Still trying to find the cause of my SFN. My dad also suffers from it. We are in the process of doing tests for hereditary links and autoimmune markers, but it occurred to me that both my dad and I had major surgery and both had blood transfusions. I received 4 units, which I think means 4 different people. Don't know how many my dad had, but his was open heart surgery, so it was probably more than one unit.

Does anyone else have blood transfusions in their past, and, if so, did you ever find out your transfusion was the cause of acquired autoimmune problems?

I may be reaching here, but thought I throw it out to the group and see if it's possible.

My husband has had many red cell and platelet transfusions but his PN is drug related. We know many who have had multiple blood products as a result of bone marrow disorders that never got PN from it. So I would venture to say there is not a connection. Red cells are closely matched so that you don't have a reaction, but over time, after multiple transfusions, your body can develop anti-bodies to blood products. That's why they cross and match your blood to the blood they are planning to use for your transfusion. They check for more than just blood type.

Marlene

Please look thru this set of guidlines and info put out by the FDA about it all. It's a pretty thorough and detailed set of processes that MUST be maintained to collect and then redistribute blood and blood products.
http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVac...od/default.htm
As one who receives and depends on a part of 'blood' called IVIG monthly? I keep up to date on these rules and regs and well, sort of KNOW what I'm getting? Believe me! The FDA doesn't mess around with bad blood! No way! No How!
I've had three general [possible]transfusions in my life. One, possibly, before I'd gotten neuropathy by several years? Two others after I'd gotten an Autoimmune neuropathy [Cancer surgery, and leg surgery] You have to BET that docs during both those surgeries? Matched and quadrupley* checked my blood [and IG infusion Status] with the donor contributions! [Docs DON'T want the possible liabilities]
That is not to say that maybe the extra blood or the reason for the infusions set OFF SOMETHING ELSE in your system?
Do you have any other contributing factors? Such as you had the flu? [THIS was my downfall] Or, diabetes or pre-diabetes? Those can mess you up in that hospital setting for sure! Let's NOT talk about BLOND food either?
What were your blood tests showing? Do you have copies? You CAN learn a LOT from those, if you have them or when you get them. Those test can teach you about YOU on a lot of issues and factors! It's interesting even if you are 'chemistry impaired' such as I happen to be!
Have you checked out this site about Neuropathies? It is a BIG one? But can help you narrow down some aspects of your neuropathy 'developing'..so to speak: http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/naltbrain.html Don't let this 'tech' talk intimidate you? It's short sweet and truly too concise! That's useful for the starters-and you also KNOW you are NOT alone! 's! - j

* Is this a word? Seems right but not sure.....

Yep, have spent many hours on that site, digging into every possible cause. It's still early in my testing so we don't have answers yet. But that site is FASCINATING and very helpful in narrowing down the possibilities.

OK, so I guess I'll throw out the blood transfusion idea and keep looking.

Thanks!

WHAT TO Do NOW?
Main approach is to 'Treat the Symptoms' and then go from there.
In the meantime? I have to suggest that you wait until you get any and all test results! BE SURE TO GET COPIES IN YOUR HANDS! Don't leave the doc's office until you have them!
What do I say 'wait'? Because I've gone thru it THREE TIMES!
First with the CIDP/PN issue; second with a Cancer issue; and last? With a Thyorid Issue. You can burn your emotional, rational and physical aspects trying to FIND out what's wrong with you? But w/o TESTS, then, likely more tests? It all means zip. You are learning a bunch of Necessary and unnecessary info. Don't crowd your mind with 'Stuff" you don't need to crowd it with! That's why I say to save your energy for when it is needed!
This is an older article, but still relevant.... just take a look at Chart 1 for all the 'variables' that can and do happen.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980215ap/poncelet.html To me? That chart alone is priceless in giving one a handle on all the 'possibilities' each person could have! IN the meantime? DON'T PANIC!!! Unless you get something 'progressing'....meaning moving up your legs or such.. IF it moves in days? Get squeezed in with your neuro and explain why. IF slow, explain and see if you can get squeezed in this week. That's better than having it IGNORED! Don't sneeze at progressions! Mine started slowly, then after 3 weeks steamrollered me! THEN, again? Be sure you get copies of ALL the TESTS! They can mean something important later on. Trust me on this!
Keep faith that you aren't crazy yet? Tho this stuff can get you crazy-ish in the process? Just be persistent and learn as much as you can from general stuff such as the article I'd cited... [others are up in the general 'stickies'] Take a look.
Hugs 's and keep at it! Be politely assertive and don't accept that nothing's wrong with you! - j
[Even tho you mite want to bash some heads in? It's NOT productive, much as one would like.]