The unfortunate reason I know about geography and skin biopsies is because my lovely insurance company did not want to pay in-network for the biopsy. I was trying to find a lab that was in network. The funny part is that there is not one that has a contract with my insurance company. That resulted in being told about geographic areas and skin biopsies by the lab. So, I have been schooled more on this topic than I would like. Would rather be out hiking or swimming like I used to before this happened to me.

The suffering alone is enough for me. From the posts, I am probably not even near to most folks who suffer on this board. Noteworthy is that I have received care in the North, East Coast, and the South.

I was born in the deep south and I love it here. Unfortunately I have told by one Northern Neurologist and three Southern ones that I did not have neuropathy.

Direct quotes from my permanent written medical record. "We can find no objective reason for M....symptoms....I am skeptical that any of M.... symptoms are neurological in nature."

Last week, I was able to remotely touch base with a southern Neuropathy support group. Most were women and all the women had been told initially that their neuropathy was in their head. My early diagnosis was shocking to them.

Only the kind, supportive folks on this board were able to help me fight for a skin biopsy.

Otherwise, I would be another pain ridden patient with no reason for pain.

I am certain from reading many introductions on this board, regardless of geography, often it is easier to tell someone that their symptoms are stress related than actually take the time and effort to find a root cause.

It is ignorance on the provider's part. Heaven knows that anyone with these symptoms would do anything to get rid of the suffering and go back to being normal. I had no idea how charmed my life before was. Still am working on the stages of grief and appreciating what I still can do.

Neuroproblem, I hope that this is helpful to you.