Burning/stinging feet & flare up question

[lovemy6monkeys]

My first real symptom that got me thinking something was wrong with my nerves was burning and stinging feeling on my feet. It started just completely out of the blue, after a day of running errands, that evening it started. It felt like the stinging you would feel if your feet got very very cold and then started to warm up. Just stinging and burning, that is the best way to describe it. This was the middle of November 2009.

It was pretty bad for a week, to the point where I spent as much time as I could with my feet up. The next week it was a bit better, and better the following week. It never went away completely, but it was mostly gone and only flaring up a bit if I spent a lot of time on my feet.

This last week it has gotten progressively worse. It's *almost* at the point where I would be thinking "Ok, I need a couple days of staying off my feet". The problem is, that is not an option for me. In addition to having my husbands elderly aunt here monday, tuesday & wednesday, and all that goes along with that (she needs help walking, going to the bathroom, etc) but my children have the week off of school for Spring Break, and the birthday party for the baby's first birthday is this Sunday, so there is a TON to be done for that.

I don't have the option of putting my feet up until after dinner every night, that is when my husband takes over and I'm "off duty" LOL (ok, that's the end of my pity party, I promise!)

I'm wondering, though...if the foot pain was my very first symptom, and it is back almost as bad as it was before, would that be considered a flare up? And should I be concerned that more symptoms can follow? Would a flare up follow the same "pattern"? Starting with foot pain, then moving to other symptoms starting back up? Does that make sense?

I apologize if this is disjointed. I took a higher dose of the neurontin then I normally do, in an effort to sleep. I usually take 300mg, I've only ever taken 400mg before, but I took the full 500mg that my doctor approved for me (I only take it once a day before bed)

I guess I'm just trying to figure out if the flareup of my first neurological/nerve symptom means that other issues will or may follow? I'm trying to figure out how I will deal with it if it does, because I have a very busy 2 weeks ahead of me.

Thanks for any thoughts and insight you might have!

Again, sorry if I'm not making sense! The medicine is making my head feel fuzzy, but not doing much for my feet yet.
~Jess

[tonyad]

   Jess,
     That was so sweet of your hubby to do for you today.
I figured that you had already had those tests (because you seem to be on top of things)  ;)   And I am glad that they were all negative.

     Hope you can get in to doctor sooner than later.
Take Vare,
~Tonya

  

[lovemy6monkeys]

Thanks for the replies Wobbly and Tonya!

My wonderful husband wake up early today to do a bunch of cleaning for me so I don't have to worry about it. It was a nice surprise! Now if I could just get the kids to keep their voices down to a dull roar, then things might go a bit smoother LOL

Tonya, I'm not diabetic, B levels are normal. Thyroid was checked repeatedly and was always normal. Also, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus & Gillian-Barre have all been ruled out.

Ugh. I guess I'll just see how I do. The soonest I could go see my doctor is on Thursday. There is just no way I can take all the kids and my husbands aunt into the doctor, so I will have to wait until I'm not watching her later this week. I know if I call him he will want me to come in right away.

Thanks guys for the help!
~Jess

[tonyad]

  
  No need to apologize my dear..You are making perfectly good sense. And...I do not in any way think that you are having a "pity party" my friend :)

   I am sorry that you have so much on your plate right now. I will keep you in prayer :)
So, the burning is in both feet Certainly sounds like  Peripheral Neuropathy.

    Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Peripheral neuropathy often causes numbness and pain in your hands and feet. People typically describe the pain of peripheral neuropathy as tingling or burning.
Peripheral neuropathy is caused by nerve damage. It can result from such problems as traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems and exposure to toxins.

  Most commonly, peripheral neuropathy may start in the longest nerves — the ones that reach to your toes. Specific symptoms vary, depending on which types of nerves are affected. Signs and symptoms may include:

Gradual onset of numbness and tingling in your feet or hands, which may spread upward into your legs and arms
Burning pain
Sharp, jabbing or electric-like pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch, even light touch
Lack of coordination
Muscle weakness or paralysis if motor nerves are affected
Bowel or bladder problems if autonomic nerves are affected

   Jess, from what I understand, It is not always easy to pinpoint the cause of the Peripheral Neuropathy Some causes could be:

* Trauma or pressure on the nerve. Traumas, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls or sports injuries, can sever or damage peripheral nerves
*  Vitamin deficiencies. B vitamins — B-1, B-6 and B-12 — are particularly important to nerve health. Vitamin E and niacin also are crucial to nerve health.
*  Autoimmune diseases. These include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
*  Other diseases. Kidney disease, liver disease and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
*  Exposure to poisons. These may include some toxic substances, such as heavy metals, and certain medications

    You are not a Diabetic are you?  i'm sorry I can not remember..Have you talked to your doctor about this?
Please be kind to yourself as you tackle this week. Try and give yourself plenty of 15 -20  minute breaks throughout the day, and drink plenty of water.

I hope you get some relief tomorrow.
Take Care,
~Tonya





    

[Wobbly]

gee I'm sorry but I don't know the answer to that question...it sounds like a flare up to me, but I don't know... is there anyting new.. make sure you keep a timeline for your Neuro.. hope you feel better soon.  You would think the meds would help with this?

let your Dr know how your feeling too
take care
wobbly