Oh, I know all about the height adjustable thing! I'm 6'2", which I understand doesn't help length dependent neuropathies. The Leki poles I use have the shaped cork grips, much nicer than any canes I've seen. I use a crutch tip indoors with them, and I get some strange looks, but it keeps me from tripping!

I've been using hiking poles for several years now. I have to use mine outside because we live on a hill and I find the pole works well on stairs. I also use it at malls, and long walks and upNorth where it is rocky and level areas are rare.

I use a Leki tip on the end. They are very durable and black.
The Leki tip has lasted me almost two years now..

I found them in 2 pks at Moosejaw shop. This is what it looks like: For those who don't have a Moosejaw nearby:
http://www.backcountrygear.com/leki-...tip-black.html

Very durable compared to the one that came with my pole.
My pole is cheap Coleman one... $15 at Dunham's. But its rubber tip wore out quickly, since I use my pole on cement mostly. I am really happy with this Leki tip.

The conversation about the walking sticks in very interesting, I was so bad, last week I really thought I should have one, now today I feel a little better so it is on the back burner again, but I will remember what you all said, good advice.
Talking about the emgs, and nerve conduction tests, that is what the new doctor wants to repeat. When I had mine done the first time they had me soak my foot and my hand in warm water for about 15mins before they did the test that I found was odd, but maybe not so after reading the other posts. I have Raynauds also, so the other side of my body was freezing and turning blue. Weird arent I, lol. Well I can see why each neruolgist wants there own tests done now after reading all of your posts, if it is that enviromentaly controlled anything can happen.
I quess I am just tired of tests, doctors, and the rest, but yes I want to be treated correctly. But I also do not want to lose trust in my first doctor, does that sound strange. I want to be able to trust her dxs since she has been so good and good to me and also is my gate keeper for all other doctors, you see I have UCTD with features of scleroderma, lupus, I have raynuds, now they think hoshimotos, microscopic colitis, photosenstive, PN and mytosis.
plus the list of ordinary old age stuff lol.
Well thanks everyone, and I will keep you posted.
susie

For that colitis... I give Kefir a try! My GI problems were terrible this summer and fall, and a friend encouraged me to use Kefir and in 3 days, I was a NEW PERSON! Lifeway kefir has 12 beneficial organisms and taking it in the yogurt base gives them the medium to grow on!

I get mine at Kroger's. It's in their health food aisle in a cooler.
http://www.lifeway.net/
It has been miraculous for me. Wish I had known earlier!
I use about 4 oz a day. Regular yogurts did not do much for me like kefir is doing! I have hubby on it now too!;)

I like my hiking pole better than a cane. I've used canes for years off and on. Canes are good for leaning on and I even have a quad one for that. But for BALANCE the pole is easier on my hand and arm. I have carpal tunnel and holding bending the wrist is a problem for me, and will set it off. The pole is light weight and sturdy enough for me. But of course it won't take alot of weight/pressure. I've had my Coleman pole for 4 yrs now. I don't even know if they still make that brand ???;) It gets alot of use and I've noticed people don't stare as much as with a cane. Hubby says I look more "fashionable" with it... LOL ;)

The Leki hiking poles are pricey, but with a coupon you can get them for around $100. They are rated to support 275 pounds, and come with a lifetime guarantee. I agree about the wrist straps, my hands claw up if held in one position too long, as with a cane,but these work perfectly. If outdoors where they can swing freely I barely have to touch the handles.

Not at all, but IMO this incident should strengthen that trust. Your doctor is, in effect, saying, "I think this is right, but I'd like confirmation or input from someone with more up-to-date information experience than my own for your good." That's a good thing. A lot of doctors would not do that. I have more respect for those that admit their mistakes/misgivings, and do the right thing about it than those that just ignore it/let it slide or keep mum to maintain some illusion.

Doc

MrsD
I will have to try that for my colitis, I had an attack that lasted overt two months, could not leave the house, it was so bad, did go the the GI doc who did give me pills asacol I take six a day plus pepto bismal which has finally started to help.But I will certainly try what your suggesting. Those attacks can be life changing.
Thanks again
susie

Doc,
I agree a doctor who refers you to another is someone whos ego is not to big to look at the whole picture with a patient. I am going to her the first one, the 15th at first I had an appointment with her assistant because she was gone on medical leave but talked to her nurse today and explained my situation and she said she will see me make a special point. So I am a little more releived just to know I can sit and talk to her about it.
but on the other hand got a letter from disability that says I have to go and have a mental exam for congnitive decline. Well yippie, lets see I thought nov would be doctor free, lol the days are filling up fast, lol.

Susie

Have you ever tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)? It's one of those things that has been around for decades, has an impressive success rate with all kinds of IBDs, yet is virtually unknown among mainstream gastroenterologists. Like other IBD therapies, it works extremely well for some, and not for others. I posted my experience with it here:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post808480-7.html

It can be combined with current/traditional treatments/therapies, or stand alone, and apart from its stringency, it can't hurt to try it - i.e. if it doesn't work, no harm done.

Google: specific carbohydrate diet

Doc