I've posted a while back, but I'm starting fresh with current symptoms because I'm no longer sure my past (carpal tunnel from 4 yrs ago) has any effect on the current (I thought it did, but new neurol. says no).

Currently: I have had ongoing paresthesia--burning, fire-ant sting type not numb, primarily across my chest, for almost 4 years.
It is never fully gone, but I do have days/months when it is ignorable. Summer is always better. The recent rain and weather changes every day have caused a bad flare up I've been stuck in for the past month.

I have had loads of blood test. My B-12 was last in the 800's (high normal). I am stable on thyroid meds (have been for years). I am not diabetic, but on metformin for 18 years for pre-diabetes and family history. Most recent fasting glucose was 90, a few months ago (A1C normal).

I have NOT had an MRI. I was told that was the next step--to rule out a disc issue (no known trauma) or tumor, etc. Both neurologists said that was unlikely as my symptoms have not progressed.

Basically, I do not fit peripheral neuropathy or any typical neuropathy. I have no loss of sensation, no loss of muscle.

"All" I have is a burning (at its worst--sandpaper on sunburn) sting across my chest. I was given gabapentin and don't take it. I feel best in the bath, warm water over chest, but it only lasts while there! Ice packs help, but I hate being cold. Heating pad,yes. But I still don't know what is the cause or anyone like me. The MRI will cost me $7k, and feels like the answer is still deal with the symptoms.

I feel like there is more knowledge in this "place" than my Dr world, so I'm asking for ideas, wisdom, help. Thanks.

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

I'd suggest you stop with that heating pad for a while.

Heat stimulates nerves.

There is a new cream out OTC now, with 4% lidocaine in it.
Try some across the chest area where you get the stinging.
Once a day is enough to start. You could do 1/2 of the area and compare it to the other side.

Aspercreme/Lidocaine:
http://www.aspercreme.com/pain-relie...lidocaine.html

I find this works on areas that are obviously localized.

Another thing to try is Magnesium Lotion. At Walgreen's and online at Amazon.
This helps by allowing the magnesium in the lotion to block NMDA pain receptors.

http://www.walgreens.com/search/resu...n+epsom+lotion

Many of us here use this, and find it helpful for nerve pain issues, restless legs, or muscle tension.

MrsD--yours are the posts I search for on any topic here,--thank you so much for responding! I am writing these both down to go get--thank you!
I have learned SO much from you regarding supplements, and should have added I've been taking the benfothiamine you rec. for about 2 years now, plus other (vit. D--level is normal, but I still take 2000/day), a b-complex (that isn't super-high in any one B), a multi, fish oil, vit c, tumeric, and I that's all I can remember at the moment :0
thanks again

Thank you for those kind words...

When you get that lidocaine cream, there is a thread here that has a link to a study that applies the cream to your finger tips, to see a fast way if you have SFN....

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread225957.html

The study covered the fingers, and some here did too. But I didn't, and it didn't seem to matter. My left hand showed wrinkles but my right did not, for example. My right was damaged during my pregnancy with severe carpal tunnel.

Since you plan on getting the cream (it is really a lotion of sorts)
you can try this easy test on yourself too.

I have a prescription compounded cream for the burning skin, mostly my thighs, sometimes my waist and rib cage, and I have found the OTC Aspercreme with 4% lidocaine works just as well. This allows me to fall asleep many nights. It is definitely worth a try.

Non length dependent small fiber neuropathy does not show up on any blood tests. The cause for the injury to the nerves can sometimes be found from blood work. Unfortunately in many cases it is not found.
It can happen anywhere in the body. With out a skin biopsy of the symptomatic area, there is no way to know.