Thanks for the responses! Firstly, I don't think I was clear enough about one thing: all I have is numbness of the toes and feet. With the twice-a-year (so far) bout of searing pain on the ball of my left foot, I have not experienced *any* of the pain that seems to be part and parcel of most folks' PN. So, what my neurologist said, is that there's really nothing to be done for the numbness; he wasn't talking about pain.

Mrs. D: surfing is the *only* thing that keeps me sane in a rather insane world. Without it, I'd be a blubbering mess most of the time. So, I won't give it up unless I'm absolutely forced to. Plus, possibility of injury aside, isn't exercise good for one's joints? I know I'm losing muscle due to PN, but I like to think I'd be losing a lot more a lot more quickly w/out surfing and cycling.

From what you say, I'd gather that my PN is not nearly as severe as most people's here. But it is getting worse, I think. Which is why I asked about what things I should be doing to slow down the disease's progress as best I can.

Thanks again for any thoughts you might have.

Oh, here's a question. My neurologist has off and on talked about me getting a lumbar puncture to try to determine the cause of my PN. He's never pressed it very hard, just mentions it kind of casually. But ... is that something I should probably do? Is there any reason why I shouldn't do it? Thanks!