--given the onset and the pattern, this sounds like it's compressive to me.

Given the "clear" lower (lumbar) spine MRI, and the fact that this started in the upper back, I definitely think you need MRI of the cervical and thoracic spine. Compression of nerve roots tends to produce symptoms in specific places (known as the root's dermatome), but spinal compression itself can produce symptoms ANYWHERE from that level downwards, depending on what's being pressed on (and a competent doctor should know that--why your first doc did not set you up for a cervical MRI at least is beyond me).

I would think that an electromyography/ nerve conduction study would also be in order to check for large fiber involvement and perhaps point to or elimate the back as being the cause of your problems.

Thank you, I agree, more tests are definitely needed...

Hope, if you were "normal" you wouldn't be here.

I guess you are not getting my point:
Here is something else to read that is longer and perhaps more
persuasive:
http://www.enotalone.com/article/4624.html

Some doctors call very low B12 levels normal, because they haven't kept up with newer protocols.

Most nutrients when tested for (if at all) do not show accurate
predictive levels. The ranges are arbitrary, and in the very low and very high readings may be helpful. But the readings are not
accurate or useful inbetween, because people vary genetically in how they handle nutrients. Some need more than others.

I would like to point out...that you would not be looking on the net if you were "normal". You are having some kind of problem that the medical arm is not helping you much.

Remember that the 4th leading cause of death in this country is misapplication of prescription drugs. There are always tradeoffs with them, some are hidden and don't appear right away.(B12 is stored in the liver for up to 5 yrs and can take that long to become depleted) The sudden ones are easier to deal with, but still tricky.

Sorry mrsD. I guess I should have phased my post differently. It's the doctor that has brushed me off by telling me everything was normal in my tests. This is why I am going for a second opinion and a third if I have to. In the meantime, I appreciate the link and all of your knowledge.

One of the things I have learned, is to ask for, and get copies of my bloodwork! Some of my own blood #'s started increasing when I had started other meds for other issues..... When the #'s reached the ***** asterisk point, I was gently teasing and reminding my docs about my concerns that these numbers had been rising for the last year! I then asked: Do you ONLY pay attention to the Asterisks???? ****** One doc just smiled and agreed, but, I think he respected me, after looking at his prior notes and saw that I had brought up this concern before. The other docs [many] were just silent and changed the subject. Sigh.
Full hemo testing and metabolic testing can tell YOU a lot! Such as: you are one decimal point below the dreaded "*" level that aren't calling attention to the docs? But YOU will know. For the metabolic aspects? Many supplements can and DO help relieve some aspects of the fasculations. And, maybe ease or improve other subtle areas of concern.
Have you had a full thyroid panel done? This is a very common issue with women going thru meno. The thyroid can often act up and can be helped immensely with meds. Simple, easy and resolvable. Not easily diagnosed tho because many docs don't DO the right testings....
I agree wholeheartedly with others who have posted about other tests ... what you can hope for and what a doc will DO are two different things, tho. Keep asking! I know that some PN's are thyroid issue induced. I kept asking my neuro about this? And doc said absolutely NOT! But my Ocon referred me to an Endocrinologist who DID test me for immune-related thyroid issues and ... Guess WHAT? Added it to the LIST of problems-tho not the primary issue? It didn't help any for sure. Treatment for immune-type thyroid [hypo/Hashimoto's] is no different than basic treatments, but.. if untreated it can make you even more miserable than you are now. My thyroid med dose was upped, and all is well in that quarter.
Key here is to KEEP ASKING! Ask what all is going on-about everything, & that you want to understand it all to deal with it better? That docs can work with you instead of for you.
I'm not saying that thyroid is your key problem, not by any means! But, soo much from outside the nerves themselves can cause nerve problems. You have to be your own detective, so to speak? Hope this helps.
A or two to ease your pain in the interim! I know it's horrid! - j

Hi dahlek. My thyroid was tested in the blood work that the neurologist first did initially. I also had additional thyroid tests done by the doctor that I see for my blood pressure. I was told everything was ok. I am getting a copy of my blood work next week. I am also getting a second opinion, and hope to be very careful and proactive with this consultation. Thank you very much for the encouragement. I so want to have hope that there is a chance that this condition might improve someday. I hope to educate myself as much as possible with this dreaded disease for sure. God bless and hugs right back at you!

glenntaj, thank you for replying. I definitely need an MRI on my cervical and thoratic spine! Even if it is just to rule anything out. I was told way back in the eighties that I had some compressed vertebrates in my neck, and my mid back has been hurting me off and on through the past year.. I have asked both the neurologist and my regular family doctor to please do this, but with no luck. I have no plans to return to the neurologist. I am trying to get a second opinion now, and a new neuro. When I asked my family doctor if he would order the MRI, he said because I don't really feel pain in my arms when I bend my neck, then it can't be those areas. I surely need to get this MRI done! Thanks again....