Hi! I just joined the group and after reading several posts from new members, I find myself grateful for my own set of medical issues and aches and pains. So many people are in such pain!

On Tuesday, Nov. 23, I expect to be accepted into a medical study on the use of Lyrica for (Diabetic?) Peripheral Neuropathy. (PN?) Peripheral neuropathy runs in my family. My mother had it and two brothers also have it. We three are the ones who look like my mother and the ones who look like my father do not have it.

I've suffered for years and it's gotten worse for that last 5 years or so. Not long after my mother died in 2008, I was diagnosed with diabetes. I think the stress of losing her contributed to it but I still have it so I might be wrong. Neither of my brothers have diabetes but my mother had it for the last 5 years or so of her life.

My other health issues are Hypothyroidism and Hypertension. I had Graves Disease years ago (early 1980's) and eventually opted for the radioactive iodine treatment over surgery and have been under active for about 25 years, now. I understand that the hypertension is potentially caused from the thyroid condition.

Add a bad shoulder and lower back, probably arthritic or just a lazy SSI diagnosis, and you have my full medical scenario. So, even though I have a lot of issues, I don't think it's nearly as bad as others I've already read here. Nights are the worst for me...and shopping. Otherwise, I can manage pretty well. My husband just made a bar for the end of our bed to keep the blankets off my feet. He's become a fan of not having the weight, too, so it goes all the way across the bed. He plans to add a shelf modification for me this week. Prior to this, I was using those knee pillows at the foot of the bed to help keep the weight off but it didn't work well, they took a lot of room and they kept tipping and falling.

Before I close, I would like to ask if any of you have any advice for me about the Lyrica/peripheral neuropathy study. I've never done this sort of thing before. Thanks for listening. I hope I will eventually find a way to "give as good as I get". Until then, I'm looking forward to the learning and support that I anticipate receiving from all who have it to offer.