FAQ/Help |
Calendar |
Search |
Today's Posts |
06-06-2012, 07:46 AM | #1 | ||
|
|||
Junior Member
|
Hello again! I recently. Have been dx'd with small fiber neuropathy by skin punch biospy on foot and ankle. I really appreciate the responses that I have received and begs me to ask my doctor more questions at our next appointment. One suggestion raised was Dorsal Root Ganglion involvement and after doing a lot of reading on the subject it seems to Be a logical step to take. However, being as I've been struggling for 15 years With his and have finally found a dr. Who at least bothered to test me, how do I go about broaching he subject without alienating him. It appears in the past whenever I question a. Dr. It becomes a very touchy subject and in then end told to live With It. I do not want to alienate this dr.as I feel he may be he last one I see that can provide answers.I also wonder why he only tested 2 sites instead of the required 3 that would have told the SFN is not only in my foot. Also as I have exCeSsivee sweating, frequent UTi's, IBS, difficulty. Urinating, a Qsart test would clarify. Autonomic involement, but yet again I am fearful of saying anything. If. Anyone out there can think of a diplomatic way for. Me to handle this I would be eternally grateful!! Also the. Dr has put me on Methotrexate. Has anyone else tried this and how did it help?thAnk you again for your responses!! Thank God I found this site!!
|
||
Reply With Quote |
06-06-2012, 09:29 AM | #2 | |||
|
||||
Senior Member (**Dr Smith is named after a character from Lost in Space, not a medical doctor)
|
If you'll google: how to talk to a doctor you'll find a number of articles on how to do that effectively.
This article may also be helpful/of interest. Doc
__________________
Dr. Zachary Smith Oh, the pain... THE PAIN... Dr. Smith is NOT a medical doctor. He was a character from LOST IN SPACE. All opinions expressed are my own. For medical advice/opinion, consult your doctor. |
|||
Reply With Quote |
06-06-2012, 10:04 AM | #3 | |||
|
||||
Wisest Elder Ever
|
Well, I have a couple of comments.
1) if you DO have damage in the dorsal roots, there is not much you can do about it. Ability to repair this damage varies genetically from person to person. Healing is all one can expect, as there are no RX drug treatments for it. Symptom reduction (palliative care) is all that is available. 2) But if your doctor suspects, autoimmune factors, then methotrexate is one drug he/she may try. Examples of conditions that are autoimmune are Sjogren's and lupus. One cannot really control doctors... or force them into anything IMO. They do what they do and that is that. I would consider those chronic UTIs however, because many drugs that treat these infections can cause PN. Doctors are not going to support this contention, because they typically ignore and avoid any culpability and will not blame other doctors or testify against them. IBS can result from deranged bacterial flora in the gut, which comes about from multiple or long term antibiotic use. So when patients have multiple medical issues, and get various treatments, the situation may become what is called iatrogenic---doctor caused. Doctors consider this a consequence of treatment, and typically do not explain this to the patients. Also this is termed benefit vs risk. In general the doctor makes this decision and typically does not involve you. At times they may inform, but many times they do not.
__________________
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.-- Galileo Galilei ************************************ . Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017 **************************** These forums are for mutual support and information sharing only. The forums are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.
|
|||
Reply With Quote |
06-06-2012, 02:51 PM | #4 | |||
|
||||
Senior Member
|
If the doctor is ordering methotrexate, then he must be thinking autoimmune. What tests have you had for this?
I would not 'question' the doctor, but instead implant the ideas/thoughts you have in the way that he would think they are his ideas...if you know what I mean. You can also start by saying, "what are your thoughts on..." This opens the door for him. |
|||
Reply With Quote |
"Thanks for this!" says: |
06-06-2012, 03:01 PM | #5 | |||
|
||||
Wisest Elder Ever
|
Yes, I call this "going in the back door"... It is very helpful when training children and pets too! LOL In essence you let them think it is THEIR idea, but it is you who implanted it.
Neurologists can be the worst when it comes to being arrogant and stubborn however. Also I'd like to remind: People on methotrexate are typically given folic acid with it, because the Methotrexate depletes it in the body.
__________________
All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.-- Galileo Galilei ************************************ . Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017 **************************** These forums are for mutual support and information sharing only. The forums are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here.
Last edited by mrsD; 06-06-2012 at 06:18 PM. |
|||
Reply With Quote |
06-09-2012, 09:21 AM | #6 | ||
|
|||
Junior Member
|
Quote:
|
||
Reply With Quote |
06-09-2012, 10:17 AM | #7 | |||
|
||||
Senior Member
|
As MrsD said, some doctors (especially neurologists) can be stubborn. I would just ask him outright to do one additional site since the foot was positive. If he refuses, then I'd look for a second opinion.
I would also find out WHY he prescribed the methotrexate...what EXACTLY is he treating with it (if for PN, then what is the core problem causing it)? You don't usually Rx methotrexate without some basis for it's use. Something tells me that he doesn't think there is nothing wrong with you; or he wouldn't be treating you. Have they done any tests for autoimmune diseases? Have you been tested for Sjogren's...better yet, do you even have any symptoms of Sjogren's? |
|||
Reply With Quote |
06-19-2012, 08:13 AM | #8 | ||
|
|||
Junior Member
|
Quote:
|
||
Reply With Quote |
06-19-2012, 09:26 AM | #9 | |||
|
||||
Senior Member
|
Well, you really seem to be between a rock and a hard place. You really need another doctor to look at this objectively...and I agree an addition site of the skin biopsy would prove helpful.
Frankly, starting the methotrexate is backwards to protocol. They should test FIRST for the Sjogren's, not AFTER taking it. Methotrexate can possible alter the result of the lip biopsy...as it's an immune suppressant. So your results may come back negative when you really may have Sjogren's and the methotrexate is masking it. Sorry to hear your options for medical care are so limited. Have you tried some of the supplements listed on the stickies to see if you get any relief?? If not, that would be the place to start. |
|||
Reply With Quote |
"Thanks for this!" says: | mrsD (06-19-2012) |
Reply |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Newly Diagnosed - Small Fiber/Large Fiber Neuropathy! Please Help! | Peripheral Neuropathy | |||
small fiber neuropathy | New Member Introductions | |||
Small Fiber, Large Fiber & Autonomic Neuropathy | Peripheral Neuropathy | |||
Small Fiber Neuropathy (or Length-Dependent Neuropathy) | PN Tips, Resources, Supplements & Other Treatments | |||
Small fiber Neuropathy | Peripheral Neuropathy |