I am a 42 yr old, generally healthy male. have had the following symptoms since Feb 2012: symmetrical tingling in hands and feet, on/off burning in feet, all-over body muscle twitches, on/off patches of skin that are sensitive to touch, and most recently dark bruising in left calve for 8 weeks (improved last two weeks). I did have gi issues for past year (better now) and shingles in Jan 2012.
I saw a neurologist in March 2012 he need a physical exam, nerve conductivity test, and had labs done, all of which were normal. He did not do a needle emg. I saw him again in May 2012, again physical exam normal. He ordered a neck mri, came back normal. He said nothing else to do, see you in 6 months. He never commented on it being large or small nerve, axonal vs demylating (sp?). He does not see the need to order a mri of the brain.
My PCP started my on 400mg of Neurontin (seems to help some) and ran a few more blood tests to look at "rare things".
I am frustrated about not being able to find answers to what this is. if it is nothing serious, then it will help me move on to some extent. It is hard for my mind not to wonder if there is something serious going on.
Questions:
1. the nerve conduct. test should rule out large nerve issues, but could this be a small nerve issue?
2. small nerve issues seem to be limited in cause?
3. should i expect this to improve or not?
4. should i get another opinion (getting into another neuro means a referral from my dr...hard to get)
5. any recommendation on how i should go forward?
thanks for your help and thoughts,
stephen