I have to say that for the past 4 months since my symptoms have been getting worse I have tried to quit smoking 4 times because it definatly does make the numbness/altered sensation worse.And you are right about the stress,for me it is a vicious circle as it is my ONLY vice I have left nowadays as well. Yet it seems this is being taken away from me because of the bad BAD effects it now has on my neuropathy, but without my last 'crutch' it seems that everything is doomed. Have you got any ideas why I should be experiencing these problems? Especially as there is no evidence to say that smoking should affect it.....

Mel, I am idiopathic and I smoked for 8 years when I was young. I quit 26 years ago. I believe people when they say that pn is not caused by smoking. Smoking does, however, cause vasoconstriction and that could add insult to injury to an already stressed nerve. However, I stuggle with a weight problem (also stresses the system), so I am predisposed to feel kindly towards people who have a flaw or two. We are survivors, not superwomen (or men). Here's to loving all who have human frailties.