Worried about nerve biopsy recovery
 

Hi, I'm new to this forum. I have idiopathic peripheral polyneuropathy and have had almost every test known to man. As my nerve conduction tests continue to get worse, and no one can figure out the problem, the dr's suggested a nerve biopsy. I had my nerve biopsy 10 days ago and continue to have sharp nerve pain in my foot when I move it a certain way, and cannot wear my shoes (good thing it's summer and I can wear flip flops - although it's not very appropriate for the office!). Anyway, obviously I have many concerns and questions about my condition but my question today is whether the nerve will heal - I know it's "dead" but will the pain go away over time? I know there is slight chance of chronic nerve pain but how do I know if that will be me? Thanks, I look forward to hearing from some of you.

Welcome to Neurotalk--
 

--though I'm sorry for the situation that got you here.

Unfortunately, a lot of people who've had nerve biopsies have had more or less permanent problems in the area--pain, numbness, scarring, and the like. Sometimes, these recede over time to more tolerable levels, but I don't know too many who've said they're temporary.

A lot of the severity seems to be the skill of the surgeon--the people with the best results seem to have had the procedure done by actual surgeons, as opposed to neurologists.

Many people have turned down nerve biopsies unless convinced that there was likely to be diagnostic yield. The conditions that are most likely to be revealed by this procedure are vasculitic/connetive tissue autoimmune neuropathies, certain other inflammatory neuropathies, some hereditary disorders, and some toxic reactions with specific nerve damaging characteristics. Muscle samples are usually taken at the same time, in order to look for other neuromuscular conditions.

See:

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/nother/bx.html

Also, feel free to come over to the peripheral neuropathy board here, (if you haven't already):

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...sprune=-1&f=20

Hi, Fran E! :Wave-Hello: Welcome to NeuroTalk!

I see that Glenn has kindly given you some starting points. We also have a search engine located in the toolbar near the top of every page. I hope you'll find some answers. Feel free to join in anywhere. :)

Hi and welcome to NeuroTalk!

Hi Fran,

I had a nerve biopsy 5 years ago. We are all different but in my case the swelling took a couple of months to completely go away and the area is still a little numb to this day. And those sharp shooting pains went away in the first couple of months also. I don't even notice it now.

Hope you feel better.

Susan

I wish I had some answers for you, but unfortunately I don't!

The reason I dropped in was to welcome you to NeuroTalk. I hope you enjoy your stay with us, and I also hope you get the answers that you seek.

Hello Fran and Welcome to NeuroTalk. Please take a look around and make yourself at home. Glad you found us.

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