Hi David,

I have had whole body neuropathy for a full year, and somewhat length dependent for a good year before that. I'm still searching for a cause. Aside from being borderline pre-diabetic, all tests have come back negative with the exception of a very weak titer (1:40) positive ANA (2 years ago). Numerous subsequent ANA's have all been negative.

I tested negative for celiac disease via biopsy but nonetheless went gluten free for 6 weeks this past spring with the only result of weight loss. As I reintroduced gluten I did not notice any change. I have cut back on sweet foods but still don't notice a difference if I cheat.

Stress is a whole different story. Any stressful event approaching and I definitely notice it in advance. The tingling and buzzing and tinnitus get very pronounced and usually recede afterwards. It never ceases to amaze me.

I had suspected auto-immune mediated from the one positive ANA, as well as some joint pain, but rheumatologists in my case seem to need the positive blood serum before they take you seriously or consider any treatment.
I have had so many symptoms during the last year that have come and gone over a period of several months, that I've basically given up searching for a cause. But the numbness and paresthesia just keeps slowly intensifying.

In the back of my mind, I realize Lyme could be the culprit, but not sure I want to pull the trigger on a long-term antibiotic regimen. The only other possible path would be to try a trial of steroids, I've held off on that too.

So from my perspective, food is not a trigger, but stress definitely is.
Hope this helps.

You don't have to do the antibiotic route to treat Lyme. People have had success with Banderol and Samento herbs. If you try them, start SLOWLY. If you suspect Lyme, don't try steroids. They suppress the immune system.

Hi David,

My experience may be too unrelated but I thought I'd share anyway. I have CRPS due to surgical nerve damage in my foot and share symptoms with the SFN gang. I have always been a little food reactive but noticed after getting CRPS that this tendency became much, much worse. Nightshades, spice, nitrates and wine can set off a flare of redness/hotness/discomfort (progressing to stinging if bad enough) that is worst in my affected foot but is also seen in my hands and unaffected foot.

CRPS has an auto-immune component in some patients. I really wanted to find out what was happening as I have a shellfish allergy and am prescribed an Epipen. The last thing I need to do is inadvertantly make myself worse. So I went to my allergist to make sure I wasn't headed down the anaphylaxis path with any exposure to offending foods. Lo and behold, scratch testing was completely negative! My allergist said that some people have a metabolic reaction to certain foods that fits exactly what I experience. He said it can be annoying but was not causing harm.

My ANA and sed rate were pretty much zilch. Between that and the negative allergy test I have decided to occasionally indulge in pizza without worry .

I don't think identifiable triggers necessarily have to mean auto-immune. But I agree that keeping triggers down is a good thing and will help the system settle over all.

Hoping you find relief soon,

onebeed,

Thanks for the suggestion. I've been leery of trying anything for fear of causing more symptoms. I'll look into those herbs.
I had also read that Lyme and steroids don't mix.
I just don't know how long I can delay taking action before symptoms get worse.
Such a conundrum.