In August, I had to give up my fitness routine due to money concerns, and decided to take up a little jogging in its place. My "jogging" is more like a shamble -- I think I walk faster than I jog -- but it seemed like a good way to get some cardio.

The foot pain that led to my SFN diagnosis had all but resolved, thanks to magnesium and other supplements, but the jogging brought it back. With a vengeance. Now, my foot feels like I have a broken metatarsal bone. But it only hurts when I walk, so, as far as pain goes, it is not as bad as some of my other SFN symptoms. I hope the foot pain will resolve itself.

All of this is by way of saying: Jogging? Am I in denial about my disease? What made me think that I could take up jogging? I must be an idiot!

Also, I've recently returned to a full schedule of work. This is the first real work schedule I've had since my diagnosis. It's tough. By Wednesday night, I'm exhausted. Every day I wonder how much time I have left before my disease makes things unmanageable. Maybe we all do.

My general rule for myself, is "if it hurts, don't do it". I once used a resistance machine at the gym for the calves...it involved a foot plate you moved up and down...and it really did number on my feet...owwwey....owwwwey! Never again!

The ball of the foot can be very sensitive as we age, and the little sesamoid bones crack, move and can cause considerable tendonitis which is painful. One needs special running shoes, to protect the ball of the foot.

You might want to see a good foot doctor, to get that evaluated.

Once your feet feel better, try walking at a faster pace. I can't jog either, not only does it make my feet hurt, but I get terrible shin splints.

Thanks mrsD & Deb!

When this started, I saw several good foot doctors — orthopedists and podiatrists. X-rays and MRIs ensued, all negative. The only MD who knew what he was talking about was the podiatrist who referred me to a rheumatologist.

On another note, I am giving some serious thought to seeing a neurologist for a second opinion on my diagnosis — for no other reason than accepted wisdom says that one should always get a second opinion. In other words, I do not expect that anything will come of it, except a lot of expensive and intrusive tests.

What's worse: A grim diagnosis or a grim diagnosis that they torture you to arrive at?