Wasn't me SC....

Gerry

I think maybe you meant me? I had a few months' worth of laser treatments, 3x a week. It helped put a little "spring" in my step but certainly wasn't a cure. And it was not covered by insurance and it was NOT CHEAP.

SC, don't ever say you are a bother to us! I have actually come on this site more often since you have been posting more. I sometimes just lurk and don't post, I am kind of shy that way. But I do like to keep up with everyone's progress. We all have different stories but have that one common thread.

I was having a great few weeks - I was even walking at a decent speed (no one was passing me up for once!?) - a couple times a week since the weather has been so nice. Well, then...I had a sudden and urgent craving for NACHOS. And by that I mean, just the gooey cheese sauce that Tostito's makes and puts in a jar, and the Tostito corn chips themselves. What a mistake! I overloaded on sodium BIG-time and for the past 4 days, I have been paying for it. Flaming burning feet, swollen ankles (I call them "kankles"), very poor balance (thank God for the walls along the hallways and countertops in the kitchen to latch onto), and just generally feeling like crap.

Those darn nachos. It was just one of those things I couldn't get out of my head for a couple weeks. For 20+ years now, I would go to a restaurant and order nachos, and they give you this heaping plate of chips, beef/chicken, beans, shredded (not gooey) cheese, sour cream, salsa. I wanted just the chips with just the gooey cheese and I waited for many years to have it. I used to eat them at baseball games - they would add pickled jalapenos too. I skipped those...

Stupid story, I know - but I realize now that the fresh fruit I have been eating all summer is a much better choice. And I firmly believe there is a direct correlation between the foods I eat and how my PN is feeling.

I really am not careful about what foods I eat; especially am into "sweets." Just probably in denial, but never put foods I eat as causing the extra daily burning; of feet and ankles. And for a better word I deal with "Kankles" as well.

You are giving me food for thought; (no pun intended).

Gerry

No laser treatment for me. I confess wth all I have going in and the prohibitive cost, it has never really attracted me. I think wanna get feeling back may have been the one your thinking of. Will need to check back.

Ah I see Wanna get feeling back has responded, my memory has good recall at times, no offence WGF but I can remember amazing trivia, something important. ...just not there oh well. SC you have your answer. And SC just a word to add, we enjoy your posts, everyone who contributes to these threads adds value. The true beauty is you can bare your soul and not concern yourself over someone you know reading it and being offended or righteous. I sure hope you get what I'm mean by that statement :hug:

WGFB, I did not realize salt was a factor though I have cut way back on sugar. I am such salt fiend. Is salt associated with neuropathy or just how it affects you?

I came across a site last night that I thought interesting. It was called EarthClinic and there were many suggestions for natural neuropathy remedies. I am taking magnesium and B-12 orally but topical magnesium is recommended there as well as B-12 patches. I thought I would give those a try. Check the site out.

I was surprised to read in my older posts that my burning disappeared for awhile. I did not even remember that. Also I had thought I am worse now than I have ever been but in reading back I am largely unchanged. It just gets so confusing with all the ups and downs so sometimes it just seems like I am worst I guess. I had started a journal a while back and almost daily I would note my progress/decline but I never kept up with it. I think that would be a valuable tool especially in this early time when I am playing with diet, exercise, supplements and other lifestyle changes. What was evident in reading back though is that these ups and downs are all very normal and all seem to go thru it.

I wish some of the other members that posted about their struggles early on would check back. I would love to know how they are doing. For that I give the "ol' timers" credit for checking in regularly.

The more I read the more that I can attribute so much of my weirdness to neuropathy. I get these strange eye twitches, internal tremors which I always blamed on anxiety but now believe that it is the stress that brings on the neuropathy, the toe cramping that Wide-O described, brain zaps, claw like hands that I thought arthritis, bladder issues, extreme fatigue....etc.... etc.....

On a happier note I needed to go to that store again that is right next door to the liquor store. This time I was better prepared and did well.

This site is my lifeline and while keeping one's mind off the pain and discomfort thru distraction is a powerful tool, in all sincerity you guys are always on my mind. How I wish I could better support you, but if it helps, know you are a great support to me.

SC;
That's a real plus....this time you really "'passed the liquor store test". Is this your usual shopping store? Maybe; might be a good idea to not keep tempting fate.

My daughter; who dealt with serious addiction (thankfully has been off for years), once mentioned to me when she passed a certain area; brought back too many memories. She eventually started taking a different route home to avoid temptation. Of course; what works for some is not the same for everyone.

I think looking back on your past posts really was like journaling for you. That was really a good idea.


Gerry

It's a bit of a weird day. Happy BD to me, which also means I'm now a few hours older than my dad was when he died on his birthday. From an alcohol related illness, yes.

I know dates are just symbolic, but still. I have often thought about this moment, and now it seems a bit prosaic. Yet, when I was still drinking heavily, it seemed absolutely unavoidable that I would die around this time. I was totally ready for it, it was a done deal, that's what would happen. I saw the sad irony, the cowardliness even, but it took me a long time before I decided this wasn't going to be my future.

I think it's fair to say we don't always think clearly when under the influence. ;)

HaPpY BiRtHdAy!

Must be surreal...