As a newbie, I resemble that remark!!! LOL... I'm actually glad that I've found this site... It's nice to hear from "like" people... Even though every one here is different, at least I don't feel like I'm a statistic... sounds like some people here at least know the cause of their neuropathy... I don't have the $$$ to get the genetic testing (At least $15k per shot)... I found it most troublesome to be an idiopathic (I call it idiodic) neuropathy number... I guess mainly because I don't know what caused it... I'm worried that my kids might have it... and don't want them to go thru what I've been experiencing for the past 5 years...

Ed,
Genetic neuropathy is in the minority of causes as there are over 200 known causes for neuropathy. Most of us fall into the overall general terms of :
toxic- anything from alcohol to penicilin shots or flu shots, exposure to chemical from the workplace to the garden, and everything you can think of in between
compression- pinched discs to botched surgery that the surgeon won't admit to
environmental- something causes an allergy or some sort of reaction that acts as a trigger
inherited- the biggest group is middle European klineage and descendants, but is not exclusive there
and a few other miscellaneous things.
'Glenntaj', here- has a lot of info on all of the causes

The main thing is to identify the triggers that cause the severity or onset of symptoms, identify the types of symptoms, and try to find a med or supplement, or something that helps alleviate symptoms & pain. since there is no cure, yet- searching for the cause can be an expensive road that could lead to a dead end, or at least a stop sign that says "Road under construction you can go no farther."
Be content to treat symptoms and not fret about whether your children will get it. Worry about yourself and get your head under control regarding acceptance and experience of treatment as to how to live as normal a life, with PN. If you had diabetes, you'd live with it -and the treatment necessary to live normally. You won't necessarily know why you got the diabetes, but you have it.
This is no different.

Interesting that you said "exposure to chemical from the workplace"... This started happening within 3 months of when my department moved from 1 building to a newer building. I'm wondering if something here (IE carpet, glue for carpet, paint) or something else here could be causing it? I have been tested for heavy metals...

I'm a software developer... so, I wouldn't be exposed to some toxic chemicals in other professions...

Many new buildings are filled with toxins...

Formaldehyde is one.
http://www.oxford.net/~steve/sick.htm
If you suspect formaldehyde, using Benfotiamine may help.

Some here have been discussing chlorine found in pools:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...light=chlorine

Also try going gluten free for a few weeks, see if that helps.

Also do you get alot of dry cleaning of clothes done? If so air out the clothing outside for 2 days before wearing.

Also the chemicals used by the cleaning crews in buildings,
at night when you are not there- or during the day, if they work around people while they are working at their jobs , could be a trigger too.

Bump up for Melody