It embarrasses me to even think that my "pain" is even in the same league as the real gutsy people that have responded to my rants. My pain is just in my feet.....yes....I wish I didn't have the constant numbness and aching and reminder that it will never be "right" again, but it hasn't moved up my legs, or in my arms. I can't do the things I used to do as a young man, but I'm not confined to a wheelchair....or a cane......My HMO will NOT assist me in being referred to a pain clinic, so I guess I will have to try and find an alternative, since the taking of narcotics will also not be condoned by my GP or my neurologist. Minnesota connotes narcotic abuse. Maybe I can get involved in Tai chi or qigong.....as an alternative to traditional western medicine. I wish I would have thought of that before I had the Podiatrist chop up my feet.