What could this be?

[Guest guest]

Hello, my name is Si. I'm hoping someone here might be able to help

me out.

A little background about me: I'm nineteen years old. I have been

vegetarian (no meat including fish and fowl) for my entire life and

vegan (no eggs, dairy, etc.) for the last seven years. I have taken

the necessary supplements (B12, iron, etc.) for that diet, and my

blood levels have been normal. In all other ways than the following,

I have been in perfect health, with a high energy and activity level.

Ten months ago, while working as a part-time computer programmer and

also as a barista, I sustained what appeared to be a normal repetitive

strain injury. I initially thought carpal tunnel, but my physical

therapist said tendonitis. My symptoms were: a feeling of

overstretching in the backs of my hands, pain in my forearm muscle

bellies, and stiffness in my fingers. I ceased working and almost all

other activity, as it made my condition worse. After five months the

pain in my forearms had decreased, but I had developed an intense

burning sensation throughout my hands, which seems to significantly

worsen in warmer temperatures.

One month later, I woke up with similar symptoms in my feet and legs.

My feet, which are usually cold to the touch, felt like they were

burning, especially as the day progressed into the evening. I had

stiffness in my feet, soreness in my calves, and a stretching

sensation on the front of my right leg. Like my hands, my legs and

feet grew more uncomfortable and painful with activity. After four

months, I still can only walk about three blocks at a time without

causing pain which can take days to recede.

I've had all my nutrients, hormones, complete blood count, ANA, RF,

and many other things checked. I have had an MRI, nerve conduction

study, and an EKG. All of these things are completely normal. I do

not have any of the symptoms (numbness, tingling, weakness, paralysis)

which I have previously understood to be indicative of peripheral

neuropathy. As a diagnostic tool, my doctor has prescribed me

50mg/day nortriptyline, which I have been taking for about 6 weeks (no

improvement yet in hands or feet).

I have read about rare cases of HNPP with similar progressions, but am

looking to hear from other people with experience in dealing with this

or other neuropathic conditions that might be pertinent to my

situation.

Thanks very much.