Hi guy,

Well, in trying to think about what sorts of things might be causing your problem.

First, about the HIV scare: people who do get HIV get sick. That is, initially (as I understand it) they maybe just feel like they've got a cold, or not-so-bad case of the flu. Have you been sick? (There *are* other viruses in the world, as you've said.)

About other possibilities. You can try doing a Google search using the terms "peripheral neuropathy" and "differential diagnosis." Look at the Cleveland Clinic page, and some others. Usually they have boxes with lists in them; look down the page and check out those out.

About you personally. Was anything else happening, other than the HIV scare, before this?

Are you athletic? They spray pesticides on sports fields. Pesticides and neuropathy; well, think "Lou Gehrig" as the max example.

What part of the country are you in. You mentioned testing for Lyme disease. It takes a while for antibodies to develop . . . have you seen a rash, or any red spot (that gets bigger with time)?

Arsenic, as pointed out by MrsD in another thread, is a prime suspect. There is arsenic in those green-colored wood products. If you were working on a construction project or anything similar, consider chemical exposures.

Do you take any kinds of medications? There are lists of neuropathy-causing medications at those websites.

Do you live near a coal-burning power plant? Have you been playing on the banks of the Carson River during your entire childhood? (It's an EPA SuperFund site, for mercury, that will probably never get taken care of . . . )

Do you eat seafood? You can look up "domoic acid" and also look up "ciguatera poisoning." See if those get you anywhere . . .

And FWIW, I wouldn't rely on doctors to find answers either. I've seen what they have to offer and am totally not impressed. If they were even half as good as they should be, the greatest amount of discussion on these lists would be "who is the best doctor . . ."