Do you think there is any other avenue I should pursue

[billmm]

I am 42 years old. About 1.5 years ago I started with peripheral neuropathy of the feet and legs. It then started to affect my hands and some stabbing like sensations in my arms. I had some dizziness and fatigue. I had  a LP done and it showed elevated IGG and Protein. I also had a sural nerve biopsy which showed axonal degeneration. I had MRI's about 3 or 4 times of the brain and all of the spine which were negative. I received a course of high dose steroids for 3 days with no relief. I have had 2 rounds of IVIG and this past 2 weeks have felt worse than ever. I experienced extreme dizziness, sweating, cold and clammy, visible twitching of my face and hands, arms. The pain in my legs was unbelievable. I had shaking horribly. After about 7 days all those symptoms subsided except for the pain in the legs and feet which has lessened. I take neurontin, cymbalta and bp medicine. My lab work has all been normal except for B12 which was on the low normal side. It was repleted with weekly shots. Any suggestions as to what is happening and should I be looking at any other treatment options?

[pheleant]

Hi Bill,

I have some problems at my L4-L5 area, and I also have a brain tumor, so the exact cause of my neuropathy is unknown. I was unable to sleep in any position for any length of time, and sitting on anything hard was a new adventure in pain.

My physician had suggested that I try using Lidoderm patches. They worked like a charm. I now put one patch over the painful area in my back. I also use one patch over each calf. I put the one on my back long ways across, and the two on my calf's long ways up.

I tried wearing the patches during the day, but found they are better if I use them at night.

I wish yo better health.

[mini_d]

Hi Bill,

The symptoms that you have are due to the peripheral neuropathy that you are suffering from. Progress of the disease can result in autonomic symptoms like sweating, cold clammy skin and motor symptoms like twitching of various parts of the body.Axonal degeneration on biopsy does not point to a specific disease, but confirms the kind of neuropathy, and is mostly due to metabolic causes.

The major causes of peripheral neuropathy are diabetes mellitus, Vitamin B deficiencies, specially B12, Hypothyroidism, alcoholism, some inherited disorders, diseases like Guillian Barre syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, kidney and liver diseases. The cause is rarely ascertained. Treatment is symptomatic in most cases.

You may enquire with your doctor if all the above causes have been ruled out. Whatever be the cause, in addition to specific treatment for the disease, regular exercise, healthy food, fruits and vegetables, avoidabce of smoking are also essential.

Do keep me posted

Regards