[Mabel Rawlinson]

Hi folks. I've been feeling the need for advice and support and this place looked good so here I am.

The story so far.. been with my fella for 10 years although we don't live together, yet. New year this year he started getting pain in his feet which a gp thought was plantar fasciitis but after seeing muscle and bone specialists that has been ruled out. He still has pain in his legs and feet and is experiencing odd sensations in his hands such as 'feeling like getting a shock' from touching things or things 'feeling like ice'.
He has been on crutches since new year and finally has a neurology appt tomorrow but I realise a diagnosis could still take quite a while.

It has been a really hard year, not knowing what is going on and speculating about what the future may hold for us. He is such an active man, his favourite things are wildlife photography and playing the guitar. Whatever this thing is is making both things much harder and I'm so scared for him if this gets worse.
I cry in secret because I'm trying to stay 'up' for him but I know that this could ruin his life.
We both already suffer from mental health problems so this is really difficult.

I'm starting to feel really lost and alone. I don't know how to help us both stay sane.

Sorry for the essay. Feels good to let it out though. thanks for reading.

[Kitt]

Welcome Mabel Rawlinson.

[anon1028]

Stay strong. Don't think about the future. You don't know what he has yet and it may be quite treatable. Let him go to the neuro and get evaluated and get the necessary tests done.

Crying is ok. I do it every now and then and then I face the next day. It's good that you are staying strong for him. He may end up taking pictures and playing the guitar for many many more years. You don't know yet.

Take Each Day at a time and stay positive. **

[Darlene]

Mabel,

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, where you have find a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[Mabel Rawlinson]

Thank you for the welcome folks.

Thank you Mark. it's the staying positive that I'm having trouble with. But I'll keep trying to.

Well, he should be in with the neuro guy right now. I'm guessing he will just be referred for scans and the like.

Should I be hanging out in the carers part? or the mental health part? or the general health part? Advice appreciated.

It's double hard because we both have mental health problems already. he has generalised anxiety and I have that plus borderline plus ptsd.

Thanks again for advice and warm welcomes.

[anon1028]

**

I'm glad he is seeing neuro. keep hunting till you get an answer.

Me and my girlfriend both have mental health issues and it makes things more challenging so I understand, so make sure neither one of your mental health conditions are deteriorating as a result of this situation. and of course call your doctor if you think need be. I guess you have psychologists which could be a big help right now.

and remember, what he has may be quite treatable.

[ginnie]

Welcome to NT. You will meet some friends and most certainly get some support. When these medical problems hit, even when your emotions are stable, it can rock anyone's world. Pain is awful and it does mess with you regarding emotionally and with relationships. Seek a councilor if you have to. Sometimes they can offer coping skills while you are looking for your DX. I will keep both of you in my prayers. Just be as supportive as you can be. We all need help at times in our lives. ginnie

[Lara]

Hi Mabel,
Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

I'm not sure really where to direct you but you'll know more once he's seen the Neurologist, but in the meantime you could perhaps read some of the information in the Information threads on the
Peripheral Neuropathy Forum
to see if that fits the symptoms he's been experiencing.

There's a thread there in the Stickies called
Important Links to Useful Websites

We do have a Caregivers Support Forum

There are various forums related to mental health.
The best thing to do perhaps would be to look at the main list and then you can decide if you want to post there or not.
List of NeuroTalk Mental Health Conditions Forums

Hopefully you get some answers soon because not knowing can be the most difficult of times.

take care of yourself.
Lara

[Mabel Rawlinson]

Thank you all so much for making me feel so welcome. I already feel a bit better just having got some stuff off my chest.

So the neuro guy did a bunch of simple tests and doesn't think it is within his sphere of help. he's pointing towards possible CRPS. This doesn't seem like a very well understood condition at the moment and I'm reading of people having trouble with getting help and support with it.

Still a long road ahead it seems.
Thanks again folks. maybe see some of you in the other boards.

[Lara]

Mabel,
There is an RSD/CRPS Forum