Hello:

Will try and keep this short but must provide some background.

My journey for answers began 1.5 years ago with fairly sudden onset of bad burning neuropathy in my soles/lower legs/palms/lower arms. Also at this time, insomnia came on fairly sudden, can fall asleep but wake every 2-3 hours. These are the ONLY 2 symptoms that persist and I'd like to improve :)

Since onset of these primarily neuro symptoms in late 2006, have seen a variety of doctors for the FIRST time as an adult (now 39 years old). Basically all bloodwork has been normal, normal EMG/NCV, normal cervical spine MRI. Only thing questionable was a Lyme Western Blot from a specialty lab that was negative, yet showed a large number of bands as either + or IND.

Armed with the test results, visited a doctor specializing in Lyme. This person suspects I have Lyme/Bart. I say it's possible since I do have risk factors, but must first describe what happened to me in the 3 + years BEFORE the onset of nerve pain/insomnia.

Spring 2003: VERY bad cold/flu...this went on for 1 year until the Spring of 2004!!! Had constant sinus problems, 6 weeks of bronchitis, nasal drip, tonsil stones, sore throat and an almost conscious need to control breathing cycle, as if I was holding my breath unconsciously. Sought NO med help for this, was unpleasant but tolerable. Also, start of fatigue at this time along with VERY occasional numbness of my pinkie/ring finger while in lying position, could always shake it out, maybe ulnar nerve?

Spring 2004: Upper respiratory problems resolved, but continued exhaustion, GI problems (diahrrea), and a burning sensation in my right heal. Also almost passed out doing heavy yardwork in hot sun...never REALLY passed-out, but became dizzy, slightly blurry vision. Also twitching began, but came and went along with extreme weekness in upper right eyelid upon waking, usually resolved after being awake for about an hour.

Fall 2004: Another VERY bad flu, only lasted 7 days. Immediately after, developed Tinnitus in 1 ear (still exists) and started having night sweats and hot feeling along upper spine.

Spring 2005: Shooting/stabbing pains anywhere, but more in extremities. This came and went, but night sweats/exhaustion continued coupled with extreme agitiation and anxiety.

Summer 2006: Sudden lack of strength in ring/pinkie fingers (see 2003) on left hand...resolved in about 2 weeks.

Fall 2006: Within 1 month span, burning nerve pain as described at the beginning starts along with insomnia.

Without going on any further, is there ANY possible link to the VERY prolonged respiratory problems I had between 2003-2004 and the neurological symptoms I show now AND a tie to CPN?

I am currently undergoing VERY aggresive treatment for Lyme (IV/Oral) which might be my problem, but then I wonder about the CPN connection?

Have seen 2 neurologists who do NOT think I have MSi [1]. I currently have normal to good strength/balance, just horrible burning nerve pain that is relieved by moving (yes, I cannot be seated without horrible burning, knees down, but instant improvement upon standing and walking)...basically cannot have constant contact in the sensitive areas, yet I can be touched. Also instant relief from burning areas with cool air/water.

I am basically OK now other than VERY bad neurological pain and insomnia. Still have the tinnitusi [2], but not bothered by it.

Would be extremely greatful for any ideas/experience/advice.

Thanks, B3Better

___________________________________________________________

Dx'd with Lyme/Bartonella 5/1/08...Currently taking IV Rocephini [3] 4G/4Days per week / 1000 MG daily of Flagyli [4]i [4] / 500 MG Daily Azithromycin (on the fifth week of treatment) but not there yet!

 Primary sxi [5]i [5]'s since late 2006 - Burning sensation in lower