Welcome. If you happen to have come across this site because you’re newly diagnosed or an old veteran when it comes to Hereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies (HNPP), I’m glad you’ve made it.
First of all, this is an introduction to what exactly it is to those who aren’t aware. And it’s also a quick chance for me to say how and why I’ve made this website. No, I’m not going to do a whole “Dear Diary” kind of blog. It’s going to be a compilation of tips and advice that I’ve gathered especially for those with HNPP who are struggling to stay afloat on the best of days.
So what is HNPP?
It is a genetic nerve disorder, similar to Multiple Sclerosis and Charcot Marie-Tooth Disorder in terms of symptoms, but it affects the peripheral nerves instead of the brain and the spine. It’s also hereditary, so there’s a big, fat chance someone in your near or distant family also has it.
It’s the defect and deletion of one of the PMP-22 genes, where everyone usually has two. So when you move or lean in certain ways, it can leave the nerve damaged for much longer than usual and can grow back incorrectly.
The symptoms can consist of tingling and numbness to loss of mobility of your hands and legs. It’s different for everyone, and given that only 2-5 out of 100,000 have been diagnosed with it, there’s very little resources and research out there.
And that’s where I come in.
Why have I made this blog?
Well, without stating the obvious, I’ve been diagnosed with HNPP – and only this year after going to a yoga retreat (yes, ridiculous I know). Both my sister and I have it so that’s a nice family bonding session we have right there. But mostly, I created this because I found a lot of people can end up feeling desperate and isolated with this condition, and there seems to be nothing to address the day-to-day issues – mental health, physical wellbeing and strategies in coping. So without further ado, I hope that I can help in some small way just to acknowledge WE DO EXIST.
To donate, please find the link to the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation here.
Please feel free to comment and give advice whenever you feel like it. (No trolls allowed).
HNPP Wellbeing 