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10-22-2016, 05:20 AM | #1 | ||
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Junior Member
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Do I really need this and will it change the outcome of my treatment? I was told that I would need a skin biopsy to see if I have neuropathy affecting the small nerves. I had reservations but now I've read what the biopsy entails, I'm even more horrified.
Local anaesthetic does not work for me at all and as a result, I've had some very traumatic procedures. Earlier this week, I saw a specialist in autonomic neuropathy who asked about local anaesthetic and said it's very common alongside my Hypermobility Syndrome diagnosis to experience what I describe. I don't want to be awkward but neither do I want to cause myself distress and trauma. I have a history of....unpleasant things happening to me. I tolerate most things but I draw the line at having a procedure where the anaesthesia is not effective. Just after some advice please. Thank you. |
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10-22-2016, 07:36 AM | #2 | ||
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"Thanks for this!" says: | St George 2013 (10-23-2016), Starburst (10-23-2016) |
10-22-2016, 10:15 PM | #3 | |||
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Senior Member
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If your doctor will treat your SFN based upon 'clinical' findings, then there is really no sense in having it done. But most doctors don't do this and/or insurance won't cover the treatment unless you have proof of SFN (and skin biopsy is the ONLY proof). So, YES, it can and will change the way your condition is treated.
Not to mention, that the skin biopsy is an excellent way to gauge progression as it can be repeated down the road to see if your treatment is working. But if you cannot tolerate the procedure, then this needs to be a consideration and other means of performing the test explored. |
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10-23-2016, 02:16 PM | #4 | ||
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Thank you for the replies. My doctor wants to establish if my autonomic dysfunction is caused by Hypermobility Syndrome or whether it's autoimmune related (I have rheumatoid arthritis). I suppose I do need this done but I need a detailed discussion when I see the neurologist.
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10-23-2016, 03:55 PM | #5 | ||
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Since you have RA maybe he need a positive biopsy to justify expensive treatments such as IVIG or Rituximab. |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | ger715 (10-26-2016) |
10-23-2016, 11:28 PM | #6 | |||
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Stillhoping is correct...the biopsy will NOT tell you whether the small fiber damage is caused by any particular condition. It only tells you whether the small fibers are (or are not) damaged.
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"Thanks for this!" says: | ger715 (10-26-2016) |
11-18-2016, 07:27 AM | #7 | ||
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I found the skin biopsy quite uncomfortable, it was the local anaesthetic injection mainly. Having that diagnosis has been helpful in accessing a trial of treatment. Also, it has supported my health insurance claim. More importantly it affirmed in writing with no room for error what is going on. I feel like I am often doubted, I've had anxiety thrown at me as a cause of the pain I described and a recent suggestion of psychosomatic with regards to other issues I now mention. For me it was essential I had this proof. If you have a clear diagnosis without the biopsy then that is great. |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | Sophie0513 (12-13-2016) |
11-20-2016, 04:51 PM | #8 | ||
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"Thanks for this!" says: | mrsD (11-20-2016) |
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