small fibre neuropathy related to Trauma
 

I was in a serious car accident in 1963 in the State of Alaska. I had a compound fracture in my thigh, pelvis damage and a shredded right arm. I spent close to two months in hospital in Fairbanks with my left leg in traction and my right arm in a cast.
My dad who lived in British Columbia could not afford the mounting hospital bills so the doctors put me in a full body cast and my Dad came up to Alaska with a station wagon and transported me to Kamloops British Columbia. I remained in hospital there for another few months. I was left in the body cast for close to three months.

Over the years I did fairly well had three children and a busy life. I always knew something wasn't quite right however as I seemed to have a lot of symptoms similar to those with Diabetes experience yet I knew that was not the case as I had been tested multiple times.
Now that I am 66 years old I am having a lot of increase in the severity of symptoms of small fibre Neuropathy such as burning, itching, electric shock sensations, extreme sensitivity to temperature, problems with low blood pressure causing dizziness , urinary issues with my bladder.
I say increased because for as long as I can remember I have always had bladder issues feeling uncomfortable, difficultly initiating urination, low flow and feeling like I have not emptied my bladder which makes me want to go again. I also have noticed that I have never sweated as much as most people do and in fact the skin on my legs is shiny and I hardly ever need to shave my legs as I have little body hair.

I also experience dry eyes and dry mouth. As you can see the list goes on The biggest frustration is not being able to get a clear diagnosis. My doctor was going to do a skin biopsy but eventually gave up as there is no lab in our province to deal with the pathology. I have been tested for all the known underlying diseases and nothing comes up.

I am of the firm opinion that my case though strictly speaking idiopathic is related to the Trauma of the car accident and subsequent treatment such as being left in the cast. In the past I have been told I have Fibromyalgia but I reject that as I just don't buy it. I am trying to manage my symptoms with a lifestyle approach. I eat well and remain fairly active, swimming, walking a lot.

Hi Stikine7

Welcome to NeuroTalk :).

I am sorry to read about what you have experienced.

The peripheral neuropathy forum here (https://www.neurotalk.org/peripheral-neuropathy/) is very active so I am sure that if you describe your experiences there you will get lots of support and good suggestions from other members.

All the best.

Welcome Stikine7 to Neurotalk! Great forum Kiwi gave you. Hope you can find answers to your concerns.

Have you had any recent Xrays, MRIs or CT scans?
If not might be good to check for any possible spine/bone issues that might occurred from the past injuries or age related?

Thanks for this
 

Thanks for your reply, yes I have had an MRI. No issues with the spine. I do have carpal tunnel in my right arm. I have also had x-rays in the past though a doctor who was filling in for my doctor suggested I get my left knee x-rayed and see if there is any arthritis. I have a lot of varicose veins in my left leg below my knee. It was my left leg where my thigh bone broke in the car accident.