Are wobbly legs with PN caused by muscle weakness or fear?

Yes, it's especially tough walking first thing in the morning, for sure! I have finally accepted I need a cane, so am using one now. I'm glad this symptom isn't in my head. Thank you for sharing.

Yes, it's especially tough walking first thing in the morning, for sure! I have finally accepted I need a cane, so am using one now. I'm glad this symptom isn't in my head. Thank you for sharing.

I have mental health problems as well as SFN and like you, I thought it might be all in my head. What happened to you was a form of medical gaslighting. Under any circumstances, the physical must be ruled out before mental health becomes a factor. I actually reported my PCP to the state medical board when something similar happened to me. In my case, every single test I had came back normal which is pretty typical. Remember you know you better than anybody else. Trust your gut.

To jrob—
I would find a neurologist in a teaching hospital or university setting, or one of the Mayo Clinic hospitals and be tested in various ways for the cause of your wobbly legs. If you have them, as I do, due to PN, of course you will have a fear of falling! Even before the wobbles, a handrail was a safety precaution.
If you don’t want to change your GP, this is an opportunity for him to be educated in the physical (not psychological) reasons for “wobbly legs.”) Peripheral nerves which are not getting the brain’s message to the muscles, aka PN, is the cause of my mobility disability. I work out with a PT and a PhD. PT student in a pool and a university PT clinic on my balance and strength. I also get iVIG infusions monthly.
I have improved on my balance and functionality, but still walk with a walker, and stairs are a challenge I work on under the guidance of my PT at the clinic. I do not try stairs at home, nor anywhere else. I have a garage elevator and a stir lift to make my house accessible.
This has all happened since January, 2021. Yes, I have had counseling to deal with my loss of mobility, and all that entails, but “wobbly legs” and difficulty climbing stairs deserved more curiosity and support from your GP. You deserve a better answer.

Hi @efgh1020
you said "Yes, I have had counseling to deal with my loss of mobility" has this helped you? What specialty counselor did you see or just a 'general' mental health specialist?

I had a teleconference weekly with a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor who has been helpful to friends. She understood the anxiety and depression I was going through, and endorsed my earlier prescription for an antidepressant. She encouraged me over time, and reminded me of progress, acknowledged my sadness at not being able to walk into my wedding anniversary celebration. My husband also was a part of our sessions, since
Neuropathy, lack of mobility and the accompanying early pain affects the marriage dynamics and the extended family. She and I talked weekly for over a year, and her experience, understanding and encouragement helped greatly. I hope someone like her may also help you.

@jrob - Sorry to hear about your issue. I've had PN all numbness with poor balance for about 5 years and yes, uneven surfaces are difficult to manage so a suggestion would be to use of a cane. This can help you along and might prevent a fall. I went to an outdoor event this summer, 3 steps to huge deck and no railings. I didn't even attempt it. I need railing(s) to go up and down steps. Do what you need to in order to stay safe. I think with PN, numbness and balance issues with wobbly legs are all part of it. Some of us experience the same as you and we are not running off to see a psychiatrist. Take care! Ed