I was misdiagnosed for 5 years before a specialist determined I had idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. It got progressively worse during those 5 years, to the point where I was in tears. I started walking with a cane when I was 28. I am now 38. While my pain is predominantly in my feet, I also experience it in my fingertips. I cannot open jars (or type longer than about 10 mins) without pain. I have to take medication to walk any longer than 15 minutes (IE grocery shopping)

I would say that it has ruined my life. I was very athletic, very active, walking to work almost every day and mtn biking. I have no pain unless I'm on my feet... but I'm unable to stand at the stove long enough to cook myself dinner.

However, I still work full time. I need to be FT for my benefits. Luckily I have an office job at a newspaper and sit 90% of the day. But it wears me out. I had to drastically change my lifestyle in order to deal with this. Being inactive and unable to stay strong and fit really takes its toll and I too worry very much about the future.

I have noticed two things that help. The biggest is staying off my feet. The longer I'm off them, the longer I can go when I walk again. After a three day vacation, even with medication, my feet burn and ache for days afterwards. The other is eating well. Avoiding processed foods and sugar seems to offer a mild improvement - but everything helps.