Thanks so much for the reply, Aussie.

I cannot imagine dealing with this degree of disability so young. I know many do, and now that I have it myself, I KNOW it can be done.

One theory of the cause of my PN is the antibiotic I took for chronic Urinary Tract Infections which appeared suddenly in 2007. The antibiotic is well known for causing PN.

It turns out that I have Interstitial Cystitis, which is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the bladder and occurs in 50% of those with Sjogren's Syndrome, one of the auto immune conditions. AND I have Primary Immune Deficiency Disorder, and lack the antibodies to protect me from infection.

So my PN is the result of a 'perfect storm' of conditions. It sounds like that's what happened to you, too.

I know that I could work with this condition (I'm retired) but can't imagine doing anything that requires much walking about, that's for sure.

Fortunately, I have many tools to deal with depression and weight issues. So my weight is very good, and I get exercise, which is crucial in so many ways.

For example, I'm allergic to the only medication approved for my Interstitial Cystitis (and it isn't considered to be very effective anyway) and the only way I control the pain is by exercising. It really works, and is one motivation for me to get to the pool.

I can still drive, which is wonderful. If I couldn't, I would move to an assisted living environment with a heated indoor pool in the same building. I'm already thinking ahead as to how to keep up my spirits and my health as time goes by.

We do what we need to do, and I consider that we are fortunate that there are some activities and medications to make our lives easier.

Hugs, Elaine