[MetroMom]

I'm new to this forum but have been following it for quite some time.

My nightmare started one night 2 years ago when shooting electrical sensations in both feet woke me up from sleep. I went to see my family doctor. She referred me to a foot doctor. After telling him all my symptoms, he diagnosed me with idiopathic sensory neuropathy and prescribed Nortriptyline 25mg. He ordered some blood tests but all results came back as normal.

I had no idea what neuropathy is so I started searching the internet. I came across your forum and learned that I should see a neurologist.

While waiting for my appointment with the neurologist which took months, I went to see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. I started taking herbal medicine and discontinued the nortriptyline. I also had acupuncture but this did not stop the paresthesia from creeping up to my legs.

The neurologist did the usual EMG and nerve conduction test and results were normal. The cervical and lumbar spine MRI were unremarkable other than age compatible degenerative changes, no significant compressive pathology.

I’ve also had a Doppler study of the lower extremities and feet ultrasound and everything was normal.

In the meantime, paresthesia (prickling, pins and needles, buzzing, throbbing, itching, ant crawling, electric sensations) continue to creep up from my feet to my legs. My neurologist referred me to a neuropathy specialist.

The neuropathy specialist’s assistant did some tests. On examination, muscle bulk, tone and strength of all tested muscles are normal. Coordination testing, sensory examination, gait and tandem gait are normal. This specialist stressed that I do not have neuropathy and/or radiculopathy. She described me to my neurologist as “interesting” (she probably thinks it’s all in my head). She spent less than 10 minutes talking to me.

I went back to my neurologist as the annoying sensations are intensifying and I could sometimes feel “ant bites” and deep itching. He ordered another round of blood tests but results came back normal. He will see me again in six months.

My neuropathic-type symptoms seems to be progressing. My neurologist has prescribed Gabapentin and I’m trying to hold off taking this for fear of side effects. I don’t know how long I can do this as the symptoms have been bothering me and sometimes wakes me up at night.

BTW, I’m 56 years old. I don’t drink, smoke, nor take prescription drugs. I started taking additional supplements after reading your forum:

A.M.

1 Vit. B12 1000 mcg (Methylcobalamin) – on an empty stomach
2 Wild Salmon Oil 1200 mg
1 Calcium Citrate 315 mg
1 Magnesium Citrate 150 mg
1 Vit. E (d-alpha tocopheryl acetate) 400 IU
1 Vit. D3 1000 IU
2 Tsp Organic Ground Flaxseed
2 Osteo Bi-Flex (Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM)

P.M.

1 Wild Salmon Oil 1200 mg
1 Calcium Citrate 315 mg
1 Magnesium Citrate 150 mg
1 Evening Primrose Oil 1000 mg
1 Vit. B1 (Benfotiamine) 150 mg

I work in retail and I’m on my feet all of the time. I don’t know if this is contributing to my symptoms. Should I quit my job?

I’m very worried and would appreciate all your thoughts and opinions. Thank you!