I just found a letter my neurologist wrote to my regular doctor February 20, 2001.

On that day I had an EMG of my lower extremities to rule out tarsal tunnel syndrome. Blood work was all normal (obviously from an earlier test), although the folic acid level does not seem to have been done. The other lab tests looking for causes of possible neuropathy were normal. Also stated I do not have tarsal sunnel syndrome based on nerve conductions. The right tibial motor nerve stimulating at the ankle and recording 19 cenimeters distally over the abductor digiti quinti muscles showed a slightly prolonged distal latency of 6.9 milliseconds with a good amplitude of 5.0 millivolts. The left tibial motor nerve (ankle-19 centimeters-ADQ muscle) had a latency of 6.46 milliseconds and an amplitude of 7.13 millivolts. The medial plantar motor nerves were normal.

OK what does this all mean???

He continues on to say that he suspects I have early sensory polyneuropathy.

With my short-term memory loss due to medication, I did not remember even what kind of PN he suspected I have. Well, now I know.

Do you, can you FIND a copy of the actual EMG report? Can you get that? T hat report should have all the details you need to help you determine where you stand [sort of?]. By that I mean, that the tech/doc actually doing the test, and assessing the test. Usually along with all that tech talk about amplitudes and delays is a summary of THE TEST. Find it or get it and then Ask questions...actually some questions of yours should be answered by the test and that summary itself.

Docs are quirky tho....go to a new doc and they want to test it for themself. That is because every test, the machines used and even the room temp during the test can create huge variables...that can cause wide results. One thing I am always surprised about neuros tho is...that once they get what THEY feel to be conclusive results? They tend not to test again...Since they are often test crazy for many things, I do wonder about this aspect. I for one would LOVE to be tested for changes, improvements[hope hope!] and just differences.

If It were ME? I want that test in my paws! - Good thoughts and 's - j

j.,
You're right-on with the testing.
It always seemed to me to be a no-brainer to repeat tests
every so often to see if there are any changes in the results.
But you have to pull teeth to get the neuros to do that, once they have a Dx.
Then they're not interested in doing it any more.
I have my PCP repeat tests my neuro did, every year or so, and have her
send the results to my neuro.
She works with me, on a regular basis- and tries to see if there
is any correlation or pattern to the results.
Usually there aren't any changes, so at least I know that
things aren't getting any worse.

Hi. I at one time thought I had tarsal tunnel too. Anyhow my first emg test showed very little then I had one 3 months later and also an ssep which they do when the emg test doesn't show much and it turned out I had pn. I think sensory but they don't think for me that is what is causing my extreme pain and I may also have rsd. I would try to get a repeat of the test and call and have those previous sent to you. Also I was wondering if you could have rsd?Is your pain severe in one are like where the tarsal tunnel is?

I am adding a website about CIDP and the diagnostic process up in the stickies....If you check it out...you will find a bit in 'adobe' about what the nerve conduction tests can show when abnormal...You should take a look at those 'typical' pics for those of us with problems.
All I can add to it all is that I managed to meet all criteria withOUT the biopsy! As I read/re-read this new stuff. I am doubly, triply and more so relieved.
While I have an auto-immune neuropathy...this whole diagnostic process should help you and anyone understand, well, how squirreley things are.
There are a whole lot of if-this' then-thats' in the process. - j

Diana, you must get a copy of that test result.

Bob- earlier this month I DID have tooth pulled...Out, completely. And you are super lucky with your PCP...let that doc KNOW it!

Daniella- I acquired carpal in one hand about 8 years ago...via a direct-cause-effect experience. It abated and while disturbing, it is nothing at all like severe PN pains. Carpal abates, if you simply don't use that appendage for a long while...but other damages do occur when you start to re-use them. No-win situation to me.

Thank you all. I plan on calling the neuro's office today and requesting the copy.

I read a description of symptoms of polyneuropathy and it describes what I have very well. I do not have pain as such. Just the burning, sudden shooting pain in a toe (different on at different times). I am normally quite comfortable with Lyrica 150mg twice a day and tramadol, sometimes 2-4 per day. I do try to walk at least 5 times a week. Have to go to the mall now that it has turned colder.

I also take B1 and B12 and some other vitamins.

pain in the big toe, can be referred from higher up.

I have this when my knee is acting up. I had a dislocated right knee almost 10 yrs ago. The pain went directly to my big toe on that foot. I finally went to a chiropractor and she adjusted my knee, and in one instant the pain stopped.
There are stretches she gave me to stretch out the hamstring tendons, which tend to pull the knee out of alignment, which help me keep it stable.

I can also put 1/2 Lidoderm on the back of my knee and stop the toe pain that way.

The feet can be very confusing! I have several issues with mine, in fact.

When I know I am going to be on my feet for any length of time, I will cut a Lidoderm patch in half and put on the top of each foot. Really works this way.

In an earlier post somewhere, someone mentioned about using Eucerin Calming Creme so I bought a tube. I rub it on my feet just before bed every night and it sure does "calm" down the feeling I have in my feet at the end of a busy day.

That describing the pain[s] and where it happens or not, how it happens or not, and when it happens or not. It is the most frustrating aspects of all of this! What might be considered 'discomfort' for one, is 'agonizing' for another. The list goes on endlessly, doesn't it?
I might have posted this before, but it could be worth a look see, as Mrs D mentioned she'd get the shooting type pains in her toe because of her knee.
It's a 'handy' [bad pun, can't help it?] reference as to how the nerves actually travel up and down the body and in which places, then to the brain via the spinal cord.
http://www.innerbody.com:80/image/nervov.html
It's not entirely a complete site, but it helps one to put things visually together with the way things happen and are connected. The site also addresses other aspects of our bodies.
Also I have to say, I sparingly use the Lidoderm patches, and I DO cut them up as too much of that good thing turns off all feeling if I use the whole patch. Too little sensory input can be as bad as too much. Just enuf to take the 'edge' off, so to speak. At times they are lifesavers, and at others I feel as if they are a 'crutch'. But, to be without them, would be most unpleasant, it must be a mental thing...as long as I know I have them to use, I feel safer? This should make sense to most, just knowing there is the option can be a comfort.
Also the Calming Creme does help some. I use it in the morning and just plain Ecurin or Lubiderm on my feet at nite. My feet are sooo dry now, especialy winter where 'before' that had never been an issue.
I have to say I am glad you are able to walk so well and so far. That type of walking is one of my goals! 's - j