Thats a tough question, i think it would depend upon cause and how soon you are able to address it and could vary from person to person. IN my case i havent gotten any better as far as numbness and balance, if anything im more numb, but the areas involved have not spread in two years. Was that due to exercize, supplements, interferential therapy, tens, or just how the disease progressed i dont really know. I do know that the burning and throbbing pains have greatly lessened and it was as i was being treated by interferential therapy and taking B1.

It can and has happened, but not often...
For examples: GP's familiar with diabetes, carpal tunnel or stroke patients are at times more 'attuned' to look out for such PN issues and either have 'learned about' and treated or refer patients to available area specialists-IF there are any. It really depends on that doc's particular past experiences. As for getting in to see that new neuro? Call that office and ask to be put on a wait list for cancellations. That's how I've lucked into many of the appointments I've had with some of the BEST in a 25 mile radius of my humble suburban home? You just have to be 'ready' to get there with anywhere from 3 days to 12 hours notice? You can always decline [say you have a conflicting appointment] and ask to be 'kept on the list'. It's worked for me, and definitely worth the effort.
Of course you show a good deal of common sense in realizing your GP can't do all he might/should to help your situation, but Keep enlisting his 'curiousity' by asking some of those 'silly questions' we all ask here... But, never EVER say you learned it on the INTERNET? So many docs resent this? And while you have found a site here of folks who are dedicated to [as is said on the "X-Files"] learning as much TRUTH as can be known about PN's, well lots of docs think it's all quackery. I simply say, I've read/learned about from sites such as: NIH, Cleveland Clinic, Hopkins, Mayo, Pub Med., etc..read papers about.X,Y &Z...So you are asking questions based on pedigreed medical papers and research. Your questions can't be brushed off as easily?
Just HAVING your GP in your corner, knowing that something is going on and it's beyond his circles of knowledge and willing to back you up with say a referral to say Mayo, Hopkins, or wherever - making a 'call' to get you on a short list for a full diagnostic workup could be just the boost you need to get tested...
Take every good action as a prize, any set backs as just that and as Rina said- relax=CHILL! Expect the worst, hope for the best and if anything good happens be happy that you are one step more on the way!
It IS one heck of a long and frustrating process! Read carefully LizaJane's Billye's and Kmeb's posts as those are lessons in persistence, frustrations and more perseverance! They are pure lessons in the NOT GIVING UP FACTOR! There are many, many others here who have inspired me to keep on going and learning and coping...Even newer folks! We aren't done in yet! Nor will we be! So, keep in mind my favorite fortune cookie? Patience is the Art of Hoping Takes a big heap of Patience and a whole mess of Hope?
Will start another thread about the meds... - j

This IS and will always be a complicated issue. How many times have you been waiting in ANY doc's waiting room and finding the 'suited' reps with their wheelie-totes just sailing in? DUH?
What I've done about my meds and the s/e's has been to read, list -laboriously by hand or 'puter the myriad of known common, less common and rare s/e's for each med...Then I cross referenced them and found that I could of my 5 primary meds have had anywhere from 3-8 potential cross-over effects.
Then I took a good look at 'cautions' regarding other medications to be taken or not, with that particular med...I found lots of 'cautions'...
Next the Hard part? Requiring lots of patience/persistence and time. Call those 800 #'s for each drug MFR and plan on spending at least 15-45 minutes for each call...they will ask you your history, meds you're on, for how long, dosages etc. Best to be as honest as you feel comfy with. I have found a LOT of useful info by calling these MFRS and it's stuff not put out in research nor public. Be quick, accurate and sure in making notes tho -as info can come at you soo fast if you don't make notes and recap back at them...well when you hang up you do go DUH? Also, some meds affect for the good and bad your blood test #'s -so be sure to ask about that.
Lastly put it all together IF you can and then call the FDA about the meds you are on if there are any potential negative s/e's..WHY? because the MFR's don't necessarily report all you have 'reported'! You have to be sure that your concerns, issues and side effects about meds or med combos count! It's kind of like voting but for all of us FAR MORE important for us and for others. It's not a scary process, just a time consuming one and one I know helps, because of my own reporting [vote] and that of others has changed the notings of s/e's a great deal on those 'prescribing information' sheets! Now, if only we could get the docs to read them?
Have and keep faith, help and hope is out there? You just have to find the rite docs, meds and resources for YOU. I know you will - j