[sbvcrn]

Just wondering if anybody has used thermapath labs for their skin biopsy?

[Ivpound]

hi....i am about to on January 5th. Looking forward to it (yeah right). How about you?

[Leslie]

Originally Posted by Ivpound

hi....i am about to on January 5th. Looking forward to it (yeah right). How about you?

Ivpound - I had a skin biopsy back in early Jan. It was a breeze, so don't worry about that.

[sbvcrn]

Originally Posted by Ivpound

hi....i am about to on January 5th. Looking forward to it (yeah right). How about you?

Hi IVPound
The skin biopsy is a "piece of cake". Really simple. Takes a while for the scabs to fall off. Hope you get some kind of definitive results. Mine came back negative as have all my tests but I am still burning and tingling. I am now leaning toward CRPS and wondering about you too since yours started with the blood clot. Mine slowly evolved after an auto accident in my left arms but now pretty much all over. Still, bottom line nothing much helps. I am debating on starting Cymbalta after the first of the year...waited to get thru the holidays first. Anyhow, hope you are feeling better soon...all of us for that matter. I have started all of the mrs. D supplements too but so far nothing has shown improvement but maybe takes a while. My B12, methysomething and Vitamin D are all in the good to normal ranges. All other numerous tests have been fine.

[dahlek]

It's either gonna work or not. Plain and simple. Each of us is different and finding the rite combo of meds etc. is a feat in itself.
Taking it all tho? Web up and read very VERY carefully the 'Prescription info' for that med...then look up the meds that work/don't work with it AND the side effects. IF anything in the first few days doesn't seem 'right' call your docs rite away! Don't delay. I never start a med on a Friday...always on a Monday-cause if I've any side effects that are nasty? The docs can fit me in! Hope this helps! - j

[sbvcrn]

Originally Posted by dahlek

It's either gonna work or not. Plain and simple. Each of us is different and finding the rite combo of meds etc. is a feat in itself.
Taking it all tho? Web up and read very VERY carefully the 'Prescription info' for that med...then look up the meds that work/don't work with it AND the side effects. IF anything in the first few days doesn't seem 'right' call your docs rite away! Don't delay. I never start a med on a Friday...always on a Monday-cause if I've any side effects that are nasty? The docs can fit me in! Hope this helps! - j

Hi
Thanks again. I read and research EVERYTHING! I know full well the "screw ups" because I had one...doctor/pharmacist both screwed up...pharmacy where I buy ALL my meds and it didnt "red flag". Also, one of my doctors said I was "too analytical"...duh! She didnt feel like me. She was a new doctor when the old one retired. I said to her...if I were a physician would you talk to me like that?! I told her NOBODY knows my body like me! Part of my problem with Cymbalta is the research I have done. Think you have a great idea to always start on a Monday...that is if your doctor will see you if you have a problem. My husband's doctor wouldn't so he is no longer his doctor. Sorry to be venting. The medical profession right now are not my favorite individuals. I think we have to do much of the research ourselves, the boards we read and individuals like Mrs. "D. Now to all a "comfortable" night!!!!

[Ivpound]

Originally Posted by sbvcrn

Hi IVPound
The skin biopsy is a "piece of cake". Really simple. Takes a while for the scabs to fall off. Hope you get some kind of definitive results. Mine came back negative as have all my tests but I am still burning and tingling. I am now leaning toward CRPS and wondering about you too since yours started with the blood clot. Mine slowly evolved after an auto accident in my left arms but now pretty much all over. Still, bottom line nothing much helps. I am debating on starting Cymbalta after the first of the year...waited to get thru the holidays first. Anyhow, hope you are feeling better soon...all of us for that matter. I have started all of the mrs. D supplements too but so far nothing has shown improvement but maybe takes a while. My B12, methysomething and Vitamin D are all in the good to normal ranges. All other numerous tests have been fine.

CRPS was one of the differential diagnosis. However, no other symptoms of that besides burning....so it does not qualify. Also, Dr. Latov noticed small amounts of damage to nerve in my toe...so I dont think CRPS. 900 mg of Neurontin is not a lot. Typically results are seen at 2700 mg for Neuropathy according to Dr. Latov. You need to see Pain Management....and get the right cocktail of drugs....I am in the same boat....polypharmacy is the way. Make sure you exercise.

Marjk

[sbvcrn]

Originally Posted by Ivpound

CRPS was one of the differential diagnosis. However, no other symptoms of that besides burning....so it does not qualify. Also, Dr. Latov noticed small amounts of damage to nerve in my toe...so I dont think CRPS. 900 mg of Neurontin is not a lot. Typically results are seen at 2700 mg for Neuropathy according to Dr. Latov. You need to see Pain Management....and get the right cocktail of drugs....I am in the same boat....polypharmacy is the way. Make sure you exercise.

Marjk

Hi
I know just what you mean. I am still considering CRPS since it started in my left arm after an accident but then who really knows. I dont have any other symptoms such as redness, swelling, skin changes...except I do get weird cold areas such as left upper arm when the hand, lower arms and shoulders are normal temperature. This also happens on other parts of my body...as felt by my husband. Of course never happens with neurologist and I just get "that look". I am going to start Lyrica on Monday and see how that goes...As I recall you have your skin biopsy on Monday...I hope yours is positive...then you have something specific to grab on to. As it was mine was negative so here the gold standard says I dont have PN. AND I am not nuts! Sooner or later something is going to show up. Maybe the biopsy needs to be repeated later on. As it is I am wondering about the particular lab mine was sent to and yet I am not getting any responses from people whose biopsies were sent there. Is yours being sent there? I know where mine was sent because I got THE bill! The few articles I have read mention Johns Hopkins, etc. so was my lab accurate? Frankly, I could not believe it came back negative. I so want a definitive diagnosis...why, I dont really know as the treatment is basically the same. Hope your have a Happy New Year as best you can...and again the skin biopsy is nothing to worry about.

[Ivpound]

CRPS...u don't want that. ANd I would think you would have problems bending your joints in the affected area. I too get cold, legs and arms....this is from a guy who would yell that the AC is to high when it was on the low sixties. So....sensory neuropathy can give you temperature sensitivity. Redness, swelling, and skin changes are key. What does your neurologist say when you bring that up? Cymbalta would not be bad 4 u to try, since there is an emotional component to pain, and it may indeed help. my biopsy is going to NYC therapath. Sensory neuropathy sucks...one can have neuropathy and just be numb!!! You need to ge a neuro who knows this stuff...what state r u in?

be well,

mark

[echoes long ago]

be careful what you wish for...just being numb has its own hell associated with it, loss of balance, injuries that are not felt, breaks, sprains, and also pain. besides if you think about how numb you are that can drive you up the wall also. I can attest to the presence of intense pain despite the presence of a deep degree of numbness. It doesnt make sense but there it is.