Any ideas.....
 

Hi. I am to the forum. I have been having neuropathy symptoms for about 6 months but can not get a diagnosis.I thought I would describe my situation and see if anyone had any ideaas

Me:
44. Male. Athletic (have athletic endeavors anyways). Moderate drinker (10-12 per week light beers).

Symptoms:
Stinging pains in hands and feet that come and go. They hit my hands and feet simultsneously. Numbness of balls of my feet. All symptoms came on quite suddenly. I can go 1 or 2 days with no or little symptoms. But then can have days when I am pretty miserable.

Tests/Labs:
NCV/EMG mild bilateral lesions
Vitamin levels of concern B12=350 D=31
Unusual finding = ANA positive & RNP 1.5
These were found by the tests my Neuro ran.
Followed up with rheumatologist who ran her own tests.
ANA came back negative. RNP was still 1.5.
Rheumy said she does not think problem is from connective tissue disease. Refering me to a different neuro for 3rd opinion.

If anyone has any ideas or questions I should ask my new neuro it would be appreciated. Thank you!

What, exactly--
 

--is meant by "bilateral lesions"? Are we talking evidence consistent with spinal nerve root problems, spinal cord problems (in both cases MRI's would be in order), or something more peripheral?

I will say that the B12 level is concerning. Usually don't see levels that low in younger people unless they are vegan/strict vegetarian or have some autoimmunity that would result in it, such as pernicious anemia or celiac, and you should be tested for both.

Problems with spine or nerve root issues can produce symptoms exactly mimicked by more peripheral conditions, which is why I often recommend the following rather comprehensive list of tests for neuro problems (so you can compare what you've had and track over time):

Liza Jane's Neuro Lab Sheets

Thank you Glenntaj! Neuro said I had mild lesions on both ulnar nerves from the nerve velocity test. I think one side was in the shoulder region and the other side was in the elbow area. He suggested probably old sports related injuries. I did have an MRI. Showed a little OA but all in all neck looked pretty good. I don't see where I was checked for A NCA on any of my tests so I will ask about that.

After reading some other posts on here, I should mention a chemical exposure I had about three weeks before symptoms started. It was to an outdoor cleaning solution for siding decks etc. Active ingredient on label was 5% sodium hypochlorite (household bleach). After using it I noticed my respiratory tract was very irritated and felt inflamed. No trouble breathing so I did not go to hospital. It hurt for about half a day. I checked MSDS later on and found out it also contained Tri Sodium Phosphate which was not on the label. It is an alkaline salt ph 13. Doctors dismissed this having anything to do with my symptoms because neithet ingredient condidered neurotoxins but it does seem very coincidental to me. Rheum did have me get a chest x ray as part of her examination and everything looked fine according to report.