HI All,
I truly thought I was going crazy after seeing several dr.s and having many tests. I started documenting how I hurt.....first both shoulders, then both thighs, then both hands.......it just moves around all the time. It can change places in 10 minutes time! Finally when I saw a Rheumatologist he didn't look at me like I had 5 arms! At first he thought I had Polymyalgia......but after a few tests and several weeks on steriods he realized that wasn't my problem.....and after a few more tests I had the nerve/muscle biopsy that finally showed that I have neuropathy myopathy. At least I don't feel crazy anymore.......but I'm still in pain. I'm hoping it doesn't get worse but after reading about it, it sounds like maybe I'm just in the beginning of this ride! Roxie

I just got this off of the internet:

What is myopathy?

Myopathy is the term used to describe disease of muscle. Causes may include hereditary conditions such as muscular dystrophy, hormonal (endocrine) abnormalities such as hypothyroidism, or inflammatory conditions such as polymyositis. Symptoms of myopathy usually include weakness, and may result in difficulty walking, standing, holding things, chewing, swallowing, or even talking.

Treatment for myopathy

The underlying cause of myopathy can usually be determined by performing a through history and physical examination and by supplementing these, when necessary, by a few simple blood tests and electrodiagnostic studies. The latter usually include nerve conduction studies and electromyography which directly study nerves and muscles and allow the neurologist to determine more accurately the precise nature of the condition affecting the patient. Occasionally, a muscle biopsy is required. This is a minor surgical procedure performed by a neurosurgeon, and done on an outpatient basis. It takes less than an hour. During the procedure a small incision is made, usually behind the calf or on the upper arm and a very small piece of muscle is removed for study under the microscope. There is no loss of strength from this procedure. Stitches are removed in 7-10 days. When the cause of the myopathy is determined, therapy to correct the problem is instituted.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Because we all know what neuropathy is, maybe you have these two conditions. Neuropathy and Myopathy. Because I also can't find one condition that calls itself Neuropathy Myopathy.

Next time you ask your doctor, see how he explains this to you. We'd all love to hear this.

take care,
Melody

HI Mel! Thanks for that info. I had to laugh when it said the muscle nerve biopsy is a minor outpatient surgery.....it's outpatient......but I have a 3 1/2" incision from my muscle/nerve biopsy! It wasn't a minor surgery by any means. My ankle will continue to swell from it for 2-3 more months because of the depth the surgeon had to go to get the muscle.
My Rheumatologist did take lots of blood 2 weeks ago trying to narrow down the cause of all of this....I guess from reading that he's trying to narrow down the myopathy part. I hope he figures something out! I'm tired of taking Lyrica and gaining weight from it! Roxie

Roxie, are you talking about a Sural Nerve biopsy?? Is that what you had??

Mel

HI Mel,
Here is how it was shown on the biopsy results page"+:
1. Left peroneus brivis skeletal muscle biopsy:
-Neurogenic musclular atrophy
2. Left sural nerve biopsy:
-Mild loss of unmyelinated fibers
-Changes suggestive of mild axonal degeneration
3. Fascia, biopsy:
-Dense fibrous tissue, consistent with fascia, and attached fibroadipose tissue with no pathological diagnosis.

So yes it was sural nerve.....but it was called a Nerve/Muscle biopsy. Roxie

I bet you dollars to donuts, someone on these boards will look at those results and understand it all. Unfortunately, it won't be me!!!

Take care and cook some chicken.

I just made some Turbot Fillet and some asparagus. Should have eaten this way 20 years ago. oh well!!!

Melody

Mel,
You can come to our house and cook till your hearts content! LOL
I used to enjoy cooking......but not anymore......wish I did.
We take care of my husband's Grandfather who's almost 92 so I have to cook now and make sure he has healthy food to eat. Makes for long days. Roxie