I am having a bit of a rough time. I have neuropathy in my feet and have an appointment to see a neurologist within the next month or so for testing. I woke up this morning with the exact same sensation I had with shingles. I had such burning in my chest and arms that I wanted to scream, so this is not just limited to my feet. My blood pressure was low and my stomach upset. I lay there and cried.

Why? For one thing, I haven’t cried in months; it was long overdue. For another, there is only symptomatic relief for neuropathy and if it is generalized, my quality of life will suffer. And I wonder why it struck me? I had the shingles a while back and a virus that knocked me out of commission for several months. Both could figure into my body feeling like it can betray me at any time.

I am writing this because I am always honest when I write. I don’t want to have to burden Rob with my feelings about this predicament I suddenly find myself in. I will feel better after I see the neurologist and get on some medication for symptomatic relief. I am trying Gabapentin, but have only taken two doses, as it makes me drowsy. That was given to me by my podiatrist; the neurologist might change it.

Right now I am feeling okay as long as I don’t have any symptoms like I did this morning. But I am emotionally shot.

Btw, it could turn out to be simple neuropathy, but alas, I don’t think so. It feels like a systemic change in my nervous system. That would mean autonomic neuropathy, which would be life-changing indeed. Nothing to be done for it but to treat symptoms.

Meanwhile, I will feel better by this afternoon and will write later to confirm that, so look for a post tomorrow.

Vicki Woodyard