We must have vastly different doctors, because almost all of mine—including the neuropathy specialists at the medical center—have freely admitted that they don't know much about neuropathy.

Some have said they do learn things from savvy patients who do their own research (that the doctors don't have time to do), while others (the institutional variety) have tunnel vision, and can't/won't admit/acknowledge anything that isn't endorsed/blessed by the institution (like the medical center specialist who dismissed RLA because, "I read they're doing something with it in Europe, BUT... yadda, yadda, yadda..."

Relax—I can ramble with the best of 'em! ;) :D

Doc

Nope. Just a funny pic I came across. I was going to link to a clip af Arte Johnson saying, "Verry interesting..." but it seemed a bit tired.

Doc

Just a few quickie points--
 

It's certainly possible for osteoarthritis, through shifting of bone position and compression on nerves, to cause neuropathies, or to exacerbate existing ones. In fact, much of what is termed radiculopathy--neuropathies of the spinal nerve roots--would be caused by osteoarthritis in the spine overgrowing the spinal foramen, the openings the nerve roots pass through as they exit the spine (look, on imaging reports, for terms like "hypertrophy" or uncinate process"). This type of neuropathy is usually confined to the dermatome of the affected nerve roots, though, and would feel "different" from a more diffuse neuropathy.

Now, rheumatoid arthritis is certainly associated with neuropathy (as, indeed, are all the vascultic/connective tissue autoimmune conditions), but this is much more likely to be inflammatory in nature or due to blood vessel compromise. I suppose, though, with sufficient inflammatory swelling nerves might also be mechanically compressed.

See:

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/antib...max.html#rheum

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/antib...html#vascassoc

:Hum: I must be of the very few who hear what the doctor is saying. I know much more about my problem than any GP so I try to educate them some but not that much as they probably will never see another patient with what I have and they don't have time anyway. Besides they are busy keying in anything else and not really listening. If they do see someone else with my problem, they would not know it. :Noooo: And they surely do not have much time nowadays with a patient. :(

In saying that, a neurologist who knows CMT very well is great to have. :) They can understand the problem.

Hi everyone.
I went to my rheumo today. We spoke about the osteoporosis and cymbalta ( Mrs D I took the research you sent me) turned out he did know about this s/e.

He said I need to come off,the cymbalta. I spoke with him about trying Wellbutrin (also info from this site). He agreed.

I have to taper off the cymbalta within the next two weeks then start the Wellbutrin. Needless to say, I am nervous about the withdraw from cymbalta. My doctor didn't seem to think it should be any problem. I take 90 mgs now and he wants me to decrease it by 30 every couple of days.

I will start the Wellbutrin after I'm finished tapering off the cymbalta.

Has anyone come off of cymbalta before? The articles on line make it seem awful.

Hopeful;
I wish you all the best in switching these medications.
Symbalta was once prescribed for me by my PCP, that is when I was on Neurontin for neuropatht. He said the combination of the two would work. I only took one pill, and I got so sick for the rest of the day with nausea etc.

Hope you get to the right combination treatment that work for you.
Synnove

Glenntaj,
I read your post in this thread with interest. I have printed out your link and studied it. Think I have seen it before too.

Do you have any comments on the use of Rituxan for the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis/vasculitis/and neuropathy.??

Thanks
Synnove

Please don't shoot yourself in the foot—that's not "hopeful"! ;)

IF you encounter problems, you have a support network here that will do their best to help you through it.

BUT it's no biggie, and you're going to come through it fine, RIGHT? ;)

Doc

Your so right Dr. Smith. No sense in worrying! I do have a wonderful support system here.

I was wondering though, I dropped my cymbalta by 30 mgs today and I am really jittery. My nursing head says that can't be possible my blood levels could not have come down yet.

Am I right? Maybe I drank more caffine than usual.( I know I'm not suppose to drink caffeine I was trying to clean up my house and needed it)!

Duloxetine (Cymbalta) has a half life around 12 hrs (8-17). Does that fit the time frame? If not, it was probably the caffeine, or maybe the two in... combination(?) (that's not the word I'm searching for, but it gets the idea across).

Doc