Quote:
Originally Posted by Raglet
hi there
I have lupus, which as you probably know is in the same group of diseases as RA, plus I have PN. Have you had nerve conduction studies done ? They are electrical tests, which in my case has shown what type of neuropathy I have (sensori-motor axonal neuropathy) and I have them done every couple of years to monitor how my neuropathy is progressing.
If you have not yet had these tests done, then personally I would talk to your neuro about having them done first. I have not had the nerve biopsy - it wouldn't in anyway affect the treatment of my neuropathy, and the nerve conduction studies plus my symptoms chart the progression of my PN so in my case there just isn't really any point.
If the arthritis is causing the neuropathy, then treatment of the neuropathy will essentially be the same as the treatment of your RA, plus of course any additional medications you may need for pain caused by the PN. The mainstay of the treatment of my PN is my lupus treatment (steriods etc) as by supressing my lupus it is hoped to help my PN. Which in my case has not been successful, but one can only hope.
hth
raglet
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Yes I have had nerve conduction studies IE electrodes on my feet
The specialist wrote back to my rheumatoligist confirming that the tests showed I had nerve damage, My rheumatoligist then suggested the nerve biopsy but said I might have to stay in hospital up to 2 weeks.
But I was under the impression the biopsy was an outpatient procedure.
My rheumatoligist did not expand on why I needed to stay in hospital for 2 weeks. Then I few days ago I had an appoitment with the nero specialist
who did more tests on me with a pin and said he would take some blood tests
and then send for me again, He also said it would be of no benefit to have the biopsy as my nerve damage was already evident.
I feel as though I am being brushed off with excuses now And I am expected
just to live with the PN,Things were bad enough with the arthritus but The PN is getting very panefull now And I dont know what to do next
thankyou all for your input I feel in such a hop;ess situation at the moment.