I am new to this group and was very glad to find it. I haven't been able to talk to anyone that has anything remotely resembling what I have.
I do not seem to have any kind of neuropathy that fits the description of what I have read about. I do not have diabetes, and I do not have burning or numbness in my feet or hands. My neuropathic pain started about 10 weeks ago. At first I just itched all over and noticed that my skin was very sensitive to fabrics of any kind. My skin was suddenly irritated by all of my clothing, and even the soft sheets on my bed. The itching quickly progressed to pain that is sometimes like ants biting you, stabbing pains, pinching pains (as if someone just pinched you very hard), is worse after taking a shower, and is always worse at night. I put lotion on all over my body about 3-4 times a day, as that seems to help temporarily. Keeping my bedroom very cool at night is a must. I have to let the AC run long enough to cool down the sheets before I can stand for them to touch my skin. I have seen a neurologist who did blood tests which didn't show any dramatic results. It showed I have a very low monoclonal protein level for which the neurologist referred me to a hematologist. It in no way indicates that I have Multiple Myeloma, thankfully. It's low enough as to indicate that I might have some complications that can cause something akin to diabetic neuropathy, but nothing else. I am scheduled for a Nerve Conduction Study on Sept 1. My primary care physician had started me on a low dose of gabapentin, which the neurologist raised to 300 mg 3 times a day. I have been on that dosage for a little over a week and it hasn't helped yet, although I keep reading that it takes time for it to build up in your body. I hope it doesn't take too much more time. The neurologist sent a referral to the hematologist and am waiting for them to call to set up an appt. I don't really think he will be able to shed much light on this, but since it was suggested I seem one I am willing to go. I can't discuss any of this with my PCP as he has been out of the office for a week and will be gone all of this next week. My appt with him is not until Sept 2.
So that is my story thus far. Has anyone experienced the same sort of neuropathic pain as what I have described?
Thanks for listening. God bless all of you. Many of the stories I've read on this forum indicate that you are stronger and braver than I am and many with worse symptoms and pain than I have.