Dreamer,

Let me back-track to your last reply.

Of course, no one 'wants' to go to doctors, but you have several things going on that NEEDS to be properly evaluated by specialists. Your neuro isn't going to Dx a likely autoimmune disease for you. You have tell-tale signs of one with the joint pain and swelling, then add rapid onset neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction!! You NEED a rheumy to piece together whether an AI disease is responsible...which it sounds like it is. BTW, up to 40% of those with autoimmune disease (myself included) are what they call sero-negative, meaning negative blood tests. They still have the condition, it just has to be proven in different ways (biopsies, US, MRI, etc).

Do you have other symptoms...like fatigue, dry mouth/eyes, rashes (face or anywhere else), low grade fevers, etc? What are your autonomic symptoms and what testing have you had for them?

Your joint swelling/pain can actully help you get a Dx AND appropriate treatment for your neuropathy. They may be able to confirm an inflammatory arthritis by US of the joints looking for fluid and/or joint fluid test. If they can confirm autoimmune process this way, then your neuropathy is likely a result of the AI disease and treatment with IVIG or steroids would be approprate and likely helpful for you.

By all means, you should have the skin biopsy repeated in 6 months for re-evaluation...based upon what Glenn reported and I mentioned earlier. This, with your obvious rheumatological condition, would help determine the exact cause of your neuropathy and what treatment would be best.

Hope this is helpful.