Hi All-
I am a 48 year old man and have recently started attempting to educate myself in PN. In doing so I stumbled upon these forums. I have read many posts and will continue reading. They are a great source of information and support. I was dianosed with PN about 9 months ago ... although I think I have had it for many years (>10). I first notificed some numbness in between some toes more than 10 years ago.

Over the years I mentioned it to my GP a few times (when it began to expand in scope to all my toes and the front of my foot). When I was finally referred to a neurologist about a year ago now I began to realize that I did indeed have a problem. The vibration instrument she used provided me what a bit of a shock as to how much my ability to detect these sensations had diminished. She told me that she thought I had PN and that I should come back for some additional testing (primarily to rule out MS .. at least that was my understanding).

She also told me that I wouldn't like her after the addtional testing. When I finally came in for the follow up testing (almost 6 months later) she told me based on the results that she did not believe I had MS but that I did have peripheral neuropathy. I was too much in the dark at that point to even ask the right questions. I was just releaved to hear it was not MS .. but now I am thinking PN is not necessarily a better diagnosis. My condition seems to be symetric and is affecting both feet. No noticable involvement in my hands to date. I will say it seems to be progressing faster this past year although I am not sure why.
At any rate ... I have alot to learn. I would like to get a second opinion at some point. I would like to do whatever I can to slow the progression of this condition that I can. I also have questions about portability of disability insurance which is now a concern I have.

Thanks to those who give there time to creating and maintaining these forums. I look forward to participating in them.