I was diagnosed with idiopathic PN almost a year ago after a nerve conduction study. I mostly have had parastesia in hands, feet and face, but my symptoms can vary. The PN seems to focus on my left side. I have pain on the left side of my neck and shoulder and severe sciatica in my left leg sometimes. I have had a lot of tests done but I am still searching for what is causing this.

Anyway, I had been having left sided chest and shoulder pain for awhile sometimes with shortness of breath. About 2 weeks ago I experienced heart palpitations that were very alarming to me, so I went to see my PCP who then referred me to a cardiologist. I have seen the cardiologist and he has ordered a stress test and eco cardiogram? or something like that. I had the stress test done the other day and it showed palpations when standing from a seated position and when walking on the treadmill. I am still waiting for the eco test. I mentioned my PN to the cardiologist and he said they are unrelated. However, I keep thinking that maybe I am in the early stages of autonomic neuropathy.

What did the doctor say about the stress test? There is usually a doctor present during the test, so he should have given you his assessment/diagnosis. Did he say it might be postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)? If so, this is an autonomic dysfunction.

The doctor wasn't present during the stress test. There was a technician there that would tell me when the monitor would register the palipatations. They didn't feel like much during the test compared to the alarming one I felt that prompted me to go to my Pcp. Its possible that i have been having them awhile and just didn't realize it. I often get dizzy when I stand but don't necessarily feel a heart palipatation. The technician said they were checking for heart murmer or mitro valve prolaps. He said the echo test will determine a abnormality in the heart valves or if the heart is enlarged. That's all I know for now until my echo test next week. Then the doctor will call to discuss the results. He did mention the possibility of putting me on a beta blocker.

I was on a beta blocker for several years for migraine prophylaxis; later I found that some can cause PN, so it's a possible suspect in my own idiopathic PN. There may not be anything to do about it -- heart outweighs PN -- but it might be something to be aware of.

Doc

I have been researching POTS and came across some information. Apparently, some POTS is neuropathic - caused by peripheral denervation and others are hyperodrenergic POTS - caused by overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. I think my cardiologist was thinking mine is the hyperodrenergic one. However, I'm wondering if it could be the neuropathic one since I do have peripheral neuropathy.

POTS is caused by so many illnesses. Mine is Autonomic Neuropathy. I was so happy to find out so my doctor and I could work to help me heal the nerves. Supplements, nutrient dense foods, no sugar or bad carbs have been wonderful.

lindsayjane, do you have POTS? It is terrible.