[Chotzey]

Hi Everyone,
I am new here. I have had numbness, burning, itching, pulsating and stabbing pain in my left hand now for about 8 months. I had an EMG done but everything came out normal. I have been to 2 neuro-surgeons because I also have cervical stenosis and a nerve impingement in my lower back in L4 and L5
I have also been to a hand specialists who said this would just go away, but it hasnt, so tomorrow as a referral from the neuro-surgeon Im going to a neurologist. My left hand numbness is my first finger and middle finger, it burns around my knuckles and itches sometimes terribly. I get stabbing, pulsating pain in the top of my hand, when I rub my hand it feels like your rubbing raw nerves. I also have a problem with my left foot, across the 2 left toes the little ones, it also feels like electrical shocks when rubbing them. Today and for the last 3 days my left shoulder, neck and head are really bothering me, it hurts to turn my head, look down and my left shoulder is burning. Does all this sound like neuropathy ? What questions should I ask my neurologists tomorrow ? I just want to find out why I am experiencing this ? I already take 60mg of cymbalta for fibro and depression, 100mg of seroquel for sleep and vicodin for pain..geez what else ?
Thanks for any input,
Chotzey

[Chotzey]

Went to neuro today, he said he thinks its fibromyalgia, I dont know? I have also had fibro for over 12yrs now and I have never experienced numbness in my feet and hands from it. He also said if nothing showed up on the EMG then then it is not neuropathy...again, I thought if it was small fiber neuropathy it wouldnt show up on EMG. Isnt there other tests? He said no. He wants to take me off my cymbalta and put me on Savella..some new drug. This is so frustating. What do you guys think ?

[mrsD]

I answered your other thread.

[cyclelops]

Welcome.

Small fiber neuropathy is diagnosed by an epidermal nerve fiber density biopsy. It is generally done in four locations by skin punch. It is currently available at most teaching hospital neurology depts. If you are not in a teaching or research neuro dept. you may want to go to one to get the biopsy.

I hope you get answers.

[Chotzey]

Originally Posted by cyclelops

Welcome.

Small fiber neuropathy is diagnosed by an epidermal nerve fiber density biopsy. It is generally done in four locations by skin punch. It is currently available at most teaching hospital neurology depts. If you are not in a teaching or research neuro dept. you may want to go to one to get the biopsy.

I hope you get answers.

How do you find teaching hospital neurology depts. ?

[dahlek]

In that you've docs or interns or undergrad students who've never heard of any or remember much of the neuro aspects of many problems we encounter. Therefore, you have to recite 'your story' in about 45 seconds! That's the extent of their attention span?
At times tho, with a good neuro and a curious staff? You get good questions asked of you that just mite help you.
I have to say that it really depends on the doc, the # of students in tow and how big or small the exam room is? When you've got five docs and YOU in a room? I don't know about you, but I begin to feel sort of 'outnumbered'?
Since I've had my neuropathy for several years now tho, I've learned how to keep it short and sweet and interesting. That last part-makes it personal and you bet these folks once they get into practice will remember YOU and your circumstances! That they don't forget YOU will help many others in the long run as well - so learn to be concise and accurate regarding all you've been tested for and where you are in the diagnosis process now.
BTW? Chotzey? How did it go today? I've got my fingers crossed [as best they can do] for you! 's -j

[cyclelops]

I would do an internet search for a neuro department affilliated with a university, or else as for referral. I was referred so I was lucky to get in faster. Good docs have long waiting lists. A referral and call from your current doc could get you in faster.

If you go to a university setting you may get students. Luckily for me, I got just the professor of neurology, and no student. Usually if I get students, it is just one. I always see the top neuro doc at each visit, and mine is quite accessible.