Peripheral neuropathy at the age of 20?

Posted , 13 users are following.

I've been experiencing many of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy of which was off the Internet. My hands and feet get numb frequently, there's the tingling sensation even after sitting down for 3 minutes and I tend to get burning or cold feets and hands. In the past few months, I notice that my hand shakes when doing some fine motor skills(e.g. Writing and even holding the chopsticks). I've also had my arms and legs sleep on me while I was walking and caused me to lose my balance. However, I'm not sure if this could be related to PN but, I've experience a horrific scare of feeling paralyzed and being unable to open my eyes for several minutes after knowing being somewhat 'awake'. I felt completely drained and fell right back asleep and woke up with the same feeling twice with the third time lasting for a very long time before finally having able to open my eyes again. I had a blood test right after but was told the green sign that everything was in check. Is it possible that it to have a nerve damage at the age of 20?

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Alexis, Yes you can have PN at your age. It is most important that you pursue what is happening to you. Stay on top of what is happening to you and seek medical help/advice immediately. This can progress and can effect  the quality of your life. I would seek neuro medical Drs/surgeons. This is very scarey for you and I understand your fear, I am so very sorry you are having to deal w this. Above all else, do not ignore this situation. Get your (get going girl) on and get on top of this!! A hug is on the way and my best wishes too. You can do this! Best of luck.☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
  • Posted

    Hi Alexis, keep in mind, I'm just a fellow sufferer who developed Pn after being in a coma. Your symptoms are scary to me, I mean when they have happened to me. It's all neurological, and there is so much that doctors don't know. I've been to a lot of them and done all the tests. Unfortunately no cure, just management. But you could have something else TOO, like Reynauds, or i found or I have epilepsy TOO. I get some weird symptoms of extreme shaking, and they haven't diagnosed that yet. So stay string and keep on. You are not your symptoms. You still have a long and fulfilling life ahead of you. This can ALL be managed. Take care

    • Posted

      Hi Tricia. Thanks for the reply! It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this. I have been told that I do have Reynauds and can't do anything about it. I will take your advice and do my best trying to not let it affect my life as much as possible and I will seek for some medical advice as soon as I could.

      Hope you're doing well!

    • Posted

      Alexis,

      Not suggesting the Dr is wrong but I would get at least two opinions in the Reynaulds. I was told the same thing and they ended up being 100% wrong. Turns out I injured my neck after years of poor posture and weight lifting.

    • Posted

      Hi Alexis, ok, it's good you are getting some answers.

      A lot of good advice and suggestions on here. Helps to think outside the box, and then when you see your doctor you can have some concise questions.

      Take care of yourself and have a good day.

  • Posted

    Alexis,

    I would definitely start seeing a neurologist, probably go to 2 or 3 different ones since they can widely different ideas of what is the cause.

    Also start keeping a journal so you can track daily if your symptoms are worsening or if there is a cause/effect (e.g. when I eat x I feel worse, sleep less...)

    Lastly, best to cut back or reduce carbs and increase physical exercise as much as you can. Both seem to improve PN regardless of the cause.

    Always remember that no matter what you have, you aren't the first an won't be the last. There are surely thousands of people your age going through the same thing so forums like this can be really helpful.

    Take care, keep us updated.

    • Posted

      Hello! I have seen a doctor last year but was told that even if an EMG does show abnormalities, there was nothing to be done about it. And I think it's because of that, I've been quite hesitant on pursuing my condition. Keeping track of my symptoms on a journal does seem to be a very good idea! And i will try do it.

      And thank you so much for the great advice! I will update you soon xx

  • Posted

    Update*: I'm not sure if this is a progression but I started tripping over myself more often, have shooting pains throughout my body even if I haven't been straining myself in my regular workout routine (in fact, I've lowered the intensity due to the pain in my feet) and as mentioned, terrible pain in my feet whilst walking

    I've just visited a specialist (neurologist) but she said it was a natural phenomenon of a change in energy levels due to the coming of age from 18-20 years of age. I've had an NCS and all turned up well. Maybe I've been reading too much into my symptoms? Or should I check another doctor for further opinion?

  • Edited

    Hi Alexis5625! I think I might peripheral neuropathy too and it's making me very sad. I am 20 years old too if it makes you feel better. I'm pretty sure I gave it to myself because I did not eat enough for the past couple of months and deprived my body of essential nutrients. I want to be cured, but I don't know if that will ever happen. Do you know what caused your neuropathy? 

    • Posted

      Hey Mia. Sorry to hear you experience it too. It's quite a frustrating feeling ain't it? Unfortunately I do not have a clue on the causes for my case just yet. I am thinking on having a second opinion because I think my current neurologist is just dismissing everything I've said. Do check with a neurologist for yours though and keep me updated on your situation smile

    • Posted

      hi Mia31663, im in a similar situation right now and im only 25. how are you doing now? any updates since you last posted?

    • Edited

      Hey. i think I also injured myself by working out too much. i injured my Celiac nerve which is a huge problem since it deals with the heart and blood pressure. ive been going to a Chiropractor for therapy and he says ill be 💯 better. its been almost 2 months now. im still scared that it wont go away. im 31 years old and was looking for Friends my age that have these problems because a lot of people don't understand my pain.

  • Posted

    I also have all the symptoms, weakness in my hands, legs and arms. I don't know if it is classified as fatigue or weakness actually. But my arms kinda have that burning sensation like I'm working out. My legs don't usually have this feeling but I do feel pain when standing up and sitting down and also have pain around my knees after standing to long. I have muscle twitches on my face (almost always nose) but most of the twitches are in my legs but these are where they occur most. I have them mostly everywhere. I also have pack pain when leaning over I don't know if this would fit into the symptoms of Nueropathy. I haven't went into much detail with my hand weakness but it is way worse upon waking. I'm really scared this could be something serious and have an appointment schedule with my family doctor. I'm only 18😞😞

    • Posted

      hi zarika0405 and alexis, not sure if youll ever get or see this reply post because i know this thread is pretty old, but im experiencing symptoms very similar to you all, especially zarika. what ended up being your diagnoses, if any? are you guys still on medications? are you feeling better?

  • Posted

    Hello there I'm new to the site, I've been prescribed amatriptyline 10mg for a burning/numbing/ disabling pain in both my feet I've had lots of blood tests an X-ray plus recently a nerve conduction test, for a possible tarsal tunnel diagnosis, witch I am awaiting results, The pain is worse when I'm at work placing pressure on my feet!! It's almost disabling very scary!! I'm scared I won't be able to work anymore! And these tablets are not exactly making me feel great! I'm worried for my future, and not sure weather to carry on with the amitriptyline or not. Will it be a cure or just a pain reliever!!! So Will I end up on it forever, if no cure is found for my burning feet, would like to talk to someone who has same problems?! Thank you :-)

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