Hi from Australia

I'm Debbie and I'm yet to be diagnosed. I suffer from nerve pain in my feet and recently a little in my hands, that's been going on for a few years now and is often particularly bad at night. It took me this long to see a Doctor about it because it started so innocently as a warm feeling in my feet. As I am peri-menopausal I assumed this was some sort of hot flash in my feet, and my mother often laughed with me about it. Anyway, a few months ago the pain progressed to the point of keeping me awake at night, so I went to my Doctor.

So far blood tests have come back with little to help. I am not Diabetic (big whew on that one, as I'm overweight so was pretty much convinced it was that), no thyroid troubles, etc. However, my B12 levels were on the low side and Iron was very low.

Have done a ton of reading which lead me to ordering some Nerve support vitamins online (we don't seem to have Benfotiamine in Australia, can't find it anywhere). Those tablets arrived last week so I'm yet to notice if they are working.

I'm on 300g Lyrica per day and have Tramadol available for the really bad nights. I promised my Doctor not to take them every day, only when I really really need to. Now, I wish I hadn't made that promise, for they really help! The Lyrica seems to have been helpful, but sometimes, like last night, I could swear they are doing nothing! Then I take a Tramadol and it's like magic. Wish I could live on Tramadol!

Seeing a Neurologist in a few weeks to run nerve tests. Will let you all know how that works out. I'm scared, hoping the early tests reveal something before I am subjected to more painful testing.

Anyway, I'm just introducing myself today and trying not to create an epic here! I'm a part time chess coach, teach chess in primary schools. I live with my partner who is being wonderful about this (I only recently told him I was living with pain, hid it from him for 2yrs), and our adorable, mischievous, Akita puppy. I love my life in every other respect but the pain. Without the pain I'm living quite privileged. With the pain, my life is almost not worth living.

I see these forums as an opportunity to talk about my pain, but also to assist others if I can. Knowing I'm not alone is huge for me! I don't know of anyone in Australia with this, so I seek friends here who are going through this challenging journey too. Hopefully we can support each other.

Thank you for reading, if you have managed to get this far!!

Cheers for now

Debbie