i have had pain and weakness in bilateral hands which is increasing within the past few months. My hands, wrists and arms are numb while I sleep and this wakes me up several times per night. When I wake up in the morning my hands are difficult to open and when I do get them to move, they sort of flick open where the hand meets the fingers. ( Sort of like a trigger finger if this makes sense). During the day, my hands are very weak mostly in the palm -heel side of hand. I have no grip. This doesn't feel like CTS, although my neuro said people with PN are more prone to having CTS?

I have SFN with an acute onset after receiving a lumbar steroid injection. I woke up 2 nights later and it felt as though my big toes were chopped off. This was followed by electrical zapping, burning, excruciating pain in my feet and legs. I later discovered that the steroid called Kenalog was used. It is not FDA approved for epidural injection. It was used off label. It also contains benzyl alcohol which is a neurotoxin.

The epidural was done in October 2013 and my symptoms have been progressing ever since. I'm not certain if epidural caused this or if it triggered it to come out. I've had many tests and it has been labeled idiopathic by neurologist.

So I am taking supplements, amitriptyline at bedtime, and Vicodin as needed during the day. I tried both Gabapentin and Topamax but was unable to tolerate.

So I'm wondering if anyone can share their experiences? I am also wondering if this could be a sign of CMT? I have not done any of the genetic testing. My feet don't have any of the hallmarks but I'm learning that that isn't always apparent. Also I am a 50 year old female.

Thanks for any thoughts!