Hello @jordchud62, Welcome to our very caring and compassionate community of Connect members. I have been asked by @lisalucier to share some of my journey with you. I think that it might be best if I relayed my experience with anxiety and depression and how those conditions arise out of the devastating diagnosis of neuropathy, and in my case, idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Depression, including suicidal tendencies, was the first mental condition to somewhat overwhelm me. Recognized by my neurologist after a few months, it was treated with medication and immersion into what I call the 3M group, mindfulness, meditation, and massage. The type of massage I found to be most beneficial is Myofascial Release (MFR). I just went for a session this afternoon. I religiously practice yoga, mindfulness, and meditation every day.

Here is the MFR website for your review https://www.myofascialrelease.com/

About a year ago, I noticed that my cognitive abilities appeared to be declining, especially when called upon to use my recent memory. That facility just didn't exist for me. Nor could I follow a sequence of verbal instructions. Finally, what I could only call cognitive impairment, kept me from falling asleep at night or even enjoying an evening with friends. I resigned from my volunteer job as the marketing director for a community center project in the mountain village where I lived because I was making mistakes and not performing well. I started making lists and then forgot where I put the lists. My table mates at Mahjong had to constantly tell me where we were in the game which was the only way I could play. And then.....I realized that when I was not "on my game" mentally, my pain level ramped up. That, of course, led to more anxiety which led to more pain, and the beat went on and on. Recently my primary care practitioner (PCP) requested a neurobehavioral study. I just got the results and reviewed them with her. I do not have dementia or any disease. I have a condition....in which my cognitive issues are directly related to my level of anxiety which is directly related to my level of neuropathic pain.

Just having this information/diagnosis has helped. My father was an identical twin. Not only did the twin brothers have Alzheimer's, but 6 of the 9 children in the family were also afflicted. So, at 77....part of my anxiety was related to concern about Alzheimer's. Cross that one off. For now, I am beginning a medication regimen to combat the anxiety and have begun exploring more activities that reinforce the need to have and use an active and retentive brain. In addition, I have added another dosage of medical marijuana (MM) for a total of three droppers every day. I have also activated my vape cartridge (MM) because I can get immediate relief before the pain and/or anxiety overwhelms me.

We are all faced with choices and react differently to treatment modalities. We can best help by sharing information and demonstrating compassion for every individual's journey along an unwelcome path. Feel free to ask any questions that might arise and also know that I wish for you to be free of suffering. My best.....Chris.

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