Welcome,

You have a lot to handle. I sure hope you get some answers so you can understand what's going on. It helps when you understand the whys and why nots.

There lots of info here. So take you time and look around.

Keep us informed as you go along. You're not alone. We o understand.

Hi. Thanks for your reply. I too lose my balance when I close my eyes. I also lose my balance when I look down or bend over just the slightest. We will see what the test shows tomorrow. Take care.

An interesting article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somatosensory_system

Let us know how the tests come out. DNA blood testing for CMT might be helpful - expensive but helpful. There are many types of it. Hope to see you at the PN forum. Any family history of any of the symptoms you are experiencing? Thank you.

Hi. Thanks for your reply. No family history of any of the symptoms that I know of. I looked on the orders for the test tomorrow and they said that he is looking for Hereditary and idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. I don't have diabetes. I will post the results. Thanks.

Idiopathic simply means that the cause cannot be identified. As far as family history symptoms could be not that evident but you still could have a type of hereditary neuropathy. There are many.

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.