Oh, Becky, there's so much they can do now for any kind of neuropathy! Don't you dare despair yet! And surgery should be the last option with back crap, even though many people opt for that and it is the only answer in SOME cases. My friend had a full spinal fusion and is in constant pain. It did not help her. But she has degenerative disc disease, which is different.

Have you been checked for a B12 deficiency? That's a place to start. It can cause neuropathy.

I'm glad you like your new neuro. Maybe she can figure all this out.

Don't wish for a stroke! You could have a partial stroke and then have to live as an invalid for who knows how long. I seriously think testing for some clotting disorders is a good thing.

I have no idea how hard it is to quit smoking. I never started because my Dad smoked. But you know it's bad on the circulatory system. You CAN quit. And talk to your doctor about CoQ10 to help with circulatory/antioxidant issues. They use that a lot in Europe. I take 100 mg. twice a day. And aspirin - or are you on that already? And you are in your 50's. Hormones - or lack of them - can wreak havoc on the body. Has anyone checked your thyroid or adrenals or anything else?

Don't give up. I really do know what it's like to have too much happening with the body. You have to work really hard on focusing on what is good and not the bad. I know that's hard but if you set yourself up for success, you can do it. Being sick is a full-time job and it does take a lot of work to feel good.

One of my favorite movies is Castaway. It's all about survival; physical and emotional. In the end, Tom Hank's character says "You never know what the tide will bring." Like a sail. Or health answers to make you feel better. Or waking up one day hating the taste and smell of smoke.

So don't give in just because you're a good person who happens to have something bad happening to them.

Annie