Neuropathy

[Harriet]

Hi everyone,

Since about April of this year, I have been experiencing what was initially described as unilateral neuropathy My left leg and left arm feel heavy, tired, slightly numb. I cannot feel them as much as my right side - they are less sensitive. It feels like I can't stretch them enough. It's a similar feeling to the feeling you get just before you get 'pin and needles' - but it never goes to 'pins and needles'.

My blood work has been fine (tested twice) and a brain MRI was fine, as were electrical evoke potential tests.

I stopped smoking which helped the more 'attacking' pain. When driving, they get really uncomfortable and when I am really tired. I had Campylobactor several years ago and it seemed to stay with me for a bit, or possibly resulted in IBS, though this is not so bad now.

I am 26 years old, so it is apparently odd for me to have this. I used to exercise every day but have'nt for the last 2 years apart from walking, though, I am tall and skinny. (I figure the more info I give, the more one of you may be able to help.)

The neurologist suggested some form of anti-epilectic medication which may help the symptoms, but I have no interest in taking such a drug when he doesn't even have a clue of what is wrong with me. He has said several times now that it may just be 'one of those things' and may have no known cause. Sometimes I wish these neurologists could actually just feel like me for a day and then try to tell me the same thing, that it's just 'one of those things'! It's not causing me to roll around the floor in pain, but it never lets up and it makes me feel like I'm going to go insane sometimes!!

It is so uncomfortable and today is a really bad day. I just want to feel my arm and leg properly again. Any advice, suggestions? I would appreciate anything right now.

Thanks,

Harriet.

[Harriet]

I have been reading a bit more today as it's been really bad the last couple of days. Does anyone know much about the link between a viral infection, such as Campylobacter, and neuropathy? There are a few small studies and a larger one done in 2005 that show evidence for a link between the two. I had several bad bouts of it from 2001 onwards, then a doctor said I most probably developed IBS from it. But, it's been really good for the past year.

Also, with my own research, it seems more like I have some kind of Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy. This has been the closest to my symptoms that I can find.

Anyone any suggestions? It's hard not to worry and it's even harder to concentrate at work lately and sleep!