@jimhd, Like you, I always have water with me while out in my yard and on walks so drinking enough is never an issue for me either. I also refrain from carbonated drinks but hadn't heard the caution of not drinking from a straw before of problems you have swallowing.

Congratulations on bringing your weight back to where you feel most comfortable. Like you, with weight fluctuations...mine due to wt loss vs gain...I have held on to my better weight sized slacks. Have to wear a belt now to "hold up my britches" but am counting on an eventual weight gain to put me back into some of my "waiting favorites". Smiles

Sleep must be a real issue with your neuropathy pain. How true that we try all sorts of experiements to find more comfort or control. Simply knowing that we are not alone on these health journeys makes whatever the primary malady much more doable.