Lyme disease is rare to non existent in Tennessee.

I don't have any suggestions on the cause of your neuropathy that hasn't already been mentioned in other posts. But...on the running, I was running 5 miles a day, plus exercising when my neuropathy started. I have been to several Dr's that are well known and specialize in neuropathy. Not one of them think that running caused or worsened the neuropathy.

Heck running makes my tingling go away for a bit.

You know, we could pick this apart forever. Fact is, you'll just have to go one step at a time until you stumble upon an answer (if you're lucky). So your EMG is tomorrow, then if that doesn't show anything (in many cases it doesn't--unless large fiber involvement), maybe you'll follow this up with MRI's of cervical and brain, followed by other labs, and possible a skin biopsy to check for SFN.

It's a process...one that is NOT quick, nor fun. It can be quite frustrating in fact and you can get discouraged you'll ever find an answer. Maybe you will be a lucky one that comes across a positive test right away and also one that holds a promising treatment. We can only hope.

Otherwise, try not to stress over this, as you may only increase your symptoms and anxiety.

Let us know how your EMG goes tomorrow. Sometimes (although not often) you'll get a tech that will share their thoughts on your test before the doctor reviews it. But hopefully, your doctor will review and get back to you quickly and with a next step in motion should the EMG not provide any clear cut answers.

Thank you...dang that was an awesome post!

Yes, it would make you less aware of the problem. But that does not mean it went away. Running will set a priority of perception to the alpha alpha afferent fibers which are fast and myelinated, and tell your brain where your feet are. Once you stop moving, then the other fibers gain better access and you notice their sensory input again.
http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/cv.html

This is similar to what some dentists (mine for example) do when they inject your gums with numbing drugs for dental work.
They pinch your cheek and wiggle it...and you will 90% of the time not feel any injection at all (if it is done slowly and carefully). The cheek pinch distracts the priority of the pain generated, to focus on the movement of the cheek. It is a wonderful technique, which sadly my childhood dentist did not employ. When I went to my new one... Boy, was I impressed!
If your dentist does not do this... you will not understand what I am explaining.

just for the record but i never said or thought cancer is the cause of your PN. i was just answering your question for what tests would be used to test for cancers that cause PN

Just curious, is bloodwork something that should be tested regularly for a diagnosis, especially when symptoms get worse? Or is a one time test when the symptoms begin sufficient?

Usually, once is enough for most screenings, unless an abnormality is found. Certain medications can change the chemistry in you blood, such as elevating liver enzymes or lowering platelet count (just to name a few) Your doctor may reorder certain tests to monitor the changes that could occur. Ask for MRIs before they order a spinal tap. We have similar onset!! Try to get them to listen about your teeth. Maybe I can get answers through you!!

My EMG was normal