I hadn't thought about the fact I had also been in pain for a couple of years. I don't know if low cortisol could cause PN but that measured, conservative approach to exploring the possiblity is a good way to look at it. I think people vary in what their bodies will tolerate without protest and as they learn more about genetics they may find idiosyncratic causes for a lot of conditions.

They seem to be beginning to acknowledge that the inhaled steroid I am on can cause cortisol depletion. I was on my full dose when I had the adverse events, I thought I might have been moving towards an adrenal crisis as well and carefully tapered down. I saw an article in one of the journals for pulmonary medicine which stated that 'mild deficiencies are common and not considered to be of clinical significance'. That makes me angry, the med I'm on is commonly given to asthmatic children and most of the cases of crisis have occurred in kids. I'm not sure if you have already mentioned it Mrs. D, but it is also listed as one that can cause B12 deficiency.

Neuro, this is pretty low tech and won't work if cold triggers your pain as well, have you ever tried keeping your feet cool? I go barefoot all the time at home and sleep with my feet poking out from under the blankets. I don't like it but it works for me.

Horses have good 'vibes' too, they have had some success with riding programs for autistic kids. Its common knowledge among horse people that a good old horse will take care when ridden by a child. I'm still wondering how the Chinese restaraunt caught the sea gulls...
Zygo