Originally Posted by MAT52

Hi - lots more questions from me. I hope some of you might know the answers because I feel I've been abandoned by the neurologist and am to see the rheumatologist in three weeks time - but he's usually very disinterested and dismissive of this small fiber neuropathy of mine. My autoantibodies are all negative or equivocal so I'm guessing he might decide to tell me I have Fibromyalgia. Not really happy with this but I'm preparing myself because this seems to be the catch all term for anything doctors don't understand or can't be bothered to investigate any further.

1. If my autoantibodies are negative/ equivocal is this small fiber neuropathy of mine now classed as "idiopathic"?

2. If so what might the prognosis be for me - given it is affecting both arms and legs 24/7? The pain is only intense when I'm still - especially at night. I'm using Magnesium oil spray just now as well as taking B12 sublingually. I am weaning myself off Cymbalta because I don't want to end up on these kind of drugs long term - I've tried up to 40mg over two and a half months and it only takes the edge off - makes me eat too much and seems to make me grind my teeth - which is causing head and jaw ache.

3. I'm apparently to have a skin biopsy at some point but am aware this won't establish the cause - only confirm how advanced my SFN is. So should I just accept that I will probably never know the cause or should I keep pushing for answers in the hope that this might eventually subside or be reversed?

I guess I'm asking at what point most people here with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy just accept this diagnosis and learn to live with it. I've been suffering from these symptoms for several years now and it seems to have progressed up my legs and arms - especially the cold wet sensation I get all day everyday so I keep touching my leggings to see if they are actually wet.

How long does it take just to get used to the awful tingling and temperature issues?