Well, since the docs aren't finding anything, and my PN is slowly marching up my legs, I've asked them to do a test for Aids and re-test for Diabetes and thyroid.
Over nine months ago they ran diabetes and thyroid tests, both were "normal" but still close to the high area. As I read the boards, and other info, I keep running across info that says it can be attributed to Aids. God Forbid, but my Ex-Husband was not faithful to me, maybe he gave it to me. So, I've requested an appointment to be tested for it along with a re-test on the other two. We will see if anything comes of it. If nothing else, at least peace of mind that I don't have PN as a result of that!

Like all of you, I'm still trying to find a reason, a cause, something that will help me. I just can't give up. I'm so "tired" all the time. I need 10 hours of sleep at night now, I used to be fine with 7. Feet hurt all the time, and I'm at the maximum dosage of Topamax.

Guess it's time to start the drug cocktails. None of the Neuro Docs at Kaiser in Santa Clara or San Jose CA have experience with PN, so it's hard to get them to listen.

I'll keep you up to date, first to see if they will do the tests, and second, what the results are. The only reason I think the Diabetes test is necessary, I had a cut on my hand and it seemed to take a long time to heal, and it seemed to heal very weird, more like a burn than a scrape... not normal looking.

Anyone with Diabetes can tell me if their cuts or scrapes heal differently than they used to heal before diabetes?

Thanks,
Terri

The PN is connected to the DRUGS used for AIDs, mostly. Progressive PN is not common with the AIDs virus itself:

http://millercenter.uchicago.edu/lea...hiv_aids.shtml

poor healing can be due to low zinc status and poor EFA (essential fatty acid status) as well.
I have threads about this on our vitamin forum.

Thyroid is an issue, but it typically does not progress up from the feet or hands. My experience has been confined
to hands and feet only when it was at its worst.

Refresh my own semi-traumatized memory..HOW LONG has this been going on?

Don't bother testing for AIDS...if you can, simply ask if they could 'do' both auto-immune panels and cancer panels....I'll bet lite bulbs mite go off...Tho for both or either on their own I hope all is negative...Isn't that one test always done rite off? And others are right, it's the s/e's from AIDS treatments that cause neuropathies, as in cancer's chemo patients....

Did you have a really bad cold or flu a couple of months before? My case it was 4 months. I ask as that was my case...and it'd turned out that my immune system went into over or 'hyper'-drive BIG time... You have worked w/docs...ASK the silly 'what abouts?' that usually pushe the 'ego' buttons as to NOT omitting SOME MORE of the all of the zillions of options. OFTEN it works...But, my most recent experience about Hashi's is, I guess, an example of 'out of their purview'? in that I'd asked the neuro 'THYROID is not an issue?' Answer was always YES IT IS NOT. And whoa and behold the 'hyper-t' had become auto-immune Hashi's...Good thing the neuro'd upped my IVIG dosage? Huh? Maybe it's good that my Ocon who's also a Hema got some possible dots connected.. Treatments not really changing but peace of mind is a heap better... HANG IN THERE... We all are not stupid, nor did our parents raise us under a bunch of ROCKS! HUGS - j

Yes it's the drug's not the aids.But you may be take you choice Pre-
or border-line Diabetic. So i'm glad you checking. Yes i had a hard
time healing..Did you ever get better transportation,because that was
quite a hike to work and back. Let us know what the tests say. Sue

Before my health issues surfaced. I noticed that I had very slow healing and heavy hair loss. Mine is no doubt related to autoimmune issues. I also (still) have problems with sore places on my scalp, which initially would come up like a pimple in hair follicles. They would clear up somewhat on various antibiotics, but would always come back. They still come up frequently, except now they are filled only with fluid and are VERY sore.

Cathie

Hi Terri, one of the side affects to Topamax can be fatigue, perhaps taking a high dose may be contributing to your tiredness, may be worth talking to your doctor about it.http://www.migraines.org/treatment/protpmax.htm, just look under" Possible side affects".

With slow healing, i was labeled as prediabetic 4 years back, but i had no problem with slow healing at any time.
I am wondering if they give you a 3 -5 glucose tolerance test, my prediabetes was not showing up on a normal Glucose blood test.
good luck
Brian