[MikeS]

Hi all.

I've recently been told by a neurologist that I have PN. It all started only 3 weeks ago when I started having strange feelings in my right foot. Now, 3 weeks later, both feet feel like they are burning, and I'm not looking forward to going to bed tonight as I know I'll wake up in pain.

I've had an EMG and a bunch of bloodwork done already, still waiting on the official results of the EMG, but all the bloodwork came back normal, so they've ruled out many things, like diabetes, B12 deficiency, Thyroid, Lymes, etc.

I'm wondering if anybody else out there has had a sudden onset of this for no apparent reason? Is it normal for it to happen so fast? It's scary to think where I'll be in another 3 weeks....

I've spent a fair amount of time reading through some of this forum today and found some very interesting information on supplements and such that can help. It's all so overwhelming right now. Where to start? Magnesium?
I've found sites selling things like NeuropathyRx, but how do you know if its just a gimmic?

[mrsD]

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

If you are just starting, and have burning, I'd start with Biofreeze gel. This really works and is topical, and non invasive.

I'd get the numbers for your B12, since "normal" doesn't mean much today, with the antiquated lab ranges out there.

I'd also get tested for Vit D status, and that too, your doctor should give you your numbers--- you would like to see 50-80ng/ml as normal.

Fast onset? Maybe some mechanical thing going on with your feet? This could be arthritis, or gout, or changes in your arch, or tendon issues at the ankle, etc.

I had fairly normal blood work for thyroid all the while my feet and carpal tunnel were the worst! It was only thru a radioactive uptake test, that the gland was visualized as abnormal (several years later).

PN is sneaky and does not present clearly most of the time.

Yes, starting some magnesium cannot hurt. If you don't eat foods that contain it daily, you will be below RDA for it. Here is my magnesium thread:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1138.html

Avoid MSG in foods. Avoid excess salt, eat healthy, and consider gluten as a trigger.

Think about what you are doing lately.... what drugs are you taking, or were taking, for example. Are you exercising too much? Not at all? Are your chairs you sit in proper for you, are your shoes poor? Sometimes the trigger is there in your lifestyle.

[glenntaj]

--for neuropathy to start acutely--mine certainly did.

Beside mechanical problems, an acute onset implies toxic exposure and/or possibly an autoimmune mechanism.

See:

http://neuromuscular.wustl.edu/time/...htm#neuropathy

[daniella]

Hi welcome though sorry for what you are facing. Mine started pretty quick too. I will say looking back I had odd issues for someone my age a few years earlier. Can you think of anything that you may have dismissed but may have a connection? Have you had health problems or injured? Mr D asked a lot of good questions too. I hope you get some answers and relief

[MikeS]

Thanks for the responses. A very stressful time. Great to find this forum to help search for answers.

My B12 is 350 with a standard range listed as 239 - 931 pg/ml.
I did not get tested for Vit D. I can mention this. Does a Vit D deficiency cause some of this as well?

The only drug I'd started taking a couple of weeks before this started was Claritin. I normally only take it occasionaly, but this year I had started taking it on a daily basis. I have looked up the possible side effects, but didn't see anything.

I've had quite a bit "less" excercise lately. Especially since this all started.

Again, thanks for the responses.

[mrsD]

350 is borderline low. Anything below 400 should be either further evaluated with an MMA test, or you can start methylcobalamin (methylB12) orally) now yourself.

Low D is being found in about 1/2 the US population, and is linked to many medical problems. Many people on these boards have tested low or very low:

Please read this thread and watch both videos:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread92116.html

There is preliminary evidence of low Vit D and diabetic neuropathy as well.

I would stop the Claritin for two reasons. 1) it is really a very poor antihistamine, and 2) it can affect the liver (which it did to me). Better would be Zyrtec, and if that makes you tired, break them in half, like I do. They work just as well at 1/2 or 5mg, which most people and doctors don't know.

Allergies also respond to antioxidants, like grapeseed extract, which will also help the PN. 300mg a day minimum. Some people can reduce or stop antihistamines when using this natural antioxidant.

[MikeS]

You mentioned to look for "triggers" that could have kicked this off. Has anyone ever heard of high stress/anxiety being a trigger?

I've been trying to think of what has been different for me leading up to this, and one big thing is I went through a period of very high stress/anxiety for a couple of months before this started.

Of course, this certainly hasn't done anything to decrease that anxiety.

[mrsD]

High stress increases inflammatory cytokines, and also increases oxidative stress. Quenching free radicals therefore may help.

Or you may have been on the road to this, and the stress just pushed you faster to your unfortunate destination.

High stress also increases pain.

High stress also affects the immune system.
http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/beaton.html

[nide44]

I have found that high stress (or any form of stress)
can affect my PN symptoms.
I try to lead as stress-free a life as possible.
Things that used to bother me, I now let roll off my back.
I have had to become unconcerned with anything but the most important in my life.
I am not apathetic by any means, but ball games, any sports for that matter, and other things of that nature - now....I do not let rule my day.
Minor familial conflicts are not exacerbated. I refuse to argue about things and just concede, or stay silent, where I used to argue.
It really isn't that important, anyway.
Stress is a definite trigger.

[mrsD]

I agree. High stress is bad on the body. My feet flamed up that recent week I had to face reality for my old old cat and companion. Taking her to the vet for the tumor growing on her face, and finding out her kidneys were failing...my feet flamed up for a week! I had been having really good nights before that.
I thought the vet would suggest euthanasia that week, but he said no, she still looks good and is enjoying her old age still.
So I did ramp down, stress wise. And this is only a PET stress.
Big HUMAN stresses would be more significant.