Hi all,

Not even sure why I'm posting as I'm resigned to not being able to get any help or recognition for my symptoms (the medical system, not people on here! Everyone has been quite helpful in the past).

I have had neuropathy symptoms for close to 2 years and they are declining quite rapidly. Im almost unable to work and it is a desk job. I have all the sensory symptoms, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, and also am now experiencing problems with moving my limbs at all so walking and anything with my hands. Ice cold arms and fingers even in summer. My face also feels numb and even swallowing and my tongue feels affected. There is a toxicity component to my illness which is difficult for anyone to understand, let alone an orthodox neurologist.

I finally went to a neurologist about 6 weeks ago and described my symptoms in good detail. He did a full physical workup. He didn't think anything was wrong and only ordered an MRI 'just to be sure'. The MRI (head and spine) came back with no issues. I have been checked for diabetes. B12 I'm not entirely sure but I seem unable to tolerate tablets anyway, i just feel wired on quarter of the lowest dose tablet, sublingual. Gluten free etc.

I didn't ask for a nerve conduction study or skin biopsy and he didn't mention it at all. I was reluctant to mention it as he may have been annoyed at me asking for a particular test. I'm now regretting that decision. Given how difficult it was to get that appointment, the chance of getting a second opinion before being palmed off onto anti-depressants or a psychiatrist are slim.

Im from the UK, so would welcome some UK based input. I literally don't know what to do. At the age of 29 I'm almost unable to work. Nothing has been 'diagnosed'. The speed at which I appear to be deteriorating is a major concern. I have no family support or partner.

Do doctors respond to letters? Would it be worth trying to send a letter to the neurologist or his secretary and phrasing something like 'in light of continued worsening symptoms, i feel that an EMG would be a beneficial investigation'. Even that would probably alarm them and feel that I'm on the way to crazy town. I'm fully aware treatment options are limited at best, especially if parathesia is the prominent symptom. I could 'cope' with sensory symptoms in my hands and legs but with it now being felt in my head, and feeling like my legs are stuck in mud, I'm at my wits end.

Any advice would be much appreciated. Please excuse the vent!