My neuropathy is sensory motor and is progressive, as are all hereditary neuropathies. When you mentioned having trouble with steps it really struck a chord, as I can walk pretty well and for long periods, especially with a cane, but steps are becoming really hard. I have noticed a lot of deterioration in the past three years. ( I am 50). My husband and I have discussed moving to a one floor house, but we really like where we live, and we have a big family, so need the space. But the house is large and inconveniently laid out, with lots of walking. We will probably turn the small family room into a bedroom, shower, and laundry in the next few years. it will ruin the resale value of the house, but the location and yard are perfect and moving is so expensive, so this seems like the best solution. For now I struggle up and down the stairs as much as I am able.

--the causes of which range from diabetes (the most common cause) to autoimmune disorders to "idiopathic", often get some degree of autonomic dysfunction as time progresses, although for many this is subclinical and hard to spot. The most common disruptions are to orthostatic blood pressure control and to sweating.

This likely is due to the fact that the autonomic nervous system is made up primarily of unmyelinated small fibers similar to those that sense pain and temperature in the skin.

Diabetics, of course, are well known for autonomic problems such as delayed stomach emptying (diabetic gastropathy) and constipation, among others.