mumof3,
FWIW, I am also a 41-yo male with PN, have had it for 7 years. Get some tests run to determine whether or not it is likely neuropathy, and try to find a cause. High blood sugar (diabetes or or less severe glucose intolerance) and vitamin B-12 deficiency are common causes. In the meantime, have him eat a healthy diet, exercise, and maybe try some stress reduction techniques. Supplements are benefiting some of us, for example B-12 (as methylcobalamin), magnesium, alpha-lipoic acid (or r-lipoic acid), evening primrose oil, acetyl l-carnitine.

Visit this page http://sites.google.com/site/basicpoke/neuropathy
and see "Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire" and "Nutrients for Neuropathy," which are from the book "The Numb Foot Book."

Electron

mumof3,
If you live in the UK or not- the Liza Jane spreadsheets list all the tests for every possible form of PN. These tests are available universally. and if some places are not equipped to do them, Johns Hopkins has a mail-in kit for the skin punch biopsy that any GP can follow instructions on how to obtain the samples and send then off.
These spreadsheets were designed for PN'ers by PN'ers and medical professionals.
Use them, they're free.

The site is http://www.lizajane.org/

But, can he go to a neuro specialist who's not in network and get the testing done? AND thus a diagnosis? Or, can you go to another GP w/the line 'we aren't communicating well' and get another doc to look at him? IS there any wiggle room in your medical system to have another doc's opinion and look-see? Here in the US it often takes 3 months for a new patient evaluation ... I'm betting it's longer in the UK and ONLY WITH a GP referral, am I right?
There is a PN resource in the UK...web up 'Peripheral neuopathy UK' and I'll bet you'll find it...Maybe they can steer you to better ways of 'doing things'? I don't know.
One of the hardest things about PN is getting a good diagnosis from the 'get go'! Then treating it before one becomes too crippled or emotionally drained to cope with it.
Keep trying, PLEASE! And, let us know how things are going, too? We Like to know if something HELPS? OR NOT!
Hugs and good things to the both of you! 's - j

--my typing apparently is not as good as it should be (and thanks to Electron for correcting my mistake with the Liza Jane site).

I realize, mumof3, that being in the UK might complicate things insofar as getting other doctors/opinions, but as you'll see from the Liza Jane site, your husband has hardly scratched the surface as regards potential diagnostic testing. I know that in the UK the general practitioners serve a very strong gatekeeping function, but continue to advocate to get him to a specialist. And the age of 41 is hardly too young to get neuropathy--while it shows up more often in older people, it is hardly exclusive to them (as you can see by the participation here).

Thanks for all the responses

I am aware that we've only scratched the surface of PN, which is why I joined you guys - I'll do whatever it takes to get the right or wrong diagnosis, I am the pushy one as far as health issues go in our family.

I did gather that any age can get PN after reading through some of the posts, if I was in the consultation room at the time the GP said this, I would of been quick to put him right.

My hubby did mention to another GP about these pins and needles whilst being treated for a back problem, but this GP dismissed my hubby, saying he couldnt deal with two things at one appointment.

I do feel that the original GP, who my hubby saw on monday, is now doing his best to put things right, but like I said, I have lost faith.

GP says it will be approx 8 weeks before he'll get to see the neuro specialist - I will go with him for this and shall be asking all the questions my hubby will not think of.

In the meantime, I shall continue to research things and thank you for the websites etc - I'll keep you posted.

Hi Mum of Three
I am also in the UK and would like to prepare you for more than an 8 week wait, Neurologists are thin on the ground here and it has taken me quite a considerable time to be seen and I haven't even had more than the blood tests. I have had symptoms since my early 30s and diagnosed by my GP 2 years ago- I am now 44.
Good luck to your husband and best wishes.

Say you're open to any cancelled appointments provided there's a few hours notice? You bet folks cancel and you could be squished in sooner! Eval Consultations take longer than regular office visits? But if one is cancelled? YOU ARE LIKELY IN! Just prepare to stop and change directions in life for that cancellation! AND don't ever ASK why that someone else cancelled.
Your initial GP should be apologetic! AND he should work his *ss off to make up for such a mistake. Ask for and request a copy of what he's sent to that insurance company to correct that issue? Or it could become a problem for life regarding disability in the future-His[docs'] mistake, unless you have proof that it's had attempts to be corrected, are not good things to have in files!
Good luck! Keep faith that it's likely something 'simple' - I hope and pray that it is! 's - j

Hey Malawigirl08 - Can't believe you've had symptoms for so long and only got diagnosed a couple of years ago My hubby has had his symptoms for around five years. We do seem to wait ages in our medical service here in the UK. Got a referral letter this morning, made the appointment online - 5th Oct, not too bad, was expecting to wait longer. I shall be going with my hubby to ask all the questions he won't ask

dahlek - thank you, hubby got a copy of the letter the GP wrote to insurance and he has very openly admitted he was wrong to diagnose as there are no other symptoms and he is not a neuro specialist! I get the feeling he will be more than helpful with regards to my hubby's symptoms.