My symptoms started in late March with the classic sensation of feeling like I was “wearing socks” or had dipped my feet is wax, which prompted a visit to my primary care provider, and ultimately to a neurologist. The numbness (no pain) in my feet quickly advanced to above my knees, with variable intensity. Since then, I’ve experienced what I’ve called a “chilled” sensation in my arms, legs and back (not present all the time), which, just over the last couple days, almost feels like a light sunburn. At this point, I’ve had no balance or mobility issues, although, I have, independently of PN, been doing balance excercises twice a day (while I’m brushing my teeth;-), for years.
I have had: blood tests; lumbar spine xray; sensory evoked potentials; MRIs of lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine; and EMG/conduction study, which revealed my diagnosis.
As to cause, I did have a severe bug bite a couple of months before my symptoms began, which could be the cause, but at this point, that’s no way of knowing. In all likelihood, I, as so many others, am dealing with ideopathic PN. I haven’t been prescribed any medications at this point, but my follow up with the neurologist isn’t for a few weeks. But because of what I’ve learned on this blog, I began 600 mg alpha lipoic acid a couple of weeks ago, after consulting with my primary.