Hello Angela, welcome to the forums! You really should check out all the information available on the Peripheral Neuropathy forum.

I have hereditary neuropathy or CMT, and I do have severe balance issues as well as experiencing odd sensations that are unfounded, like bugs crawling on me, threads dangling, things brushing against me, etc. I have no feeling in my legs from above the knees down, and I do not feel that my feet have any traction, they often feel as if they are slipping and I need to use my eyes and sometimes my hands to put them where I want them, such as on a sewing machine pedal.

Showering presents the greatest difficulties with balance since it is necessary to close one's eyes. I have a chair now for the shower, but I also have a technique where I wash my hair by leaning both elbows on the tub wall for support. I normally walk with a cane, although I am okay in the house without it except in the middle of the night and on even a few stairs I need support.

My understanding is that all patients with nerve disorders should supplement with B-12, and that the tablets are as effective if not more so than shots. It certainly cannot hurt to try, but if it is CMT it may not make a difference.

Do you have difficulty with inclines, hills, or stairs? This is often an indicator of CMT. Many idiopathic cases are probably hereditary but lack evidence. In the end there is very little difference, what you hope for is that a treatable cause will be found.