serious discussion about our primary issue - the pain.
Second seems to be What to Do?
And lastly, Why?

First off, we obviously all have the gamut of 'pains'....in all of the manifestations, permutations and griefs that it causes. I'd thought that was a 'given' here, but, that has and is changing with new people and it's good!... It is important because there are no medically definite descriptions of PAIN, it can get more subjective, and yet simpler at the same time. By that I mean, that, each of us, as contributors to this board ADD words to our medical vocabularies that better describe all we feel or not feel.
It becomes even harder to describe the aspects of our pain[s] to others who cannot experience our issues. Be they family, friends, or medical professionals.
Second - What to Do? For newcomers, possibly one of the easiest things to do could be to include in your profile a 'hint' as to where you live. Why? Some of us may live nearby [or relatively so], and might provide you with hints as to good medical resources in your area[via PM's if you ask]. At times that cannot be so - as some of us live really beyond the reach of specialized care, but any and all 'regional' input could be better available to you if we know where you are? Next is finding the right docs and treatments for you....not an easy feat for most of us. In some geographic areas [I am on the fringe of one] this is easier.
I have been able to get specialist 'recommendations' for a multitude of issues since I acquired my neuropathy. I was lucky in that my other specialists- were so forthcoming and honest with me. I have been exceptionally lucky in that respect, but, I know of many others who have not been so fortunate. When I 'interviewed' other specialists, I have changed two, I simply said 'we were not communicating very well' or 'there didn't seem to be any continuity in oversight'..as my reason for changing. No insults, no threats, no name calling -tho there could be many. No repercussions. Not what I wanted to say at all!
It is very hard work to find a really good doctor these days! Look at their offices...they are businesses first! If viewed as a business, if it seems well run, and consistent in their 'customer service' approach. Probably the SERVICE by the doctors-key to the whole business may be good? Example? I'd called one specialists office and was referred to the 'new patient' person....talked to their voice mail...made 3 follow up calls and got a response 13 working days after my initial call. I'd already gone to a more efficient and effective specialist in that field after day 3 or my call to this place. The office I'd called is 'supposed' to be THE best in the area...With certain medical issues, 13 working days is not optimal for many times sensitive conditions...this was one.
Lastly the Why? Most doctors don't try to ask this question per se....they just try to find out What IS to varying degrees and treat that aspect.
The more each of us learns about this neuropathy-thing, the better we can be informed to deal with our docs, challenge and question them intelligently, and get what each of us as individuals needs. It is not always the case, but we sure can give it a hard try at it!
Gramps, like you, at one time I looked into [web-wise] totally severing nerves or amputation. The more I saw, the more I became gun shy. We each make our decisions given our circumstances and info at that particular point in time
To all of you, enough! - j