Lately, I have been thinking, does it really matter what KIND of PN we have???

It feels like it does not because the results are the same basically. No matter what form, we all just deal with it the best we can.

I have been wondering lately if my PN is really from my thyroid and trying to decide if I should spend the time and money for all the various tests to figure it out.

But the thing that keeps resonating in my head is why bother? There is no cure, no magic pill, nothing that will change anything even if I get a new label on my pn.

What do you think?

Hi, I am newly diagnosed with IPN and I feel the same way. I have hypothyroidism and for a few years treat.I wonder if I caused it but you're right it doesn't matter and weather is the new title for what we have we still have to deal with it so you're right why should we even bother.

Hi welcome to the board!

Were you told yours is from your thyroid????

Thyroid meds made mine soooo much better when I first got on them but then it came back. Then I upped the meds and it was better briefly, no burns for a week, but now its back full force.

I just don't think it matters.

Family keep telling me I need tests but I just don't see the point. All the research tells me it doesnt matter what KIND it is.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroid in 1998 after my 2 ND child was born. I took medicine for awhile but I wasn't great about it and when we moved out of state I didn't bother finding a new doctor. Only when I hit 40 starred taking health serious. No doctor did not say that's what caused it. I actually read there was a connection in a book. I have taken medicine for it consistently for couple years now and just diagnosed with neuropathy few months ago. I think it might have something to do with it but why spend the $$$ and going the tests just for a new name.

I've thought the same thing, but then I pick myself up and dig in with hope and resolve. Funny you should post this today... have you seen Liza Janes post? It's only idiopathic until you find the cause, maybe.

I agree with you and so does my doctor. I could go through the emg test, thyroid test, on and on and on. My doctor said basically the same thing you just did. The most important part is to keep the pain in control and make do the best we can. Tests are expensive, annoying, and sometimes painful. Doc. didn't want to put me through any more. I wish you all the best Stacy. ginnie

I've asked the same question, and in my case, it matters only somewhat. For those who have 'temporary' PN -- like from a vitamin deficiency or a few other causes -- it indeed matters because finding the cause suggests the cure. For those whose PN is progressing rapidly it also matters because they are racing time.

I gave up on finding the cause of mine because it didn't seem to matter, except that I discovered some triggers that exacerbate it and the RLA that stopped the burning. Even though I repeatedly test negative for any kind of diabetes, my PN reacts as if I were diabetic, so I listen to my body.

Once again, it seems to come down to everyone being different, though I tend to agree that there may be a fair percentage of people for whom the cause may not matter -- only the symptoms can be treated. YMMV.

Doc

Question from relatively new member: what's RLA? (Sorry--I'm familiar with most of the acronyms used on this board and can look up most of the others, but I don't know this one.)

R-Lipoic Acid

There are many threads in the archives.

Doc

Thanks for the speedy reply -- but now I'll bug you with one more question: Is that different from (better than) Alpha Lipoic Acid?