My motor symptoms included being uncoordinated and unable to run from early childhood. Numbness started in my early 30's with my feet, then moved up, I have loss of sensitivity to hip level at this point. I also started then with pains in my legs. Numbness in my hands and arms set in a little later.
I am one of the people who does get relief from Gabapentin, the earlier form of Lyrica. From the beginning it greatly decreased the burning and electrical zaps and allowed me to get some sleep. It did not help the sharp leg pain and I have medication for that. I am able to function, go for walks on soft trails, no asphalt or cement, do light housework ( I have a friend who helps clean), and cook. I have had to take care of my daughter and her toddler when she was on bed rest with the last baby and it was way too much for me, so I understand why you are worried about taking care of your young children. My back problems flare up pretty much anytime I pick up the babies.
Your age and the fact that you are in good physical condition is in your favor. Alcohol in general aggravates nerve issues, so you should lay off, but you have to drink a lot to develop alcoholic neuropathy. The symptoms that you describe are classic neuropathy, but the fatigue and dizziness might indicate an autonomic or other condition.

I did not have a lot of side effects from the medication, but a lot of people do. I wish you were getting more guidance from your doctors. Have you seen a neurologist or had an EMG? They really should be more aggressive about looking for causes at this stage. If it is bilateral there is less chance it is from the disc problems, but the connection to the weightlifting may be significant.

Does anyone in your family have neuropathy? The weakness that you describe is worrisome and should be investigated.

Thanks for your quick reply again, yes I agree I would like to be seen a lot sooner than I am, but with Christmas everything is closing up. I'm getting in on the 14th Jan and will hopefully get all the tests done then. I am trying to get an MRI before the neuro appointment (if he would ring back!). It just seems to have come on so quickly although I realise now I did have some symptom's throughout this year that I did not realise were neuro related.

I am probably clutching at straws but after my Physio asked about when I had the mirena (contraception coil) in and when symptoms started it I realised it was a month after. Since then I've read some links between the mirena insertion and neuropathy, but it is nothing proven. However I have decided to get it removed in 5 days time.

Yes I am so anxious that it is a combination including autonomic, my physio managed to calm me down a bit and have since felt a lot more sane. Neuropathy doesn't run in my family. and I was drinking too much but not sure it would warrant neuropathy, but maybe. On my husbands suggestion I am trying to take it a day at a time and try to keep calm. But my mind has a tendency to run off thinking all kinds of horrible things. I am referring to it as my nightmare before Christmas.

I really appreciate your replies.

Keckie