Glenn's statement about being willing to challenge a doctor is the beginning of how I was finally diagnosed. The neuro I was using at the time basically had given up on me. Tests were all negative that he ran. But I was in terrible pain with symptoms of small fiber sensory neuropathy. I had been diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome previously. Thru the help I received on this board and my own research, I was able to print off a series of applicable documents that showed the relationship of neuropathy to Sjogren's Syndrome. I mailed them to the neuro who had given up along with a cover letter telling him that I had spoken to his nurse and she said she didn't think he'd mind receiving some current literature relating to the problem (which was true).

The neuro called me on a Sunday afternoon. Told me he'd read my research and he was referring me to one of his associates who was a neuromuscular specialist. She ran a few tests of her own and told me she agreed with the research I'd found. But we had no way to prove it. She decided to refer me to Mayo Clinic. I eventually received an appointment with the help of a close physcian friend. Mayo diagnosed me with Small Fiber Sensory Neuropathy caused by Sjogren's Syndrome.

It was thru my being willing to challenge the doctor and educate him that I finally received the diagnosis. I continue to educate my neuro and my rheumatologist about the devastating effects of Sjogren's on the nervous system. They are both willing to learn. I feel thru my efforts to educate them both, I am perhaps helping someone else with this illness.

Billye (didn't mean to write a book)