I understand it varies depending on the specific symptoms and areas involved. The nervous system is integrated into every part of the body and manages everything. I’ve lost many sensations, such as thirst, bladder signals, the feeling of relief after a bowel movement, and hunger; basically, various physical sensations. I’ve read that these are under the control of the brain and nervous system. My urologist previously suggested that nerve damage was a possibility since my bladder appeared normal on scans, and issues like neurogenic bladder are nerve-related. After finally getting a positive biopsy, I contacted that same urologist from two years ago, and he wants to explore this further now that “nervous system damage” is officially confirmed.
That’s right, as I see it, small fiber neuropathy is essentially a description of the condition’s effects. “Small fiber” points to the specific nerves affected, while “neuropathy” simply means nerve disease. It can be triggered by various factors, but the term itself doesn’t identify the underlying cause.
“The nervous system governs your whole body.” Very true. This is especially the case for autonomic nerves. When they are injured, your bodily functions can stop working correctly.
It’s notable that you’re losing the sensation of thirst and hunger… those are my newest symptoms as well. I’m already struggling with temperature regulation and an inability to sweat, on top of the various skin sensations.
So your test came back positive? What are the next steps in your treatment?
I was diagnosed with progressive autonomic SFN decades ago via several punch biopsies. I’m not sure of the exact cause, but it definitely started following a spinal fusion with hardware to treat a staph infection—it’s frustrating that they still call it idiopathic when the trigger seems obvious. For me, medical treatments have been a total disaster. I’m curious if anyone knows if these are SFN-related or if others experience them: constant, severe tinnitus (which began with the antibiotics and worsened), intense one-sided migraines involving the eye and sinuses over the last few years, and new eye flashes on that same side starting six weeks ago. Thanks.