Thank you for saying that. I have have had some problems getting adequate pain relief because of my alcoholism at times. My current PC nurse says the right things, but she says alcohol affects a large number of her family. Not that she is prejudiced, of course! I finally got her to give me, almost, the amount of Tramadol that I can get by on. That is what I have been taking for years. I asked my cardologist if my drinking was affecting my heart (a-fib) and told him what I drank and how much and he seemed actually angry and muttered that what I drank was poison. (I don't think he was mad at me, personally, but the fact of it.) Actually that was okay, because I need to have that taken into consideration as I try to figure out what is wrong with me, what I can do about it and what the future holds. I know the neuropathy is all mixed up with spinal cord problems, so that, I think is a difficulty.

I have my basic pains and NP sx, everday, but have other changeable issues daily. It really seems to me that my PN is still progressing. I can even feel it in my face. I had a total teeth extraction 2 or 3 yrs. ago and starting noticing a decrease in my sense of taste. I assumed that it was due to nerve damage from the surgery, but it has continued to the point that today, I have very little sense of taste.

I worry, sometimes, about the future because we adopted a baby with microscopic brain stem lesions. I ID him as being adopted, so no one would think it was genetic. But I do know what a damaged brain stem means to the body. Nothing autonommic works and it gets worse. That is scary.

So, thank you for your post. Your empathy for others is very evident. I am going to start with the supplements you suggest. I hope I get it right. I've known about B vitamins for a long time, but I am glad you have researched the right ones to take. Is there somewhere on the boards where I can get a list of all of them?

Yes, I do take Lipitor 40mag qhs. Any suggestions about that?

Wow! I had no intention when I started to make such a long post. But, it's all very complicated to me.

Thank you so much for your post and for all the work you do.
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