My doctor and I agreed for him not to do the skin biopsy because where he was 'supposed' to do it, (top of foot, front of lower leg) I do not have pain. My pain is down the backs of my legs, bottoms of my feet, and in arms, wrists, and hands (just like carpal tunnel symptoms there). I do have occasional pain around my ankles but not frequently. He said if I had SFN, I would have pain in the fronts of my legs as well, and top of foot. I did not do the brain MRI because it was going to cost me $400. EMG's last year showed neuropathy but doc said I was probably just cold. We re-did them this year and doc found no neuropathy in my large fiber nerves. That's why we were going to do the skin biopsy. But now he has told me there is nothing else he can do for me.
This pain started in my hands five or six years ago when I was age 34 or 35. It eventually spread up my arms and began in my feet and up the backs of my legs. I had a carpal tunnel release which did not help. I am presently in physical therapy, which seems to have helped my upper arm pain, but has done nothing for my feet and calves. It does seem to have helped the pain in my butt and hamstrings.
Only prescriptions I have ever really taken is Tramadol, Hydrocodone, Darvocet (have taken a good bit of pain medicine for severe menstrual cramps). I also took Macrobid for a UTI but I already had the upper extremity pain when I did this so I don't think it's the cause. Of course I've had a few antibiotics thru the years.
I spent almost $4000 this year on chelation treatments. None the better.
I've had 2 orthopedic doctors dismiss me and now this neurologist. Just wondering if this could still be SFN. The pain is burning, pinching, sometimes electric shocks. Doesn't usually keep me up at night unless I have been on my feet 'too much' which means not much. The pain is worse when I am on my feet, or when I use my hands too much, especially for small motor movements like typing or cutting up something. I am a new member and any insight is appreciated!