I would like to start my story with the fact that typing is extremely difficult and painful, so I will try to be brief. I felt my first noticeable symptom as tingling in finger tips on Feb. 4th 2014. I had to leave work because my dad was going into the hospital unexpectantly. I clocked out by typing in my information. I immediately looked at my boss and said, "it felt like typing on nails". By Feb. 19th, I could not walk! Within that time period I saw my PCP and went to ER twice each. On Feb.21st, I had a dear friend call 911 and I was transported to the ER and finally admitted to the hospital. I was in the hospital for 12 days. The docters FINALLY ran test after I pitched a fit. They ran 3 MRIs and a spinal tap. They said nothing showed up and I had a B1 vitamin defiecency and I would probably never walk again. They gave me the same pain meds I had been taking for years for RA and added neurotin and thiamine. I was in hell. I literally thought I was going to die. The pain that started in my hands had also started in my feet and up my arms and legs. I went to er over and over because the pain and tingling and numbness progressed up my neck, throat and ultimately up to my eye sockets. After 12 days of misery with very little relief, I was released from hospital and admitted into a 2 week rehabilitation center. They finally diagnosed me with "multifactorial periphrial polyneuropathy. They began extensive therapy. I went from bedridden to transferring to a wheelchair with a transfer board. Cut to 2 weeks later, I still can not walk, use my hands effectively and I still was wearing depends and using a bed pan. They began searching for a nursing home for me. Here is where I should mention I am 45 years old and I have no insurance whatsoever AND I live alone with no one to care for me. Thankfully the facility was understanding. I was there from March 4th to May 8th. I went through 3 hours daily of intense therapy and was started on a drug regimen that maintained a pain level averaging a 7 out of 10. I was able to walk 150 ft with a walker and able to stand for up to 8 minutes. I could also stand and transfer to a bedside toilet. All of these factors led me to being released and sent home with a home healthcare team. Because I didn't have insurance, and was still not approved for medicaid, no nursing home would take me. Believe me, I worked hard to get where I am today. BUT,,,, my pain is NOT managed. I just got medicaid, so my NEW pcp is sending me for new test and is slowly beginning to try increasing and adding meds. I currently take 11 prescriptions and 3 types of vitamins. This equals 30 pills a day! I will stop now and thank anyone who is still reading. Does anyone even slightly relate to my story?