Distal leg: Intraepideramal nerve fiber density is reduced, about 3.4 fibers/mm

Distal thigh: Intraepidermal nerve fiber density is normal, about 8.0 fibers/mm

Proximal thigh: Intraepidermal nerve fiber density is normal, about 8.3 fibers/mm.

Impression: This biopsy is a mild distal small fiber sensory neuropathy.

Is this more of a definitive diagnosis than the EMG / NCS studies? (see previous post for those results.) Normal, abnormal.....after a $40K work-up I still am not sure what to think.

I was taking 2400 mg of Neurontin but cut that back to 1200mg because of swelling / pitting edema, that is not normal for me. Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg per day and Tramadol 50mg as needed. The doc from CC wants me to be tested for Gluten Intolerance but that will wait until after the first of the year because of a change in insurance and having to meet a new deductible. Won't kill me to wait a few more months. Besides, I have 2 sisters-in-law that have celiac sprue and I have never had any of the symptoms that were experiencing when they were diagnosed.

Again.......would love to hear comments, suggestions or just a hello. Was officially diagnosed (or so I thought) back in Jan. and am still adjusting. Life is good right now. Don't know if it is the alpha lipoic acid or a remission period. Either way.....it feels good to be where I am right now and I am sending out good thoughts to all. Enjoy what is left of the summer.......I dread winter!! Wish I could hibernate then........what the heck, might even come out a few pounds lighter!!