Wow, thank you so much. So I had an EMG and nerve biopsy and the appropriate paperwork. I'm not quite prediabetic, and the blood test didn't indicate anything else "abnormal."

I have: obesity, overactive bladder, fibromyalgia (in remission), hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, edema, PCOS, sleep apnea, severe arthritis in left knee and ankle, cubital tunnel in one arm, possibly in the other...I'm sure I'm forgetting something. I'm dealing with brain fog lately that may be due to menopause.

Cymbalta takes care of the neuropathy pain completely for me. I know this because I ran out of it and felt stabbing pain all over my body. So this med takes care of my fibro and neuro pain.

Service dogs are trained to not trip you up. Or so I believe. But I don't think I really want a big dog like most organizations provide because it would probably intimidate my senior cats. One of them has many health problems and is quite elderly.

Honestly, I have my eye on a Schipperke dog that could just be an emotional support animal. That's possibly what I need most. Plus, navigating with one would give me more clues than without one. Also, the Schipperke dog is the only breed that I feel in love with, so to speak, and it would be just about the size of my larger cat. 🙂

I started psychotherapy today, and it has already changed me for the better. I'm feeling so much more hopeful. My current neurologist claims that the cause of my SFSN is metabolic disease or something like that, and if I lose a ton of weight and exercise more, I should experience some recovery. Though this went untreated for so long, I probably have some permanent nerve damage.

A dog is something that would give me much hope in the present to work towards. I'd have to master many other things currently presenting problems to me, of course. But having to get out and walk a dog once or twice a day would be good for me. So it would seem to me today, LOL. There is always the concern for ice in the winter.

You are the best for sharing those AI answers! I never thought of devices that could help me. I'm a member of some blind and O & M groups because I ironically wanted to become an O & M specialist before this happened--they teach long cane and guide dog usage to blind and vision impaired--and I can ask them about devices! Thanks for the great idea.

I will also look into how a walking cane might help. I'm not emotionally ready for a freaking walker. I'm only 50!!! Yeep!

Thank you for sharing about your story. I moved to a metropolitan area with an excellent healthcare system last year and am making more local friends now. I've got a neighbor doing my laundry and another taking my trash out. I stupidly moved to a second-floor apartment. Working on that. I'm getting ready to ask someone to help me pick up my place right now. Bending over and reaching is so hard for me. Do you struggle with that as well? I have a grabber now, and a shower bench.

I don't struggle so much with balance but with not noticing changes in terrain if that makes sense. Can you relate to that?