A related discussion,
skin sensitive no outward symtoms was started.
I was diagnosed with Cervical Myelopathy, Radiculopathy, and small fiber neuropathy. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis also. Let me tell you, the pain is like having the worst sunburn you have ever had and then going back into the sun. I could be doing nothing and the burning is just there, if I go outside and the sun hits me it hurts, if the air conditioning touches my skin it hurts. Clothing, jewelry, bedding, it all is very sensitive to the skin. Then there's the numbness, tingling so bad that if I put my feet together they feel as though they are vibrating. I am currently taking 3600 mg of Neurontin, 25 mg of Prednisone, Arava, Methotrexate, Toprol XL, Norvasc, Vicodin ES, Duragesic Patch, and then on Monday Enbrel. I am a big mess. I am always in pain and all I want to do is cry.My walking is very poor as I can't stand for long because of the pain and tingling. My Neurologist is not going out of his way to explain things.Infact, when I call him he hardly ever calls back. I have heard this from alot of his other patients. The MRI showed a mass of inflammation in the C-3 to C-5 area of the spine. I know it is affecting the sensory nerves but does anyone know how bad this could get? Also more importantly, does anyone know of a Neurologist that specializes in Cervical Myelopathies in the state of Michigan. Please, I really need someone that can handle this and make my life a little bit easier.
i have similar symptoms. About a year ago, I got tingling in my arms and legs. Soon after I started developing burning pain throughout my whole body. I had all the tests done-everything normal. Can someone explain to me what small fiber neuropaty is? Are neuropathys permanent, and what type of damage can they do? Hang in there Barbara, I know how tough all of this is. Im scared too.
Thanks for the feedback, Peg. I think the big "stumper" about my symptoms is how widespread they can be. Yours started with just your legs, apparently. Mine can "roam" from legs, neck, arms, etc. It changes location, so to speak. Skin isn't sensitve to wash, massage, etc. That's why it seems like it's something systemic...ie., possibly hormone changes or some other bizarre chemical imbalance, allergy, etc. And it disappeared completely for 7 months.
Just because an EMG is normal; doesn't mean you don't have or will not get peripheral neuropathy. My symptoms started over two years ago with severe burning of the legs. I described it to my doctor, like a sunburn. I couldn't stand to have clothing touch my skin, or wash myself in the shower.
First EMG was normal. An EMG four months later, and a nerve biopsy, showed peripheral neuropathy with severe atrophy of the myelinated axon. Keep an eye on it. Have a repeat EMG in about six months.
Dear Barabara:
I am not sure what to tell you. In light of all the normal testing (I am assuming EMG also, although you sound like a small fiber neuropathy which would not be picked up by EMG), I am not sure what it could be. A small fiber neuropathy might give you episodic soreness and parasthesias but it would not be so wide spread initially. Pressure palsy neuropathy would not be so widespread. The normal lab testing would rule out vitamin B12 problems as well as the widespread initial symptoms. I am sorry that I am not able to help you. Whether it is related to your menopause is unknown.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD