Update: yesterday, I had a day where some symptoms (feet feeling "tired") came back. I first panicked a bit, and thought about having to explain on here that it was all temporary. Then I had a word with myself, reminding me that this kind of stress was exactly what got me into trouble in the first place.

And yes, today feels a lot better again, like the war in my feet has come to an end. They actually feel comfortable right now.

I'm assuming that bad days will be part of the healing process. I was stressed for other reasons, the weather still very bad, too much coffee ...

I also started thinking more about the sudden turn of events. It somehow seemed illogical, "undeserved". I was doing the right thing before (total alcohol stop, taking science based supplements), and yet it didn't seem to change much.

I think there is a logical explanation: it happened at a moment when I had been taking these supplements for a good 4 months. At the same time, I had drastically changed my diet. A part of it was a conscious decision (remove sugar/soda from the menu), and part of it happened by accident.

See, I had a very good friend from Canada staying with me, and he is a *very* good cook. He was constantly serving me steamed vegetables, which at first tastes a bit weird ("half raw"), but after a while you start to appreciate their real taste and texture. At the same time, because I respect his cooking skills, I refused to add salt to my plate - something I usually do as an afterthought. This went on for 2 weeks, the same weeks where I started to feel the massive turnaround.

In hindsight, this all makes sense: remove sugar, eat good fiber & vitamins, reduce salt intake, only eat when we were hungry, feeling proud of being able to serve wine without feeling left out myself, endless talks with a dear friend... In other words: stress-free living.

Oh, and he used nothing but olive oil, which may play a big role as well, if I were to believe Dr. Sears (and I do).

I'm now at a stage where the "I think" can be removed from the thread title... A world is opening up for me, where I was seriously thinking of buying a wheel chair 3 months ago.

I feel so good I feel guilty, if that makes sense...

I am so happy for you!!! The nutrients and fiber are all our body has to use for healing and preventing illnesses. The only way to get them is to eat the best foods. I don't eat anything that I don't love. There are so many great ways to cook and great foods to eat. I just made a dessert with my new Yonana last night. Strawberries and banana (ice cream.) I love to experiment with healthful food, my hubby is a wonderful cook so we have fun.

Wow! How wonderful! And how wonderful that we have a vehicle to share good news with those who need inspiration.
Just keep on keepin' on!!
Steven

Thanks Sally & Steven. Still doing fine, and going to a party of a dear friend this evening. That's the first time in a year that I go out of the house for longer than 10 minutes or hospital...

I've lost about 5cm of waist fat (according to my belt) in 30 days, even though I'm not really doing all this to lose weight - but I obviously welcome it.

I haven't touched a soda in that time, and only drink one large glass of fresh pink grapefruit juice (1/3 juice, 2/3 sparkly water) as a "cocktail" in the evening. Next to that 3 liters of water a day. Lots of fruits, lots of greens.

Started looking around, asking friends, etc. for low carb recipes, avoiding potatoes, rice, pasta as much as possible - but not to the point where it gets silly.

I guess I'm in a positive feedback loop, as the lack of pain and the diet are giving me a big energy boost, enough to start working out - but taking it easy.

Another 2 weeks have gone, and improvement has continued. If I would have to put a percentage on it, I'd say I'm 80% cured.

Some days I still have pain, mostly mechanical. Other days, I have no pain at all.

Just back from a visit to my GP. She was amazed at the progress, but after I explained what I had done, she wasn't surprised. She has no doubts that - in my case - excess sugar played a very negative role.

We also talked about statins again, and she basically agrees with the inflammation theory. She has always been reluctant to prescribe statins:

"We don't even ask patients to lose some weight anymore, the pills seem so much easier, but they don't work. Correction: they lower cholesterol readings, but my patients still die of heart related complications, I see no change in mortality/age."

It's good to have yet another confirmation of this.

She also agrees that - given enough effort - alcoholic neuropathy can be cured.

I'll have my test results tomorrow, but my blood pressure already seemed to respond to my new "diet": it's now 12/7 (bear in mind that I still smoke). I also asked to measure insulin levels, as they can be a good indicator. Arthritis (especially in the knees) has disappeared, I lost about 10 kg in the last 2 months (which obviously makes it easier on my knees too), and my home trainer taught me that my heart rate drops from 123 to 72 in 60 seconds, which is not bad at all given my total lack of exercise in the last, um, decade.

I'll keep you posted on the test results.

That is just excellent! Congratulations!

Great news. Are you going to stop smoking? Then more healing can happen. I have found my PN is doing great now with the supplements, diet and since adding the Infrared dome I have at home. It is wonderful to have so many ways to heal.

The autonomic neuropathy is so very hard though. Great days and then the last two not good at all. Working hard on that.

Thanks, and yes, I still plan to stop smoking.

Originally that was planned for tomorrow (to celebrate one year sobriety), but my wife asked me to postpone a bit, so she could work up the courage to join me.

I think that makes sense, so we'll probably quit together in August.

That is really great news!! So happy when I hear encouraging news for anyone with PN!!

I am so happy for you Wide-O. I agree with Stacy your news gives encouragement to all here. Keep up the good work. You sound like a whole person with a new life! God Bless!