Hi,

REQUEST:
Please recommend a neurologist in North County of San Diego County who is open to alternative therapies and just open to patient's issues in general.

DIAGNOSIS: Idiopathic Small Fiber Polyneuropathy

INTRODUCTION:
After having given birth to my daughter in 2007, I became a proactive patient in search of what was happening to me. In 2009, after having seen over 20 "speciality" doctors, I was finally diagnosed with idiopathic small fiber polyneuropathy by Dr. Louise Oaklander at MA General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Oaklander is one of the top SFPN doctors in Boston, has a lab on-site for research, and a speaker/advocate on behalf of neuropathy patients. I kept searching for other doctors to find a "cause", but to no avail. The last doctor, a rheumotologist, basically stated to me to stop searching and start dealing with managing my pain. So that is what I am currently doing.

In the time that I was searching for a diagnosis, I used Tylenol w/Codeine, ice, acupuncture, etc and nothing helped. After I was diagnosed, I went on Gabapentin for a little over a year and slowly weened myself off of it as I dealt with too many side effects from the drug (e.g., weight gain, lethargy, dizziness, lack of concentration, etc.). I began to look at my test results and saw that I was on the low end of "ranges" in a couple of areas: Vitamin E, Vitamin B1. With the support of my wonderful PCP, Dr. Sheila Tapp at HVMA in Boston, I began to take supplements to address those issues, and other supplements (Liquid Vitamin B-Complex with B-12, Liquid Vitamin D, Liquid Calcium/Magnesium I can tell that my pain level -- in general -- is changing since 2007; however, I still have a pain level of 2-3 each day throughout the day, and will have the occasional flare-ups all over my body (pain levels 8-10), where I just go to bed and rest. I have my Lidocaine patches for some relief, etc. I was going to an acupuncturist who worked at a clinic that catered to many HIV/AIDS patients who had peripheral neuropathies. Albeit I am not HIV-positive, I had faith in this Boston clinic that they could address my health issue with SFPN. I also tried to hydrotheraphy (i.e., basically hitting the jacuzzi) and getting a full-body massage every other month. I also tried to exercise (walk, light stretches, tone building) when I could. BTW, I work full-time and care for my daughter.

My family and I moved to Southern California, and I've now lost my entire health network of doctors and alternative therapists. I would like to build a network up here in North County of San Diego County. We live in Carlsbad. I am currently googling for information and I have searched through this forum, but I thought that this forum would be helpful with feedback.

I understand everyone's body is different and SFPN affects people differently as well, but if you know of good neurologists, good acupuncturists, massage therapists, please reply to my thread.

Thank you well in advance. Cheers. - Rise