch to Methyl-b12 subcutaneous injections.
I am confused as to what to do:
1. Do I ask my neurologist to repeat a skin punch biopsy to look again for SFN since it's been 1 year?
2. Do I consider IVIG?
3. Any other nutritional/supplement recommendations - esp. for the severe fatigue and insomnia?
4. Would things like d-ribose or acetyl-l-carnitine help? I've been reading Dr. Teitelbaum books.

Thank you so much.
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