Welcome to the forum mountaingirl. I'm sorry your having such a rapid onset of symptoms.

Actually, I don't think there is a "normal progression" of SFN. Some have a slow progression of symptoms and others have a rapid onset. Among the stories I've read from people with rapid onset, it seems the progress often slows down or stops at some point. And in some cases even reverses.

So, don't get too discouraged - stress seems to be one of the factors that makes things worse. Do some reading on the forum to get a feel for what others are doing to control symptoms. The doctors are only one part of the treatment plan - you have to do some research and take things into your own hands to some extent.

Self-help options seem to fall into the major categories of diet, exercise, supplementation, and stress reduction. Most of these are aimed at providing the best possible conditions for your nerves to survive and repair any damage that has been done to them.

Hang in there, and don't be afraid to ask any questions you have - or even just "vent" if your having a bad day