I had pretty much already decided that not much would be gained by doing a nerve biopsy at this time. My neuropathy has not progressed since my Crohn's and ankylosing spondylitis was brought under control two years ago. My neurologist, who by the way specializes in neuropathy, said a biopsy might be necessary in the future should the neuropathy change in any manner.

While I am relieved to have the correct diagnosis, I am very angry at the road getting here. My PCP and first GI dismissed my complaints of symptoms 3.5 years. It was only when I could no longer stand the pain and was forced to beg my PCP for help did he send me for an EMG. That was six months after symptoms began. It took another 1.5 yrs to get my PCP to give me the insurance required referral to a neurologist. That neuro misread the EMG reports, did some more blood work, and pronounced that my large fiber neuropathy was idiopathic. Then I got 100% smarter about PN by reading this group's postings, the articles you stickied at the old BT, and using Lisa Jane's charts. I realized my old neuro had no clue what he was talking about and had not done the necessary tests to make ANY informed decision about my case.

My husband's death necessitated an insurance change and I researched and found an excellent neuro. This guy has done the tests not previously done, redid the EMG/NVC, and felt that the punch biopsy was in order to confirm the small fiber neuropathy and the extent.

I also need to take some responsibility for not being more aggressive when I was initially told I had PN. I was far too accepting of what I was told. However, I was dealing with two other diseases that hit me at the same time and was bouncing from specialist to specialist. Lesson learned.

Thanks for all the help you have given me these last couple years. You have made a HUGE difference....