[ann-elizabeth]

Hello all....

I feel like know you all so well as I have lurking here since the beginning. I had just introduced myself on the old BT when it went down. But here is a recap.

44 year old married woman with 5 year old boy. currently dx with PN since May of 2006. Per nerve conduction test have axonal neuropathy feet and lower legs. Working dx in Late Onset Alcoholic Neuropathy.

History includes Rhuematic Fever at age 19. Endometriosis, fibroids, one pregnancy at 40. Alcoholism. Got sober 1n 1998. Sober thru AA since (8 1/2 years). Major Depression being treated (doing pretty well). Dx with Morton's Neuroma both feet 3 years ago. Had them surgically removed...THEY GREW BACK!...had them removed again. After second surgery, that's when the PN started with a vengence.

Initial Symptyoms - the horrible burning, muscle twitching in legs.

Neurologist tried Neurontin...I didn't like the weight gain and blurrry vision. We lowered the Neurontin and added Topamax. I also take Baclofen for horrible nightime leg cramps. I also take Prozac. I also take the vitamins/minerals as recommended by Mrs. D. My doses are:

Neurontin: 300 mg 2 times a day
Topamax: 100 mg 2 times a day increasing to 150 mg 2 times a day
Prozac: 40 mg a day
Baclofen 20 mg once at night

I have had a slew of blood tests...all normal....heavy metal screening...normal...Brain MRI..normal....back MRI...normal.

For a while all was fairly ok, yet I wasn't convinced it was late onset alcoholic neuropathy...if it was it would have a very slow progression. Well the progression is really progressing. I know not only have the burning, but the shooting/stabbing pain and the broken bone pain. The shooting/stabbing pain is now in my lower legs, upper legs, genital area, lower and upper arms, and truck side, and my upper back. This really concerns me. My neurologist is increasing the Topamax to deal with the pain and is ordering some tests for Sjogren's because I also have painful eyes and have funny symptoms (tonsil stones) in my mouth. My face is also starting to hurt.

I am wondering if anyone else has had similar progression from hands and feet to their body? I have also lost 25 lbs since September, but that is easily traceable to the Topamax and a change in diet. Besides the neuropathy, i feel ok. LOL! The constant muscle twitches in my lower legs has started to spread to my upper legs to, and sometimes arms. Not even Slo-Mag and Potassium seem to stop them.

Anyway, I thought I would introduce myself, say hey, and just see if anyone else is getting poked with a cattle prod tonite?

Ann