Thanks Icehouse. I definitely had read your story and was certainly encouraged by it - I'm curious, did things progress negatively for you slowly (years) or more quickly (weeks/months)? Also, did you notice changes in your muscles themselves or did they simply not work properly anymore? It's difficult to describe but I have noticed that the muscles on the outside of my shins both seem taut and somehow larger - first on one leg, now both. Sorry to pepper you with questions but appreciate the feedback. Incidentally, I am drinking a La Croix right now - I saw you keep some bubbly stuff around to distract at times when you might normally reach for a drink.