Originally Posted by Apex Clipper

Hi Usif,



While I cannot speak to your diagnoses or future prognosis I'm responding here because your story is near identical to mine and I just joined the forum two days ago also seeking information.



I had the same progression in both feet and hands with it now progressing up my lower legs and a hint of now progressing to the forearms. I was also always healthy all my life and paid attention to my diet. I had the same blood work-ups, brain MRI and just recently a second neurologist performed an EMG test which was negative, at which point he confirmed SFN with cause unknown. I'm awaiting results of autoimmune & thyroid blood tests.



The first neurologist states there are no more diagnostic tests available for me, however after some research that does not appear to be accurate so that can be challenging also. You may have to continue to press for all possible diagnostic avenues and be your own advocate even when others are doubting or dismissing you.



I can relate to your stress and fear of where this may be heading, at the onset of this I started imagining the worst. Would I eventually be incapacitated? The frustration mounts because doctors can't be sure of anything so you can't get straight forward predictions. Yep, it's easy for others, even family members, even some doctors, to not fully understand the affect of this condition as they can't see any outward appearance of the disease. In some cases some people won't even believe you and paradoxically the more outwardly stressed you appear some might start pegging you as being psychosomatic. My advice would be to ignore them, stay strong, stay focused and work with your doctors.



Perhaps being significantly older than you I've had more time to practice dealing with stress. As best you can pay attention to your breathing, when you feel the anxiety make a conscious effort to breathe slow and rhythmic. Get up, move around, go outside for some fresh air. I know it's easier said then done but try not to constantly run worst case scenarios in your mind, it just becomes a negative feedback loop. With practice you can calm things without the meds. I try to remind myself that none of my worrying will change the outcome so I try to manage things as they come, one step at a time, the best I can.



Have your doctors prescribed anything to try and relieve the SFN symptoms? I was prescribed gabapentin, being a health nut of sorts I don't like taking pills but it has significantly taken the edge off the nerve symptoms without any noticeable side effects. If you can mitigate the discomfort that goes hand in hand with reducing stress, at least it has for me.



Stay strong and good luck!