Hi Dancinglady,
Again, welcome to NeuroTalk.
I think any member having experienced severe and chronic pain can empathize with your concerns.
The cross-section of people with neuropathies and/or neuropathic pain, as seen here on NT, is a very small segment of the estimated totals.
"The American Chronic Pain Association estimates that more than 15 million people in the U.S. and Europe have some degree of neuropathic pain. More than two out of every 100 persons are estimated to have peripheral neuropathy; the incidence rises to eight in every 100 people for people aged 55 or older. (1) "
http://www.neuromodulation.com/fact_...ral_neuropathy
Thus, you may not be getting a completely clear picture of neuropathy for the majority.
I know of many people with various degrees of neuropathy. Some have minor discomfort. Some are fortunate enough to figure out a cause and eliminate the cause. Some have cases which seem to simply go away.
For many, the experience changes over time. Some have had years when they could not wear shoes due to the severity of pain; yet, find out they can wear shoes without a problem several months or a year later, etc.
With any ultra-challenging and severely painful life changes (whether physical or psychological pain), we are often challenged to make a decision to live for today, each and every day. Sometimes, we choose to live life hour-by-hour.
I have gotten through the past 30+ years using this method of committing to getting through the hour, or committing to getting through the day.
When I am stronger, I can commit to getting through the week.
My experience with pain and complications is maybe more challenging than some and definitely less challenging than others' experiences.
Yet, each person's own level of pain is significant and is the challenge given to each one of us.
I definitely do not want to diminish your pain and your fear about your future.
Your pain, your fear, your sense of overwhelm is all real. I am very concerned about you.
We cannot know our own future based upon the accounts of others.
In thinking about out futures, it's helpful (and not impractical) to leave room for healing, for discoveries, for changes which affect each of us in a helpful, healing way.
Many challenging physical conditions are brought about by multiple co-occurring factors. Since they are often multifactorial, there is a chance of discovering and changing some, if not all, of the contributing factors.
When I am deeply depressed by my own challenges and related pain, I find it difficult to read about the pain of others. I cannot frequent forums or places where others speak of the depth of their pain.
When I am less depressed, less anxious about my own path, I can more easily tolerate openly listening to, and tolerating, the pain expressed by others.
Your current feelings are "normal" for what you are experiencing.
We are each multi-layered individuals. We do best when we attend to ourselves on all levels -- physical, emotional, spiritual. I often need to pay attention to physical challenges, psychological challenges and/or mood and to spiritual challenges. As I attend to each aspect of my Being, I find greater harmony within, on all levels, in every aspect. It is then that Joy and Hope again override any sense of challenges (or pain/fear).
It's important to have support, as well.
Sometimes, things just feel too overwhelming and we need to hear an encouraging word from someone else, someone important to us.
Do you have support?
Dancinglady, I am very sorry for your pain; yet, I am glad you are here with us and are sharing your concerns openly.
I have found it critical for me to learn self-compassion. I hope you also come to a place of self-compassion, realizing your worth and your important role here in this lifetime, despite any challenges presenting to you.
I hope we can support you now in your finding a way for you to continue on your life path.
Please keep on sharing with us. We are all here to learn from one another, to support one another, to love one another.
Offering Love and Prayers,
DejaVu