I don't consider LEF to be the "be all and end all" but they are worth reading, and provide a framework for dealing with whatever the health issue is. The details are important, but even more helpful is the LEF approach. They provide a framework and philosophy to set up your own road map to health. Going to doctors in and of itself isn't empowering. Going to doctors within the context of your own comprehensive program of coping with your health issues is empowering. Instead of being a victim and patient, you become a person with choices who is dealing powerfully with an extreme personal challenge. Successful or not, I think that in itself is worth while and helps one deal with being seriously ill.

I never complained, and reading the heartbreaking stories on this and the previous board am glad I never complained. We are ALL lucky, no matter what. I remember Kathy Miranda from Chicago, Gentle Giant, Rocky from Oz, Sunny from Mississippi, DesertGal from Bullhead City, and many others. One thing I get from this and previous boards is inspiration from so many wrestling with their own devils, scarier than mine, and finding the strength, grace, and courage to reach out and help others.

Still, I've been sick enough, from PN and other things. With PN, I couldn't walk a block for the first 3 or so years. I had the application for a handicapped parking permit, but never submitted it. At about three years I was desperate because 1) the doctors were more destructive than helpful and were totally negative, 2) acupuncture didn't help, and 3) herbs didn't help, and 4) the pain and loss of balance and leg coordination was getting worse and I was scared to death. Following Dr. Weil's advice to continue trying things and never give up or accept a negative prognosis, I decided to try yoga.

After about six months of extremely painful yoga (I could barely stand and had no balance), I had enough balance and reflexes back to walk a painful mile or so without tripping or falling. About that time I saw another neurologist who to me that exercise could only help, to ignore the pain and do what I could to restore function.

Just before getting PN, I backpacked for many mountainous miles a day, and ran up and down mountains for fun. That's out of the question now, but still I'm happy to be able to walk and work. Nothing was or is easy for me or anybody else, but what is the alternative to striving toward health and vitality?

I love hugs (human and animal), but the "token" hugs just don't give that deep and profound visceral heartwarming feeling. In a way, the last sentence of the previous paragraph is my way of hugging you. As they say, whatever rings your bell.