Welcome to NT!
Your post really struck a chord with me......I actually had to read it twice, as I could have sworn it was the very post I had written when I first found this site.
I also got to a place in thinking that cutting off my legs made sense, that it would be the only way to get rid of the constant pain that was eating away at my sanity. My life seemed over. I was 44.

You have been given some fantastic suggestions and support here in your introductory post. I hope you log back on and are able to see the heartfelt things people have written. And this is only the beginning.
I never dreamed there could be so many caring people all in one place.
Not only caring, but understanding and really 'comprehending' what you are going through.

I would strongly suggest going to the peripheral neuropathy forum. It is very active and LOADED with information on how to combat this horrible condition.
There ARE ways to combat this very elusive medical nightmare....even if the best diagnosis that can be achieved is 'idiopathic'.....

Also, regarding the SCS.....I know it sounds very 'creepy'. When I was first presented with this option, my first thought was "there is NO WAY I will opt for this...NO way". I finally got to a place of realization that I had become nothing more than a prisoner of my own home, watching life pass me by.
If your Dr feels this strongly - that you are a prime candidate for this procedure .... I would recommend at least considering the trial. By doing the 'trial', you will get a pretty accurate idea whether or not this is something worth pursuing. You can read 'real people' testimonies by checking out the SCS/Pain Pump forum. It is listed in the main menu as a sub-forum in the "Medications & Treatment" Forum.....
Here is the shortcut link to get you there.....click on:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...ysprune=&f=118

You do have options and your life IS worth fighting for.....
Neurotalk has plenty of ammunition to keep you afloat. Please feel at home here and peek in any of the forums here. You'll be amazed at how many people actually can feel the pain you describe.
It IS real. The most frustrating part about it is, like you said, family and friends (and even many doctors) can't 'SEE' it, therefore, to THEM, it doesn't really exist. That is the sad reality.
That is what this forum is all about. Helping those of us who would be completely alone in our battles if it weren't for the fighting force of HOPE that keeps us going.

I wish you the best.
Truly Caring
Rae