Hi Everyone,

Glad I was able to find this resource of information and good people. Thanks for having me!

My Story:

I have had PN in my feet since 2018. Up until this point, I only had very minor symptoms of burning pain in my sole of my feet and numbness in my toes. It would present for a day or two and then go away, sometimes for months.. Because it was so minor, I would not give it much thought, as I am very busy with work, and family/kids.

My PCP diagnosed it as PN, and checked for diabetes, which I did not have. I never had an official diagnosis however. Just said to keep an eye on it. The last time I made a note of having pain in my foot was April of this year. Did not have any symptoms at all from April until now.

I went bed Friday 9-17-20 feeling great, no problems and slept like a baby. Woke up Saturday to an entirely new reality, a nightmare more like it! Burning pain not only in both feet, but in both hands as well. Within hours this evolved to include tingling, zapping, crawling, burning sensations in my legs and arms. By the next day, this sensation (paresthesia)? had taken over my entire body, even my face.

Now on day 9, I am still having the same symptoms, which have not improved. I am noticing a pattern where my symptoms are the worse in the morning, then subside as the day goes on. During the day the symptoms can wax and wane. My feet only feel normal, not wearing shoes. If I put shoes on and start walking, they become pins and needles with burning pain. When the evening comes, the symptoms get worse again full body. When I lay down to sleep, my entire body feels like ants are crawling over it. I then start to get a burning sensation on my feet, hands, torso, arms, and face. Needless to say, I have not slept well at all. Thankfully I work from home!

So here I am, frantically researching this insidious new health problem. I have yet to wrap my mind around how quickly this all progressed. I went from feeling the best I have felt in a long time to pure suffering, and mental anguish. How can it be that nerve damage occurs so quickly over night? I thought this was supposed to be a slow progressing disease.

Anyway, I have an appointment with a Neurologist tomorrow. I am not sure what is going to happen on the road ahead, but I can't help but think about my family, being a Husband and Father. The support I provide, and all that will be required of me to fulfill my responsibilities if this is the new normal, with a prognosis of getting worse. Those are the thoughts that consume me now.

Thanks again, for letting me share my story. I am sure I will be on here frequently in the days ahead with questions and thoughts. If any members have words of wisdom or suggestions, please share. I am 48 years old.

Thanks!

HaveMercy