Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesfan
Hi Kazzak
I have an auto-immune condition so I did ask specific questions about that being the cause (answer: possibly) but as I had other problems at the same time (medication toxicity & recent appendectomy) and also have osteoarthritis they couldn't give me a definite cause.
They didn't label it idiopathic but only because I got in first and said I wouldn't accept that label. My nerve conduction studies were negative and they didn't suggest any further testing: eg skin biopsy for Small Fiber Neuropathy (public health system = don't spend money unless you have to)
The only good thing to come out of the appt. was that at least it's now on my medical records and if I have to go back into hospital I can insist that they don't give me any medications that are likely to aggravate the PN.
I don't know who your insurer is but I searched "skin biopsy testing for small fiber neuropathy testing in NZ" and came up with the policy requirements for Aetna Health:
http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/700_799/0774.html
You may be able to get that done here if you meet your insurer's criteria.
Here's a very good article on the use of testing to help with diagnosis of SFN - it may be useful to help your insurer understand the need for the test.
http://practicalneurology.com/2009/10/PN1009_06.php
Just out of curiosity did you have any first-time vaccines within 6 mths prior to developing the PN? |
Hey thanks for that I really do appreciate it. No I didn't have any first-time vaccines prior to getting symptoms. I had the usual flu injection but I have had that every year for at least 10 years. I had a minor sore throat but honestly it was not even bad enough to get strepsils for.
The other thing is I went to Europe about 3-4 months before the symptoms began and ran two marathons in two weeks so don't know if I picked up anything from that. But don't even take Panadol usually.
The weird thing is some days I feel really good, but the thing really worrying me at the moment is the pain in my ankles which is often accompanied by burning and a bit of numbness in first three toes. I can run still but wondering if I am doing any damage. I'm a physio and can't seem to reproduce symptoms with range of movement and strength. So I guess that is why I am going to see musculoskeletal/rheumatologist specialist. Apparently he is used to rare things, he has history with SJorgens and stuff like that.
Did you get a skin biopsy? I want to leave no stone unturned....
