Mike, Welcome, I'm new too but only to this website, I've had PN for 11 years and mine had a fast onset also like yours. Sorry you have to be here...

It started in my left foot arch and then my right foot, was burning and tingling and it took a few years before I knew what caused this, we think it's from a sugar problem that isn't bad enough to show up on most diabetes tests. It's called impaired glucose tolerance and I finally had a test read that showed it.

My B12 was in the 300s so I have been taking 1000mg of methylcobalamine lozenges and now it's in the 800s. I take Prilosec and have taken other antiacids for my hietal hernia, which can cause low absorption of B12, I think.

I have been able to control my sugar levels with my diet, exercise, and medication. Also, Mike, I was able to work to retirement, I won't say there was no pain but meds help me with that and retirement has helped too! I want to encourage you that there can be life after you figure out your cause and work on it and medications and supplements (I take those too) with your Dr. and friends and family!

Dany,

Thanks so much for that. I find it very interesting, as about a year ago, i had a fasting glucose test come in at 109. I've had it checked a couple of times since, and it was about 97.

Based on your recommendations, and mrsD, I think its time I start trying some methylcobalamine, magnesium, and get real serious about changing my diet. I know I need more excersize as well. It certainly is hard to get motivated to excersize when your feet hurt!

My neurologist has started me on Neurontin as well. Just started the first dose yesterday. I'll see how that goes.

Correction. My fasting glucose was 116.

That fasting level is going up. That means that you should be reducing or eliminating sugars, and simple carbs, and doing more protein and good fats in your diet.

The Zone diet is one good metabolic diet for insulin resistance.

They've been a heroic help to me and You can learn soo much from them! I know I have!
My neuropathy[ies] came on fast in 6 weeks I went from tingly toes to the hospital! Then downhill until I got properly tested and diagnosed.
As for exercise, per se? Don't worry, just do your durndest to KEEP moving!!!!
Your instincts will tell you to 'keep still' and it will go away. But you have to MOVE to keep your muscles working! In addition to working the muscles? It helps your vascular system clear out the bad fluids in your system and keep things functioning better even tho your sensory nerves aren't telling your brain to do the 'vascular thing'. With diabetes of any sort? This is very important!
Take your time and please read the 'sticky's'. They are chock full of 'keepers' of good info.
Keep faith that you can help yourself, and that it mite not be soo hard to do so! 's! - j

Hi Mike!
Welcome!
I am sorry you have cause to be here; yet, all of us have such a great resource within this group! So... a great place to be if needing some advice on these matters!
Sometimes, it can be frightening to read on any health boards. Although many stories have similarities, there are also often many differences. Some histories are more complex. It is better to read up and to know how best to intervene than to look the other way! You will do much better for having looked into things!
Oh..on stress... many medical conditions show up after a period of more intense stress.
My very best to you and to yours!
~DejaVu