Monthly update: I'm continuing to realize that PN is something you "manage", not heal. And yes, life style choices have a very big impact.

I lost more weight (without really trying) and am now down to 212 lbs (6'7"). I can see my ribs now...

Last week I completely redecorated our main living room, which included ripping out the old floor and put in a new one, repair walls, painting in different colors, new doors, curtains, cleaning, etc...

I spent about 12 hours a day on it, and had to force myself to sit down from time to time. Yes, my feet hurt afterwards, but they (almost) don't while I'm busy. For me, being busy is absolutely therapeutic. Also: painting. I have always loved doing that. You don't need to think too much, but you still have to concentrate, and you see instant results. Love it! I sometimes catch myself with holding my tongue between my lips like a toddler.

My wife was away for 8 days and came back to a shiny new, modern & clean room - needless to say she appreciated that. As a bonus, I now have the space (and her permission...) to install a grand piano (well, a baby grand) in that room. A dream of 4 decades coming true.

I still use the Zaldiar medication (tramadol/paracetamol combination), when needed, to manage pain - especially when I'm winding down after a day's work. So the PN is not "gone" or "healed", but it doesn't really bother me anymore. I live with it, I'm OK with it.

Like mentioned in other threads: I don't complain about it to my wife. Pain is hard to understand by others, and if I'm honest with myself, I would not want to hear me go on about it myself either! I'm proud of what I achieved in the garden & the new room, and with the weight loss. My knees have to carry 70 pounds less now - which means I can get up from my bed (mattress on ground level) without having to use my arms; back in April, that took me 5 minutes, use of arms, door handle to pull at, and a *lot* of pain.

I'll be going for a blood test shortly - my doc expects me - and I'm curious about my cholesterol levels. (even though I don't put too much value in the whole cholesterol thing, but that's another story). I still take 9 grams of fish oil per day FWIW, and may slowly start to cut that back to the recommended 3 grams. B12, B1, RLA and vitD. are also still on the menu.

That it for now.