Hello @abmills, Welcome to Connect. I have idiopathic small fiber peripheral neuropathy but without the pain, just numbness and some tingling so have not needed any pain meds. There is another discussion where members have posted about the crawling symptoms that you might want to read through:
-- Internal vibrations/crawling:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/internal-vibrationscrawling/
There is a connection between neuropathy and rheumatoid arthritis. Here's more information on the topic:
-- Rheumatoid Arthritis and Neuropathy:
https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-neuropathy
I haven't noticed any additional stress with my neuropathy but there can be a connection. Here's more information:
-- Chronic stress exacerbates neuropathic pain via the integration of stress-affect-related information with nociceptive information in the central nucleus of the amygdala:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28225710/
If you want to learn more about neuropathy, here are my two favorite sites:
-- Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy: https://www.foundationforpn.org/
-- Neuropathy Commons: https://neuropathycommons.org/

Have you done any research on neuropathy and available treatments for the symptoms?

1. Yes. Mostly in the scalp but rarely elsewhere.
2. No. I have fibromyalgia (diagnosed at 17), and mild right-side spastic cerebral palsy. 99% of my symptoms are left side but don’t know if that is just because of screwed up right side wiring or something else.
3. Yes. I keep having discussions with my wife on the need to retire soon as work stress makes things much worse.

HI! Skin crawling - Y-E-S!!! I experience it worse right at sundown (so crazy because it even knows of the time changes at spring & fall equinox!). I do experience it throughout the day as well when I’ve exerted a lot of energy, long periods of repetitive activity (example: driving! My hands being in constant grip of the steering wheel. Talking on the phone - holding it for long periods of time.) I also notice the lasting effect when the smallest fleck lands on the hairs on my arms or skin! It’s like a shockwave effect.

I do not have RA exclusively - but do have Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, which is a combo syndrome which includes symptoms of RA, without the antibody positive part.

I haven’t noticed “stress” to be a major factor, as I’ve always been a high-stress individual. However, I do notice that when I’m rushing, in a hurry or in panic-mode for one reason or another, my nerves seem to go haywire like they’re short circuiting or something.

Hope this helps! Peace & calm sent your way, my friend!