I've an appointment tommorrow with the head of Neurology at UCLA and have read most posts here multiple times in preparing (amazing at how erudite many here are), so that I can ask for every test that can help shed some light on just what is going on.

Since the begginning of the year I been suffering from site specific neurpathy following surgery. But in the past few weeks I've 'blown up' so to speak. My pain, centered around abdominal incisions, slowly migrated to my right hand, which became numb; down to my thighs; creeping down to my right foot; and then inflaming the total of my arms and legs and upper back. This was exacerbated, perhaps, by exercising (treadmill). Also, my dose of Lyrica increased to 300mg a day. I also statarted small doses of Acetyl L-Carnitine and ALA. As the rest of my body succumbed, my abdominal pain abated, or took a secondary role. I've been wiped out since.

By now I'm in freaking out mode, fear-filled as perhaps there is more going on with me than I realize. Initially, I had, I think, pretty eleaborate blood work done, along with MRI's, EMG/NCV tests. Everything tested came back negative. But in trying to figure out exactly what was tested in looking at Liza Jane's Charts, I'm a little befuddled. On the charts there are many items listed which may or may not be in my list of tests. Also, I have no idea what Liza Jane's tests are or what one calls them when talking to your neuro.

The main reason for the nero visit tom. is to try to get a skin biopsy. But given what's occured recently, I want to get every underlying test I can. That said, what do I ask be tested?

Thanks to anyone who reads/responds.

to see if they left anything in you? I'd make sure there is nothing connected
to that surgery.

Severe inflammatory reactions DO affect nerves all over...so do infections.
They raise cytokines which then cause inflammation.
You could ask for herpes titres...shingles can cause pain without a rash or
skin eruption. It is sneaky sometimes. We had a poster here long ago, who had severe pain on one side, and it turned out to respond to Famvir.

I would get a B12 level run, and and MMA test. See if you are B12 deficient.
You can also be tested for autoimmune markers to see if you are attacking yourself. Heavy metals too.

Glenntaj should be here for the other recommendations. He is really up on those.

To diagnose a Site Specific neuropathy I would suspect is a bit more complicated than the tests we all might have gone to to diagnose the PN's we have?
Aside from Liza Jane's worksheets there is one other good site regarding testing at the following:
http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/
Go to the top line and click on to the 'lab tests' portion and see if anything connects [sort of ?] there. The run-down of diagnoses is tied to each condition listed among the many in this site - It can be overwhelming and may not be key to your particular problems.... IMHO
The clear distinction here I see is that you likely have nerve damage from the surgery. Am I correct? That kind of damage may not be easily detected from all I have gathered about various invasive surgeries [I've had some-and can attest to your worries] from the standard neuropathy test standards. BUT IT HURTS LIKE HECK! in the meantime?
I've not looked into it in the past two years since I'd last had invasive surgery, But keep PM'ing me and bugging me to re-look up stuff. I've been sort of reclusive lately due to other issues.
Things I do recall are that if docs go in for 'something else'? They really aren't concerned about those teeny-tiny nerve fibers at times. Well, they SHOULD and we PAY. Sometimes it can heal. Let's hope you are one of those who does! With all this stuff, it really helps you and can get your docs to work for you harder IF you keep up a 'we gotta find and fix this' attitude! Not a Durn! I hurt so much one.... Honey works a lot better than complaints. You can complain here! Just if you must complain to a doc? Do it in a postitive and constructive altitude. It's hard to do mostly, but it can be done!

I also have to ask about your being 'blown up'? Do you mean as in infection or what? I'm a tad unclear here about the problem that brought this on....
Hope this helps - j

--that is, the surgery--I'm wondering if you might be experiencing a related syndroem to neuropathy: complex regional pain syndrome/reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

We do have a board here for the condition:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum21.html

And this site may be useful to check out:

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/senso...tml#idiopathic