I would really like to hear what you guys have to say about this.

I've never been to a neurologist or had any blood work related to neuropathy. I've had 2 nerve conduction tests at a local rehab clinic (3 years apart) and was sent on my way with a prescription for Neurontin. Nerve conduction was normal and report stated symptoms consistent with SFN.

I don't know if I'm "different" or not, but I think what may be happening is a possible underlying neuropathy coupled with a raft of significant side effects from my COPD meds. NOBODY wants to address that, most of the time I've been told that what I was describing was attributable to neuropathy or COPD. At one point I was told it didn't matter, that I should just treat the symptoms but I have not been comfortable doing that when no one will even acknowledge there may be some issues with the meds. I recently had physical therapy, PT said in her opinion they all know exactly what is going on, they just don't want to get into it because they want me to stay on the meds.

I'm not an idiot (except with respect to computers lol), I'm a college graduate with enough of a science background to have been very aware of the human tendency to assign meaning to random symptoms and have tried not to do that. I think anyone with common sense would have come to the same conclusions I have.

My PCP told me that seeing a neurologist was a waste of time and $ because there was no cure for neuropathy anyway. I'd like to know what others think of that and if anyone has had experience with meds for other conditions exacerbating pain, etc. Also both meds in question have low incidence association with parathesias, any comments on that appreciated even if you think its something I don't want to hear. I'm going to see Pulmo on Monday and trying to find as much information as I can.

Thanks,
Zygo...in case anyone is wondering a Zygopetalum is an orchid, had just gotten one when I registered and that was all I could think of for a user name....ha

As far as I know there isn't a cure for neuropathy. Just treat the symptoms. If you really want to see a neuro pester your PCP till you do, or fire that one and start fresh.

I agree that visiting a Neuro is a waste of time, at least in my experience. On my virst visit I had some electrical test that confirmed I had neuropathy. He offered me a prescription for a pain killer. I declined. I also had a blood test which did not tell anything. .

I have never been interested in finding the type of neuropathy since there is no cure. When a cure becomes available, I may want to investigate the type.

My doc says the same but I need to differ from this opinion. Mentally I cannot accept that my condition is ideopathic, what if it is being caused by something treatable and I am doing nothing about this.
I too would sack the neurologist and keep searching for answers. Good luck.

I think you need to see a neurologist. I have seen 2 and though they did not do much for me they did rule out a lot of conditions. I think that it is important to make sure there is not another condition that could be causing this. I will say though my 1st emg was done by a physciatrist and I was not dx with PN. Then I went to a neurologist and had more extensive testing NC again,mri,etc and I was dx with PN. I don't know the reason behind why I have PN even through all my extensive testing. So for me now it is about pain control and why I have seen pain doctor/anestesolgist who I feel work more with meds and treatment then a neuro or gp.
In the mean time can you have blood work done? That is a simple test that could possibly show something such as low b12 or diabetic etc.
Hang in there

--on the type of neurologist.

Most classically trained neurologists are not specialists in neuromuscular disorders or neuropathy; they tend to be more focused on stroke or epiilepsy of other central nervous system disorders.

It might make a difference to see a neurologist at a major research hospital or tertiary center who specializes in these areas--such people are also often researchers and are much more familiar with types of conditions and testing for them. They are found more often at major med centers--Cornell Weill/Columbia Presbyterian in NYC, Massachusetts General in Boston, Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, The Jack Miller Center in Chicago, etc.