small fiber neuropathy

[mtgardner]

I have both small fiber neuropathy and large fiber peripheral neuropathy plus Hashimoto's, Raunaud's,  SICCA syndrome, and severe sleep apnea.  I have had a mildly positive ANA test followed by a negative one, a slightly elevated parathyroid test followed by a normal one but with a slightly elevated calcium.  Sleep apnea is being treated wtih BIPAP SV Auto.  Present thyroid meds are Levoxyl and Liothyronine  and latest TSH was .65.  No FT4 or FT3 was ordered.  I am currently experiencing waking from sleep with shaking chills and a body temp of 94.8.  This has happened multiple times.  I woke this morning feeling cold and my temperature again is 94.8.  I used two different thermometers to check this. I sleep in warm clothes under very warm covers in a warm room.  Could the small fiber neuropathy be the cause and what should I do to prevent the low temperature?  I have noted some mental slowness with all of this and a feeling of wanting to burrow under the covers and not get up to do anything about it....apathy.  I have to force myself to get up and drink hot liquids.  I have increasing muscle weakness worse in the afternoon and on hot days.  I have some tremor at rest with fatigue.  At night I also have periodic leg movements.

[el_mc]

I have recently been diagnosed with small fiber neuropathy , I am 32 years old , female. I am not sure how this happened or even what it is. I have  terrible spastic pains, symptoms of what may possibly be temporal lobe seizure activity -still having it looked into. Tachychardia that developed suddenly in 2005 with pr of 130+. Dizziness, severe muscle fatigue, (like I lift my arms and instantaneously they feel overworked and heavy) my legs also feel like I have ran a few miles after only walking across my living room. I get headaches that seem to be derived from an extreme clenching in the back of my neck to the base of my head accompanied with dizziness. The dizziness occurs without turning my head from side to side sometimes it is just leaning my upper body forward slightly while sitting. My extremities are constantly freezing cold although my face feels hot and flushed . My toes turn sheet white. I have tiny little red pin dot looking splatters on my chest arms abdomen and upper thighs. My hip bones look like the skin is discolored. I have also been diagnosed with hypersomnia, and possibly narcolepsy. I had my first seizure (tonic-clonic) when I was 14 yrs old. I get periods of extreme confusion and a simply 'out of it' feeling, I am having periods of losing time. I am having episodes which are especially frustrating in which I seem to not be able to articulate what I am trying to say. Or all the words mix together . I have suddenly started sleep walking I have always been a sleep talker and have always acted out dreams. I am also getting pain that almost seems like side stitches directly under my rib cage although I am not active.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

I would highly suggest you follow up with your primary care physician to evaluate your thyroid further. The thyroid has many functions and can cause symptoms much like what you describe including temperature intolerance/changes, emotional/mental changes, and sensory changes. Additionally, if you have not already done so, you may need to be seen by a rheumatologist for your connective tissue disorders and possible future treatment options.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.