Could all these symptoms be from neuropathy?

[Jude543]

I was diagnosed as diabetic in June 1994 and was taking oral medication.
In September 2003 I had flu-like symptoms, missed a week of work.  Dr. said it was a virus.  Had pain in middle of my back that was so bad I could not sleep, cried every day from the pain.  Had to quit working end of Oct. 2003 - pain was so severe. I kept falling, my legs would give out without any warning. The pain went from my middle back (bra strap area) to lower back, to hips, to thighs and stayed in my lower legs.  By Dec. 2003 I was in a wheelchair-legs were numb-I could not stand on them.  In Jan. 2004 I was put on insulin.  In May 2004 I did Home Health Care Physical Therapy and by June 2004 could use a walker.  During this time I lost 70 pounds in 6 months (but now gained it back). My voice also changed, it was higher pitched sounding.  Now it is normal except when in a lot of pain it gets raspy.

Test that were done in 2003 & 2004:
Neuropathy-positive.
MS (MRI of brain), lupus, x-ray of leg, x-ray of chest (chest hurt too), MRI of spine (found 2 herniated disks at T10 & T11), epidural in spine (did not help),whole body bone scan, stress test to check heart, EKG-all came up negative.

I'm currently 52 years old. Today, I use a cane or nothing if it is a short distance (very short). I still have many symptoms:
My ankles, feet and legs swell. Legs hurt real bad from the top of my knees to my toes. Dr. told me nothing wrong with my kidneys.
Pain real bad in knees-can't bend them, can't lean on them, no reflexes.
Fatigue-sometimes I get so tired I feel sick (doze while sitting at a red light).
Headaches-I wake up with them at least once a week.
Muscle cramps in legs usually while sleeping (rub them out & they go away).
Muscle spasms/fluttering -lasts a couple of minutes-get them in different parts of my body.
I constantly drop things-happens every day
Short term memory loss-happens every day
Very dry skin-everywhere-psoriasis on elbows and scalp
Voice gets raspy when in a lot of pain.
White patch on tongue, under tongue
Fever blisters on tongue, on throat, lips, on fingers, on forearm-get them a lot (every other month)

I just have a gut feeling it is not just neuropathy.   Does anyone have any opinions on what it could be?  Thanks so much!  (I know this was long).  Jude543

[Jude543]

Thanks for writing back.  I had an MRI of brain for MS and they did not see any white patches.  Could I have been tested too early for MS? I have been to 2 neurologists already but they seem to think it is just neuropathy.  It's very frustrating, but I won't give up.

I appreciate your taking the time to write.  Thanks again, Jude 543

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
It is very difficult to pin point the exact diagnosis without a clinical examination. However the possibility of MS, fibromyalgia, and motor neuron disease cannot be ruled out.
There are a number of conditions which can cause white patches on the tongue like oral candidiasis, leukoplakia, dehydration, chronic illness, and lupus.
I would suggest you to please consult a neurologist as this seems to be more than just neuropathy.
Take care!