[livingwith]

At 41 years I have had a lot of severe injuries, but they healed and were not as debilitating pain-wise as neuropathy. Today I was seen again by yet another doctor. After some tests and scheduling 3 skin biopises for later, he is almost convinced that this is Small Fiber Neuropathy
Once confirmed the treatment is likely to be anti-convulsants, which may not be effective because the dosage may have to be so high that I would be no good mentally (sleepy, confused possibly). This is what I have...Read the full article

[Bethy]

Hi, I know your post was months ago, but I'm new to this site and just had to respond. I am 47 and like yourself, have been diagnosed with small fiber PN. And I so understand how you feel when you spoke about what people around may think. No one can see this disease, many haven't heard of it, and to others you look just the same as you always did. But they haven't a clue as to what the pain is all about. And I've had to quit work and apply for disability - I haven't been approved yet so I'm living off my good looks. :-) My doctor hasn't found the right medication yet and the side effects from all these meds. are almost too much to bear. Right now I'm trying Lyrica, but as yet it doesn't seem to have done anything. My doc just keeps raising the dosage. I've tried Gabapentin, but man, if you miss a dose your life is thrown into a tail spin - hallucinations, mood swings....and I had a hysterectomy last year so my body isn't the greatest on handling all these meds.....
Anyway, my name is Beth if you want someone to talk to.

[Rob]

Hi, I know your post was months ago, but I'm new to this site and just had to respond. I am 47 and like yourself, have been diagnosed with small fiber PN. And I so understand how you feel when you spoke about what people around may think. No one can see this disease, many haven't heard of it, and to others you look just the same as you always did. But they haven't a clue as to what the pain is all about. And I've had to quit work and apply for disability - I haven't been approved yet so I'm living off my good looks. :-) My doctor hasn't found the right medication yet and the side effects from all these meds. are almost too much to bear. Right now I'm trying Lyrica, but as yet it doesn't seem to have done anything. My doc just keeps raising the dosage. I've tried Gabapentin, but man, if you miss a dose your life is thrown into a tail spin - hallucinations, mood swings....and I had a hysterectomy last year so my body isn't the greatest on handling all these meds.....
Anyway, my name is Beth if you want someone to talk to.

Beth - I just looked back on this page and saw your message. Thanks. Any luck yet?
I still have the problem and just about to go to round 2 of the meds, meaning start them again. My doctor is ordering more extensive blood work for some vascular studies but only becasue I am not responding to treatment. I do not have any symptoms of vascular disease. I am either in pain or tired from the meds. I still do not get out, my friends are long gone. I get a few emails but I have told them that I am no fun to be around with this going on. I can't even get in a cocktail with them because of the meds and possible side effects. I am giving Lyrica a 2nd try and I am already feeling the side effects, only on week 2.
Hope you have figured your way out, but if you have you probably won't be back here. Hope your good looks kept you afloat while waiting on disability. Good luck there.
Rob