As to long posts I have decided just to Keep It Simple and sweet. As to the amitriptyline I tried that with Gab but did not continue or do the follow up as I was actively drinking and got no relief. (dah). I suspect I will need revisit the drug therapy. I had hoped in abstinence I would have gotten some relief but none so far.

I'll just keep reminding you that I felt at my worst after 8 months sober, pain wise. When I was still drinking, I only felt pain until the first 3 whiskies were downed...

So, if you are saying "it's not better", that would mean it didn't get worse when you stopped drinking. That's a very good thing. I know it sounds boring or even "there he goes again ", but remember that the pictures of our friends above were after 5 and 6 years, and I still need medication to control my PN. It's nowhere near as bad as after 8 months, but it certainly is not gone, nor do I think it ever completely will. You will find a balance after a while between taking (some) medication, and living with a degree of discomfort (well, ... pain) that you can manage and won't bother you too much in your daily life.

We humans are flexible. There are athletes without legs who run 100 meters. It's about adapting and accepting that things have changed, and then to make the best of it, and even be proud that you manage after a while. Keep doing what you are doing (staying sober, looking for solutions), you will get there too.

Never gets boring and those are the words I love to hear again and again. I made my New Years resolutions. Where I have failed in the past is expecting too much.

I wouldn't call it failure - that's too hard on yourself. It's very normal to expect/hope for a swift recovery. I mean, "I did a huge thing, I stopped drinking, I deserve at least some relief." Been there too. So, no, not a failure, just (indeed) over-expectations, impatience, which, funnily enough, makes things worse - as it adds to the stress levels. Adjusting expectations, and being glad with each little step forward, each bit of understanding, is key. And that takes time, there are no shortcuts (sadly).

Sure, I have pain, still. (but not too much to stop me from doing things. Many, many things.). Probably for life. But... I am soooooooo much happier now than I was 6 years ago, feeling so relieved, it should almost be illegal. A bit like my friend on those pictures!

Definitely not failure....just wading through the expectations!

Wide-O...SC thinks we are hot!!

I mean our friends....drat.

Oh yeah....it's the 2nd!! <smacks head>

2345 days sober.

I am getting a referral from my Doctor to start rehab (geared to neuropathy) very soon. I had a consult and I am determined to be "normal" again. I will fill you in later once I get the details on what it entails

It's freaking cold here in Virginia (-8C) and I am ready for spring....

Bitter zero degree weather here as well and suppose to get even colder later in week with possible snow! I will take this any day over the heat. I am a cold weather chickie.
Yes, keep us informed as to this rehab program. I have heard some believe they have gotten a degree of improvement with acupuncture so I have given that some consideration.