I appreciate all the fine info that this group has and continues to provide. Someone should really compile it all and publish a book - and give it to some of the doctors out there!

I am more and more convinced that my situation resulted from a toxicity related to the statin drug I was taking - Pravachol. My lab tests have all come back normal (although I am sure there are many more obscure conditions that have not yet been tested). There is no test for statin toxicity. The only way you know that the neuropathy was caused by it is to withdraw the drug and see what happens. Well I seem to be somewhat better and it has been 4+ months. The literature indicates a recovery time from 10 weeks to 1 year after suspension of the drug, although it can be very variable.

I also can not think of any other other possibiilty. I know it could be idiopathic but the coincidence related to the statin situation seems too strong to ignore. Neuropathy from statins is also correlated to the time you are on the drug and the dosage. I had been on it for almost two years and had my dosage increased back in Jan '06.

I'm sure the vitamins and supplements have helped but the entire scenario seems too short to account for this level of improvement.

My neuro thinks the statin scenario is unlikely. I have an appt with my cardiologist in a few weeks - let's see what he says. I now know that statins are the biggest money makers for the drug companies and they are not in the mood to have any bad news.

I welcome your thoughts.

I wanted to thank David for his response to my previous post, it has encouraged and inspired me. I will certainly take on board all that you say. I have not yet developed an exercise regime e.g. the stretching and yoga, but I think that I must do so. I have an exercise bike that I have just started to use and this does not seen to effect the pain levels too much so I am hoping that I will be able to use my cycle to get about. I was a keen cyclist for getting out and about rather than recreational bike rides. I would always bike to get about in the village I live in, I even have a bike trailer for my shopping. I aim to get back to being able to use my bike, but accept that this may be difficult or unrealistic.

I find it hard to accept “ don't expect to ever run or backpack again” but I know in my heart of hearts that you are right. This was such a huge part of my life with my partner and of course it is a loss to him also.

I am trying to make the adaptations to my life that I know must be made. I do not want to become cut off from the “normal” life that is going on around me. My biggest concern is that I do not think I will be able to return to my job/career, but it is early days yet.

And even when pain is not the issue, Three Minutes to a Pain Free Life has an easy to understand path from almost anywhere to better body function.

I just got the book for a relative and find myself taking advantage of some tips for additional help in addressing my secondary damage (muscle imbalance, muscle forgetting, spasticity, etc.).

rose