What disease or disorder is this?

Question

I have a friend who is older, about 45 years old. He cannot wear shoes, the pressure of the materials hurts his feet. He can only wear slippers. He cannot sleep on any bed (except a soft air bed). The pressure hurts his back, legs, etc. He cannot lay on a hard table or floor. He immediately gets pain, pressure, and has a very hard time getting up. if kneeling on the floor, his knees instantly begin to hurt from the pressure of the floor. He cannot wear hats because pressure on his head causes pain and headaches. If someone shakes his hand too hard, the pressure causes his hand to hurt for several hours. Now if he even spanks his daughter (not that hard), his hand will hurt and fingers swell up. Pressure it seems on any area of the body hurts this guy. He is OTHERWISE however healthy and functional. He has no insurance so he resists doctors. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing or have an ideas. Someone I know suggested a nerve problem? He was a guy who shook his hand too hard sending him in pain for a little while and he asked him what was wrong. Any ideas from experts or knowledgeable people would be appreciated. Thanks much!

Answer 1

He may have neuropathy or he may have fibromyalgia.  Neuropathy is when you feel pins and needles type of discomfort all the way up to pain from your nervous system.  There are some good medications that can help decrease the pain- neurontin and Lyrica.

Fibromyalgia is much more complicated and can include neuropathic pains as well.  

He could be diabetic, without knowing it, because diabetics have neuropathy.

Basically he needs to get worked up for this kind of pain.  I suggest he try a rheumatologist or a neurologist for the workup.

Answer 2

Sounds like a hobo.