Hi, Sorry but this is a long one.

My recent neuropathy symptoms keep expanding like never before through out my entire body. It had only been in my right foot before this. It started with increasingly burning parasthesia plus expanding numbness in my feet and patches where it feels like I have rope burns. I'm itching all over and have the sensation of steel wool splinters in my skin. This has all been happening over the past 3 weeks but most of the expansion of the symptoms over the past four days. Before this recent spike I could easily ignore the symptoms most of the time.

I finally was able to see another internist yesterday and he said that with my glucose levels being so well controlled he thought it might not be from my diabetes. He said it might be B12 deficiency or any number of other possible causes. When I tried to show him a popular test laboratory company based in Texas that does micro nutrient testing he wouldn't even look at the material I downloaded for him. He is only willing to do the old type serum test because according to him it is the best science backed test. I offered to pay out of pocket if he ordered the micronutrient test but he sternly asked me who am I going to trust? His 30 years experience or some non standard test? I said I'd still like to try it.

I scoured the Internet and this test kept being mentioned over and over by people who seemed very intelligent and I told him even if there is a remote chance that it could help shine some light would he reconsider and he said not a chance. I'm in pain and I'll try anything that is recommended by people who have gotten value from it. I wish my MD could know what it is to live with this. He offered some pain meds but those make my eyes twitch non stop and worsen my depression.

Until I know if it is a B12 deficiency would it be safe to get injections before having the results? I heard that B12 isn't known to be toxic so I figure why not get injected and see if symptoms reduce? I have diminished intrinsic factor function and haven't found sublingual to be effective. What would be the maximum safe dose of a methyl B12 injection? Can anyone offer a guess based on what has worked for them please?

I know many of you people have been through this kind of thing and I'd really like some advise. I am already on a lot of the most common supplements mentioned here and eating a diet that is very similar to the super low carb Paleo diet. Doing light yoga, balance, palates, stretching and tons of walking. It's not really a diet but a lifestyle I've adopted. A1C is 5.2 and steadily losing about 1/3 lb a day on average.

My doctor has arranged for old serum blood test but all he said was come back in two months. Two months? With the levels of discomfort I'm in I want to do all the tests now but he is in no hurry. That's cruel. I was hoping for a doctor to empathize with me and tell me he'd do everything in his power to find out the source of my neuropathy ASAP. That seems logical but clearly he is in no hurry to find answers even though my symptoms are constantly gnawing away at me. All he offered was nasty meds. I already had a nasty time with cymbalta and lyrica. It's like choosing discomfort or reduced discomfort and feeling like a zombie.

A month ago my symptoms were only some light tingling on my right ankle and some numbness in my biggest toes. Periodically I'd have mild parasthesia on my feet and ankles but it would vanish in a week. This time after getting my eating habits and exercise in balance you'd think it would reduce the likelihood that my neuropathy advancing. That's what I've read is the best way to keep ahead of the game but not so. it's like a wildfire out of control. I have been walking a lot and thought that all that light pounding might be a contributor but the Doctor said that walking cant damaged my nerves further.

Seems like my doctor should have insisted I see a neurologist right away but he didn't seem to think it was crucial. Do any of you think that this might be a smart time to see a neurologist? I keep reading you are your own best advocate.

I miss my old Doctor who retired. He really went the distance for his patients. Seems like doctors these days have so many patients they cant focus any attention beyond your appointment and don't seem to understand the urgency of the situation unless your head is hanging by a few threads. I suppose most of these medical group type doctors have seen it all and get jaded to the point where they don't really care if you are in pain. It seems like most doctors these days are in it for the lifestyle it affords them more than a desire to help suffering.

I never thought in a million years I'd be in a predicament like this just trying to find someone committed to getting me some answers or at least preparing me for what I'm facing. I never thought my retirement plans would be derailed like this. Thank you.