I was diagnosed with p.n. last May, after several Drs. and neurologists checked me out.
My symptoms began about 5 years ago. My feet were numb part of the time, and I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands. Needless to say, after surgery, they continued to get numb and prickly. The Drs. didn't think much of it, so I too tried to forget, until it happened again, and more frequently.
I had a nerve conduction test completed, and was referred to a good neurologist. When I met with her, she didn't seem too concerned, stating that she's seen worse cases, and the worst that could happen to me was the use of a cane. I left her office feeling down.
She prescribed neurontin for me, 3oomg 3xper day. I explained to her that I was a recovering alcoholic and I had to watch what Drugs I took. She assured me that alcoholism had nothing to do with this drug. I left her office dumbfounded, and began taking this drug for the pain I was experiencing.
Two days into the drug, my moods began to swing out of control, so I called her, and she then gave me a script for 100mg 3xper day. Same results, so I called my Dr. and he referred me elsewhere.
That neurologist suggested I try nortryptaline, beginning with a low dose and work myself up from 10mg. I am now on 50mg 1xday and it is helping me sleep and I don't wake up with pain, cramping.
After several tests, the Dr. believes I have pn due to my heavy use of alcohol in the past. I have been clean and sober for 19 years now.
I also have a degenerative disc disease, emphysema and arthritis on the shoulder, knees and neck. I had shoulder surgery last August. They cut spurs off my shoulder that were tearing my rotator cuff. I still have limited use of that arm. I was in p.t. for 4 months after surgery. Even though it sounds like i'm falling, I enjoy my life alcohol and drug free.
I'm grateful that I can share part of my story with others with the same problems. I also forgot to mention that the bottoms of my feet got scaley dry; and hands some too. I use a suave that my Dr. prescribed for me. My email address is hjsalo@up.net if anyone would like to contact me.
Sincerely,
Helen Salo