Idiopathic neuropathy?

[crookshanks25]

I went to my doctor because I was having really bad dizzy spells; identified significant orthostatic hypotension of unknown cause. I had been otherwise healthy.  CBC and chemistries/thyroid were normal. The orthostat hypo persisted at future visits, with no other sx. About a month later, I developed tingling and burning of my feet that kept me up at night time and tinnitus started too. I was referred to a neuro, who identified 'quiescent' feet and 2 + brisk reflexes, slightly uneven between left and right. MRIs of head, neck, and rest of spine ruled out tumors, MS, and other conditions.  NCV was normal. I have a positive ANA that was not present a few years prior (thyroid storm in 2004, ANA was negative) but specific auto antibodies are negative as of a month ago. A very mild tremor is also present. I was started on gabapentin, 600 mg nightly. I have had problems with red rashes that don't itch on my upper chest (worst of cases was treated with Medrol dose pack-it was bright red and HOT) as of recent and knee pain in both knees. Saw rheum.  She prescribed Lodine for the knee pain. She doesn't think it's lupus, given the fact that no auto antibodies were identified besides the positive ANA, and I don't quite meet the criteria anyways. I also have episodes of extreme cold feet when I am otherwise warm. I peeked at them the other night and they were just a little pale, no technicolor or anything like that.  I have had 3 episodes of severe abdominal pains that last for hours this year; they come on fast and stop as suddenly but I have tenderness for days. GI consult showed nothing. He thought it was muscle spasms. I am 32 years old and of healthy weight; fasting glucose and HbA1c are good. I am having a difficult time accepting that this is idiopathic. I don't want something to be horribly wrong obviously and yes, my lab tests have been reassuring. I realize that my doctors have done a lot. I am very happy, with the exception of this neuropathy weirdness.  

[crookshanks25]

Sorry, when I said 'happy' I meant that I am happy with life in general...with the exception of this.  Now, I have lost gentle touch sensation in my fingertips.  I still feel pain and can function, but gentle touch sensation is gone (but my hands no longer tingle).
I do like my doctors but this is incredibly frustrating as something is causing this.  While a lot has been ruled out, I wonder what really is going on and if there is more weird stuff to come.

[Abhijeet Ghosh]

Dear Crookshanks25,
First of all, i was really happy to hear that you are fully satisfied with your doctors.
There are very few things,which we can do for the idiopathic diseases.Lupus is the most common diagnosis in these sort of scenarios.All these occasional symptoms, doesn't really proves that there is something badly wrong inside (as this is your major concern).
Just like you said, that the lab test were reassuring, so trust those reports and they are done from the blood taken from within you.
All the prescribed medicines are fully correct , so please continue with them..I am really not finding anything grossly wrong with your lab results,findings.
Am again reassuring you,not to worry about those symptoms of "neurological weirdness" as they will sometimes repeatedly come.
Feel free to ask me more, if you have got any specific queries/general discussion.
Regards.