Questions... so many questions...
 

First, I am new here. :) I have been diagnosed with small fiber poly neuropathy as well as cervical spinal stenosis. My spinal doctor believes I have MS ( I have had 3 extensive MRI's) but my neurologist isn't ready to say that I for sure have MS. She recently sent me to a rheumatist (sp??) to rule out fibromyalgia. He instantly ruled that out and sent me for lab work. More lab work. I see him again in a few weeks as it is always difficult to make an appointment to see a rheumatist.

Anyhow - I have severe and crippling pain in my legs. I also have numbness in the left side of my body as well as parts of my right side. I take gabapentin, tramadol, cymbalta, welbutrin and lyrica (though I haven't been taking the lyrics unless I'm really hurting b/c I gained 40 lbs in 4 months - and that had to stop). I also have anxiety and OCD, so I take xanax regularly. My MD was kind enough to give me a Rx for T-3, which helps sometimes, but usually not too much. But at least he didn't look at me and shrug and tell me I need to learn to live with the pain.

So, questions - is there anything else that I can try to help with the pain? The pain is worsened by stress, heat and when I do too much.

We live in Arizona, and the heat is killing me. It never really bothered me much until I became sick. Would relocating to a cooler climate help? I have read online that cold weather makes neuropathy pain worse. I know this is different with anyone, but if you have an opinion I'd love to hear it.

Lastly, what can I do to have a better quality of life? I used to be SO active and busy. Now I am just so exhausted and in pain that everything seems a chore. I do still stay as busy as possible and I put on a good game face - but mostly I'd rather be home resting than doing anything else. I still have young kids at home as well as grandkids and I would like to be able to do more so they are able to do more.

Any suggestions or comments are welcome. I'm not one for sympathy or feeling sorry for myself, just trying to figure out what options are out there that I don't know about.
Thanks a bunch!