THis is really so confusing Doctor said that if its an autoimmune related, its unlikely to be symmetrical.

This is the same neuro who does not believe that Levaquin can cause PN.

I had symmetrical problems with my hypothyroid issues.
Both hands and feet, severely. Much of that resolved with thyroid hormone replacement treatment.

Now I have more left foot issues, esp with swelling, but that seems to be another trigger. I have a huge surgical scar on that instep. Swelling stops on vacation, and comes back at home, but so far it has been dormant upon return. I haven't figured it out yet, but magnesium lotion on that foot keeps the swelling and additional pain down, as well. I think the stairs here aggravate it.

I apply magnesium potion in my insteps at bedtime after soaking it in warm water with Epsom salt. I think it helps with the feeling ot "tightness" in that area.

While I have respects for my last neuro, I'm confused with what he said about PN caused by autoimmune that its unlikely to be symmetrical. Maybe I will get more answers as I go along.....

This is what I have personal experience with concerning doctors.

There are those who memorize to get thru school, and rely on memory to work.

Then there are those doctors who learn biological processes in the body and how they progress and lead to other things. Along with the memorization of anatomy etc, these doctors are more understanding of how the body really works.

Autoimmune issues typically are global. The antibodies circulate everywhere and attack tissues that have some code in the peptides that the antibodies recognize. So both sides of the body are typically at risk equally. Only if one side has some circulatory problem that prevents blood from getting there equally to the other, would it be one sided. Metabolic issues are the same. We don't see diabetics who get only one foot affected by neuropathy, as both sides usually are affected. They may not be equal perfectly because of some reduced blood flow perhaps.
My hypothyroidism affected both hands and feet equally. I was in my early 30's then. So my circulation was pretty normal.

Compressive issues in the spine, may however only affect one side. Previous trauma to a leg or arm, may predispose to one side. However, drug induced PN or toxins/poisons would be going all over the body too, and be more global.

You could ask that doctor to explain why autoimmune would not affect both sides... that may reveal something. He might be unable to answer that question, even.

Hi MrsD, there has been alot of talk about auto immune problems. I have another one, and so far I am not finding out alot about it. It seems I go from one to another. found out on tuesday of this week, after an upper GI. It is called eosinophilic esophagitis. Do you know if there is any treatment for this.? I just can't stay healthy. I go in for results of biopsy next tuesday, and for dicussion. I am pretty worried. ginnie

Thank you Mrs.D. You explained it very clearly. I hope doctors have the time to explain issues like this to patient from a layman's point of view.

Hi Ginnie,
What is/are your symptom/s for eosinophilic esophagitis?

I am having real GI problems. I had an abdomen cat scan and nothing shows. The GI doctor is not keen on giving me an endoscopy as I just had a bronchoscopy last month. I am on Nexium but I am having terrible heartburns. Aside from Nexium, I take Ranitidine. Last night, I was awakened by the pain and I could not go back to sleep. I am really concerned because I am on (strong) antibiotics for the next 12-18 months. So, I am really trying to control my GI upset.

I smiled when you said "I just cant stay healthy". So am I. Its like one after the other, and the sad part is, all of them stays....

Thank you.

I failed to ask you, when you said "after upper GI", did you mean an endoscopy or fluoroscopy upper GI?

I am supposed to have a fluoroscopy upper GI using barium, but I am thinking about it because I read in one of the online discussions, that barium is actually used in the lab to grow the Mycobacterium Avium. I wonder reliable is this information....