Neuropathy?

[Deb 27]

So,   does neuropathy cause you to  not be able to sweat??? I don't think I am sweating and now the heat is a strange, unpleasant sensation that I really can't  explain it.  It's just too strange. Should I talk to my rheumy about this?? I guess they do a skin biopsy to see if you have small fiber neuropathy?? That would really be dangerous to not be able to sweat but I think that is what is happening.

[Carolina]

I can't answer you, Deb, about your specific situation.  I recommend you Google both Neuropathy and Small Fiber Neuropathy, which may give you some guidelines.

I can tell you about my own experiences.  Long before I had the diagnosis of profound peripheral neuropathy (I am disabled and walk with braces and a walker) and 4 years later Small Fiber Neuropathy (I have the sensation of my skin on fire in my arms, hands face, lips and tongue, controlled by a daily dosage of 3600 mg of Gabapentin) I experienced unusual 'temperature disregulation'. 

I would suddenly begin sweating uncontrollably from my head, with sweat rolling down the front of my face and dripping off the ends of my hair, which was soaked.  I had NO sweating from the rest of my body, and I do not, to this day.

I am usually very, very hot.  But my hands and feet and nose are icy cold.  It is part of the autonomic disorder that is part of the neurological damage that can accompany Sjogren's.

On our own forum under Sjogren's Topics you can find information about Neurological Connections.

This is a link to the NIH discussion of Peripheral Neuropathy:

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Peripheral-Neuropathy-Fact-Sheet

This is a link to Johns Hopkins discussion of Small Fiber Neuropathy:

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/peripheral_nerve/conditions/small_fiber_sensory_neuropathy.html

Best wishes,

Elaine

[irish]

You might want to check out autonomic dysfunction in regards to the inability to sweat. Irish

[A Mom on Spin]

And, yes, definitely speak with your neurologist or rheumatologist. 

[Deb 27]

Thank you for your replies, Carolina, Irish and Mom on Spin.

Whew, that's a pretty big dose of gabapentin, isn't it Carolina? But we do what we have to do to feel better. Neuropathy can really tough!!

I did some reading. It seems like I have a few of the symptoms of some neuropathy. 

I am due soon for a 6 month check up at the rheumy's. They had to cut down on my plaquenil dose since I was having some tinnitus from it.

In the meantime, thank goodness for A/C!!!  I'd be in a lot of trouble without it!

[xcitableone]

Hi Deb,

I'm definitely having neuropathy symptoms, but mine are causing me to do the opposite - sweat buckets!! I also go numb in my extremities if I barely apply any pressure to them (like crossing my legs or lying on my arm without hardly any pressure. If I barely move, I sweat! So weird. I hope you find answers!! If I get any more info from my upcoming appointment (I'll be bringing this subject up), I'll make sure to share it with you!

Best,
Greg