thanks for your answers guys - I really appreciate the support.

I have had all of the state of the art treatment for lupus, which is what is causing the neuropathy, including rituxan which is $10,000 per infusion, so I am very lucky. This kills off my b cells, which helps stop me creating the autoantibodies that attack my nervous system.

I suppose my damage could be called severe - I am just so used to it I don't see it like that. But I have to say numbness is MUCH preferable to that terrible soul destroying pain that I used to experience (on a scale of 1-10, that pain was a 22 !) so really I am not too bad.

I also have damage to my cranial nerves affecting my tongue, swallowing etc, I guess that technically isn't peripheral neuropathy but it is all part of the same process for me.

I am awaiting another nerve conduction study to see how things are doing.

Gotta run, off to Canada today which is really exciting for someone who lives down under.

Catch up with you soon (I'm sure they have computers in Canada hahaha)

Raglet