Is it just me, or do others feel overwhelmed, alone due to this? I can't do my job anymore, it takes me 4ever to type stuff, cuz i type it all wrong, people think I'm faking, they don't understand why I can't do simple stuff, like pick up things with my left hand, on & on. This morning when I woke up, it was horrible, I've never had so much pain in the fingers, numbness yes, but this was hurting. Is that normal? I haven't even had my nerve testing yet, go in 2 weeks, i'm scared to death and have 0 support, from anyone. This seems to be moving along really fast, will it spread?

Could your symptoms be due to repetitive motion with maybe some forward head posture and rolled or hunched shoulders?
Tightness in neck/shoulders/upperback?

data entry

My Health Concerns

Health Concerns
pain, tingling in neck, arms and fingers

Could be a possibility, check out our Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) forum -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum24.html

Lots of helps & tips for RSI's & TOS.

I only did the DE from 10/11 - 1/12, so I don't think it's becuz of repetitive movements. From 4/12 - 6/12 I did DE, but it started in May. I have had some back surgery, could it just be a nerve? If so, how do they test for that?

Hi CammyJo, Welcome.

I don't know that there's anything "normal" about PN. Nothing about it applies to everyone in every case.

As you read posts & threads in this forum, you'll find many people (their initial reactions particularly) feeling overwhelmed and isolated. That's understandable; PN can be a life-changing event. How much so is commensurate with the severity and extent of the symptoms, and personality of the individual. You may find yourself experiencing something akin to the stages of grief as applied/related to illness. PN is not terminal.

I think the insensitivity of others is understandable also, but in a different way. When something unexpected happens to someone they know, some people respond with a type of denial, because if it happened to you, it might happen to them. That can scare them, and fear can make them behave that way.

Some people have pain with PN and some don't. There are lists of symptoms, but not everyone experiences all of them or to the same degree or rate of progression. For many/most, progression stops at some point.

You're mistaken about one thing; now that you've found this forum/group, you no longer have zero support from anyone.

Doc

im so sorry cammyjo that you are going through this my father was diagnosed 10 years ago and it started similar to yours his in his feet rather then his hands and im sorry to say that yes unfortunately it does spread my father is now bed ridden for the most part can only walk short distances and it has taken the use of his hands now it takes him up to an hour to use the bathroom and he is no longer the man i grew up with but as you also feel he has felt alone and afraid and angry and its safe to say that if not for his family he would be a bitter man we have all shown him comfort and love through this redefining change in his life but he is now 62 years old and he is rapidly worsening but always in high spirits he says it does no good to make him self suffer over something he simply cannot control and that he lives for the good moments rather than waiting for the pain to stop because it never will. its a hard and painful road to travel and it is not pleasant but take grace that you have many people and friends here that know how you feel and that are here for you I am glad to be here myself because to be a partial caregiver even is a very hard thing and it saddens me to watch this happen to my hero but the important thing is that he is here and that why im here because i now understand what this condition is taking from me and i wish to bring compassion and support to any who need it i am here for you

Hi CammyJo,
I certainly can relate to how you are feeling, In my case I have full body Small Fiber Neuropathy, it is absolutely miserable and because people cannot SEE my condition they really do not sympathize with me at all, I tell them I am in pain but they simply cannot relate. That's one of the reasons I come to this forum, the people here do understand, it's so nice to know there are people who know exactly how you feel. You are not alone, ask all the questions you need to ask, knowledge really is power. We are all here to help each other. Blessings, Jan

Hi Cammy -- Does your doctor have you on any medications for the neuropathy? There are some that can relieve the nerve pain. I have neuropathy due to spinal problems, and my doctor has me on Topamax, 400mg per day (200mg AM and 200mg PM) and it does work well for me.

I'm just wondering if you too are taking anything for it. Most doctors seem to put their patients on Gabapentin (Neurontin) -- that made me retain alot of water and gain a lot of weight. So my doc switched me to the Topamax, and I lost the water & weight.

Anyway, I hope something can be done for your pain. I know how awful it is. God bless. & take care. Hugs, Lee